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.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
A cafe dedicated entirely to matcha gelato has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
Matcha is well and truly taking Leeds (and the country) by storm.
You're probably bored of hearing us talk about matcha, and to be honest we're getting a little bit bored writing about it.
But, this time it's different.
This is M Plus Matcha, a brand-new matcha store that's just opened near Leeds University who not only serve your classic matcha lattes but also bucket loads of freshly-churned gelato.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And to make things even better, they've got four on offer all at different percentages to suit your taste.
Soft and grassy, smooth and creamy, full and velvety…or deep and bold (they said it, not us) - this spot is truly a matcha lover’s summer paradise.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not sure what flavour you fancy, the lovely staff are on hand to help and can offer tasters of each percentage before you commit to a cone or a tub so you're not left disappointed.
The space is gorgeously light and airy, complete with matcha-coloured walls and plenty of matcha-coloured seating for you to perch and enjoy your treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Right opposite the Parkinson Building, we can see M Plus Matcha becoming a fantastic hub for students to whack their laptops out for a couple of hours whilst getting their caffeine fix.
The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades and loads more. Basically, if you're of the opinion that matcha tastes like grass then we do not recommend you going.
But if you love it like us, then you're in for a treat.
Clementine Hall -
11th March 2024 
