After what has been an extremely chilly and wet few months to kick-off 2024, the first signs of spring have finally started to show themselves and we couldn't be happier about it.
And to make things even better, there’s absolutely no shortage of exciting events and activities in the Leeds social calendar to be getting involved with – but if you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, not to worry, as we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our 'what's on' guide.
Indo-Chinese Specials at Bundobust
All week | Mill Hill
Salt and Pepper Okra Fries, ‘Prawn’ Gobi Toast and Gobi Manchurian are all back by popular demand on the Bundobust menu this spring.
Ever since we got our chops round their ‘Prawn’ Gobi Toast in 2022, we’ve been dreaming about it ever since. Available til 14 April, you don't want to miss out on these delicious specials.
If you've never visited Neon Cactus for their ever-so-famous Taco Tuesday, then you're doing it wrong. Every Tuesday you can enjoy a massive sharing board of ten tasty tacos for just £20. And of course you can grab £6 Margaritas to go alongside them as well, it's a no brainer.
St Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday 17 March 2024 | Millennium Square and around Leeds
Image: Tom Blackwell, Flickr
Now in its 17th year, the St Patrick’s Day parade will leave Millennium Square via Great George Street at 11am sharp and travel through the city. This year, expect colourful floats and walking displays crafted by schools and Irish community groups, as well as music from pipe and brass bands until around 4pm.
Following the huge success of 2022’s rapturously received 40 Years Of Hits Tour -Simple Minds embark on their World Tour and of course they'll be stopping off at the First Direct Arena. Grab your tickets here.
Bloody Mary Pizzas
All month long | Homeboy Pizza Co. inside Rolands, Call Lane
Located inside Rolands, Homeboy Pizza Co. is truly one of our favourite hidden gems in the city – and now there’s three new additions to the menu that you’ll want to get your hands on, each sweet, spicy and baked in cheese.
The Bloody Burrata is a far cry from your usual bland Margherita. Playing on the popular drink, this one’s topped with a vodka sauce, Burrata and a Bloody Mary mix that’ll cure any hangover before it’s started.
Our record shops, just like the actual vinyl you're after buying, come in all shapes and sizes, stocking everything from holy grail albums to new spins that you need in your collection.
Whatever genre you're searching for, this South Yorkshire city and its array of record shops are sure to have you covered, and you can even refresh your wardrobe in some of them.
9 of the best record shops in and around Sheffield city centre
This place has everything you could possibly think of, including all the latest standout releases like Don't Be Dumb by A$AP Rocky and West End Girl by Lily Allen.
As well as a huge range of LPs, there's a wide variety of books all surrounding different music subcultures like Punk, Grime and Dance.
And of course, a moment of appreciation for Bear Tree Records and its Britney Spears 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' skateboard - iconic.
Where to find: Unit 13, The Forum, 16, 127 Devonshire St, Sheffield S3 7SB
If you couldn't tell by that window arrangement, this next spot is very rock-focused with the likes of Pink Floyd, Meat Loaf and Rage Against the Machine adorning its shopfront.
You can get your hands on some of the latest LPs as well as some pre-loved gems - you can delve into some classics or even expand your music knowledge with their vast display of records from the past.
It's also right next door to Tamper Coffee, which means you can grab your caffeine and vinyl fix at the same time, all within a two-minute walk.
Where to find: 137A Arundel St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2NU
Record Collector
Credit: The Manc Group
We couldn't reel off notable record shops in Sheffield without mentioning this staple institution, which has been serving the music lovers of this South Yorkshire city since 1978.
Just like our very own music counterpart Audio North, the owner of Record Collector, Barry, spotlights up-and-coming talent, giving them pride of place in his shop displays.
If you're ever planning a day trip to Sheffield, you'll probably need to book a weekend, as this shop in itself will have you transfixed with its huge range of musical releases.
Where to find: 233 Fulwood Rd, Sheffield S10 3BA
Waxhead Records
Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Arundel Emporium is this beauty of a record shop, which formerly went by the name Music Junkie, before re-establishing itself as Waxhead Records.
No matter what name this shop goes by, one thing will always stay the same, and that's this record shop's dedication to proper good vinyl.
