The weather is getting colder but the festivities are hotting up.
If you're a football fan then you will have been waiting for this week to come around for a long, long time. Many of you will be itching to get nestled inside a cosy pub, sports bar or beer hall to watch the matches in an incredible atmosphere and luckily for you, we've got a list of places around the city for you to get yourself to.
And not only that, but Leeds has truly got it's Christmas hat on with tipis, ice rinks, markets and more popping up around the city. There's something to get involved in every night this week as we get closer and closer to the end of the month.
Keep reading to find out how you can make the most of this week in Leeds…
World Cup 2022
Sunday 20 November - Sunday 18 December 2022
Image: BOX
The Qatar World Cup 2022 kicked off yesterday and we couldn't be more excited about it. It feels as though it was only yesterday we were sat in the pub, watching the 2021 Euros games in a world that was just reopening after being locked down for months on end.
Now we finally have the chance to make the most of the local sports bars and watch the world cup in the company of like-minded fans, there’s ample opportunity to grab a seat and pint around the city. So take a look at our guide on where to watch the games over the next few weeks, it's going to be a whole lot of fun.
Chow Down Winter Village
Thursday 10 November onwards | Chow Down, Temple Arches
Bringing together indie food trucks, live music, boozy bingo and the sports of the season, Chow Down’s Winter Village is returning in all of its glory- and you’ll have a full eight weeks to get yourself down there. There’s going to be plenty to get involved in too. We’re talking the return of the ever-popular drag brunches, as well as Bingo Lingo, comedy nights, a Christmas-themed dog social and the big pub quiz to round off the year with Chow Down Quizmas.
Monday 21 November - Saturday 31st December | Bundobust, Mill Hill
Image: Supplied
It’s officially the festive season and with that comes Christmas specials aplenty popping up around the city. Indian Street Food favourite Bundobust are of course getting in on the action, and we could not be more excited about it.
From Sprout Bhajis to Mince Pie Parathas, there's something for everyone to tuck into on this new festive fuelled menu. Built for the party with it’s beer hall style interior and a food menu made for sharing, it really is the perfect place to gather with friends, family or colleagues to cheers to the festivities.
Monday 21 November 2022 – Saturday 26 November 2022 | Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill
Image: Sarah Lou, Flickr
Roald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. Take a journey down the chocolate river and grab your golden ticket to this incredible production by Leeds Playhouse with Neal Street Productions & Playful Productions.
Friday 25 November 2022 onwards | Millenium Square, Leeds city centre
Image: Leeds City Council
Taking centre stage on Millennium Square, the 400 sqm real ice rink will feature a transparent marquee-styled roof to ensure sessions can take place whatever the weather. And with it comes a string of exciting attractions and stalls which will set up shop in the nearby Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street. Including a family funfair where thrill-seekers can climb aboard the 30m high Star Flyer or check out the North Pole Funhouse alongside a selection of Children’s’ festive themed rides and games.
Thursday 24 November 2022 | Hirst’s Yard, just off Duncan Street / Call Lane
Image: The End Bar
The trendy new bar is due to open in November and will offer visitors an “elegant and lavish drinking space” in Leeds city centre. Named ‘The End’, the hip new bar will be the result of a complete transformation of a historic building on Hirst’s Yard, of what was previously occupied by Mook Bar.
Wednesday 23 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: O2 Academy
Returning for the second time this year after her performance at Live At Leeds: In The Park, Holly Humberstone is back in Leeds at the O2 Academy for one night only. The BRIT Rising Star performer will be bringing tunes from her new album Can You Afford To Lose Me, as well as single Sleep Tight, which was co-written with The 1975’s frontman, Matty Healy.
Get tickets for Holly Humberstone at the O2 Academy here.
Yard Act
Thursday 24 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: O2 Academy
The Leeds legends are returning for a huge homecoming gig at the O2 Academy, and the city couldn’t be more excited. Since releasing their debut album in February, The Overload, reached number two in the charts, the four piece Yorkshire band have been continuing to bring their tuneful observations of everyday life to the masses, and this performance will be no different.
Friday 25 November 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: Skiddle
Worried about Henry presents a huge Friday night line-up. Chase and Status will be taking over the O2 Academy until 4am with sets from the likes of S.P..Y, Voltage, Born On Road Ft Aries, b2b Kelvin373 b2b Gray, Disrupta, Dilemma, Garston, Hosted by, Lowqui, Fox and Carasel.
Get tickets for Chase and Status on Friday 25 November 2022 here.
Feature
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long
Clementine Hall
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Clementine Hall -
21st November 2022 
