Ready for another week of summer fun? Of course you are.
We can't quite believe that we're already in the third week of July now, and even after our social calendar has been packed full of loads of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, sporting tournaments, and wholesome family-friendly events so far this month, there’s even more where that came from this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? As always, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘ what’s on ‘ guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
Free iced coffee at 200 Degrees
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | 31 Bond Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a free coffee? Silly question, of course you do. And to bag yourself one, all you have to do is get yourself to 200 Degrees on Bond Street this Tuesday 16 July from 10.30am.
But there is a slight catch, you’ve got to be in the first 200 people because once they’re one, they’re gone.
One of Europe’s largest parks has just opened a fun new sculpture trail perfect for the whole family. The new attraction has been created by Yorkshire chainsaw artist, Shane Green.
Known as the ‘Yorkshire Carver’, Green has transformed felled beech trees into gorgeous sculptures of owls, herons, butterflies, fish and more. He has created a total of 16 tree sculptures for visitors to discover and marvel at throughout the 700-acre park.
Did someone say thirsty Thursday? Yep, Leeds’ newest wood-fire kitchen and bar Galleria did.
They’re making Thursday the new Friday with their brand new Bottomless Thursday deal. We’re talking two dishes plus unlimited drinks for a whopping 90 minutes, where you can pick from a huge menu of tipples including Aperol spritzes, spicy margaritas, espresso martinis and negronis.
Food wise you can pick one of their iconic wood-fired flatbreads as well as a seasonal plate, from fresh salads to wood-fired chicken with home fries.
The perfect pre-gig fuel before heading into Project House or just because you fancy breaking the rules and playing out on a weekday, book your table here.
Graduation menu at Cut and Craft
Monday – Friday throughout July | 23 King Edward St, LS1 6AX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It’s time to say cheers to the class of 2024, and where better than Cut and Craft.
For just £45 per person, enjoy three courses plus a complimentary glass of Prosecco to toast to the class of 2024 with your loved ones on your special day.
Of course their steaks are a cut above the rest, but there’s an option to suit everyone from a delicate fillet of sea bass to sizzling halloumi fajitas.
To find out more and to book your table for the big day, take a look at their website.
Leeds Pride 2024
Sunday 21 July | City Centre
Image: Leeds Pride
Leeds is gearing up for its most spectacular Pride celebration to date, get ready for a day filled with vibrant festivities and entertainment, kicking off at 10:30am followed by the iconic parade at 12pm.
The main stage will then keep the party going right through until 10pm, and will feature a fantastic range of UK talent. Find out more here.
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The family-run neighbourhood Leeds restaurant that’s about more than just pizza – it’s about community
It doesn’t take long to see why this place has become such a firm favourite with the Farsley crowd.
We finally took a trip to Grumpy's Bar and Wood Fired Pizza and safe to say, you were absolutely right about this one.
Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.
Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From supporting local community events to creating a genuinely welcoming space where you can rock up in trainers or stay for hours without realising, it feels like much more than just somewhere to grab food. It feels like part of the neighbourhood’s personality.
And then there’s the pizza.
Everything is made fresh in-house, and watching the team stretch out the dough before piling on all the toppings adds a bit of theatre to the whole experience.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The wood-fired pizzas are definitely the stars of the show, coming out with that perfect crispy base, soft airy crust, and smoky finish that makes you immediately think, “yeah, that’s the good stuff.”
They also offer a gluten-free base, so there’s something on the menu for everyone to dig into.
But the small plates deserve their flowers too. Dishes like their burrata are a proper crowd-pleaser, served with fresh seasonal tomatoes and bread perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy goodness.
Add in dough balls and arancini, and suddenly the table starts looking less like a couple of starters and more like a full-on sharing feast.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One thing we loved? The personality behind the menu. A lot of the pizzas are named after famously grumpy TV and film characters, which gives the whole place a bit of humour and fits the vibe perfectly.
And while we came for the pizza, one surprise standout was the banana split dessert. Fun, nostalgic, slightly over-the-top in the best way, and exactly the kind of thing you don’t think you’ll order… until it shows up and suddenly everyone’s fighting for the last spoonful.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes Grumpy’s special, though, is that it never feels like it’s trying too hard - it’s casual, friendly, and welcoming.
Add in the sunny terrace, a few drinks, and a table full of pizzas shared between mates, and it’s easy to see why people end up staying way longer than planned.
There’s no rush here, just good food, good company, and a place that quietly gets everything right without making a fuss about it.
We finally get why Grumpy's Bar + Wood Fired Pizza is such a Farsley favourite… and trust us, we’ll definitely be back.
Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch
Clementine Hall
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept has landed in the city centre.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds combines saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space features two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is absolutely gorgeous, complete with trendy tin ceilings, fairy lights and soft furnishings.
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The same goes for the saunas, with one silent and one sauna giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
There's a fab little cafe too offering all sorts from electrolyte slushes to ginger shots and a range of coffees and matcha.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
Officially opening their doors this Friday 29 May, Kontrast are offering free sessions over the weekend so you can try before you buy. Book your spot here.
Clementine Hall -
15th July 2024 