Check out those phenomenal albums on display by the likes of music greats: Ms Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell - obviously Arctic Monkeys are up there too.
Where to find: First Floor, 16 Matilda St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4QD
Kelham Island Books and Music
Credit: The Manc Group
Known for being Sheffield's largest second-hand bookshop, this place prides itself on its love for physical media.
Every inch of this shop floor is home to books, magazines, records, CDs and more, meaning you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.
Situated at Shalesmoor and close to Kelham Island, get ready to step back in time and browse plenty of vintage and preloved items that are waiting to spark interest and joy with the next person who picks them up.
Just a stone's throw away from Sheffield city centre is Tallbird Records, which we simply couldn't leave out, as they're top class.
They're Chesterfield's longest-running independent record shop, stocking all things music for over a decade, opening back in 2013.
Like all of the record shops mentioned above, this vinyl vendor prides itself on having a friendly team and a vast selection of LPs - they've even got K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Where to find: 10 Soresby St, Chesterfield S40 1JN
Last but not least, we'll end with one final honourable mention that feels like a fitting venue not just on Record Store Day but all year-round...
A Leeds icon has been reborn as The Smithfield opens in former The Reliance site
Daisy Jackson
The Smithfield is finally here - and we're pleased to report that it's every bit as special as you were hoping.
This newcomer to Leeds has taken over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades.
The team's transformation of the site started with a paint job - probably the most-talked-about paint job in the city - taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red.
That move immediately won over fans of The Reliance, with one person writing: "Seems the team here held the Relly in high regard and rightly so! Hopefully they can recapture some of its magic."
But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, is setting out to mix up relaxed hospitality with simple dining.
It's all about connection - to seasonal food, to the heritage of the building, and to the community that will make connections here.
Co-founder Steve Dawson outside The SmithfieldThe Reliance has been reborn as The SmithfieldWayward WinesThe dining room
If you're wondering what sort of things will be on the table, allow us to enlighten you.
There are sharing plates like grilled leeks on romesco, pigs head croquettes (a must-order), and whipped cods roe with radishes, all served on charming mismatched plates.
The bigger dishes include a comically massive pie for sharing, packed with chicken, leek, and tarragon. It's a mighty thing, especially paired with their crispy-edged chips.
You can also order a whole wild Cornish seabass for a real feast, or a fantastic beef sirloin with wild garlic butter.
There's a fantastic selection of natural wines from Wayward Wines, as well as (unsurprisingly) great beers.
Steak, pie, and charred leeksA spread of the plates at The SmithfieldSticky toffee puddingThe Smithfield has taken over the old The ReliancePigs head croquettes with gribicheThe chicken and tarragon sharing pieA sharing pie and chips at The SmithfieldBeef sirloin with wild garlic butter, and purple sprouting broccoli with ricotta and mintWild Cornish seabass with kohlrabi, fennel, and chervil - plus an orange wine from Wayward WinesThe Smithfield is now open
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, and his business partner chef James Donovan, were drawn to the old The Reliance site and are seizing the opportunity to contribute to the area's dining legacy.
While Steve's focus is on creating a social meeting point, James will focus on the casual, social dining, taking inspiration from the building's reputation as a cutting-edge gastro pub.
They'll be sourcing seasonally and locally, with menus that will change with the seasons.
The space itself inside is still familiar - those huge windows are the stars of the show, with the bar still standing centrally, while the dining room at the back is stripped-back and simple overlooking the open kitchen.
It's very early days for The Smithfield - they're just out of their soft launch period and gearing up for their first 'proper' weekend.
On their soft launch period, they wrote: "We were so grateful to welcome friends, neighbours, and the Leeds hospitality community to The Smithfield. Seeing the bar and dining room full after weeks of cleaning, painting, and graft has truly made it all worth it.
"A huge thank you to everyone who came along, showed their support, and has made this journey possible. Not least the Kitchen and bar teams, whose incredible service has kept the plates coming and the drinks flowing."
We feel pretty confident in saying Leeds will be very proud to have The Smithfield in our city.
Clementine Hall -
11th March 2024 
