As little ones across our region break up for the school holidays this week, and July begins to draw to a close, it seems like the sunshine season has finally arrived…
And with it, the Leeds social calendar is packed full of exciting things to get up to.
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.
The Vietnamese restaurant has already made a huge name for itself over in Headingley, and now they'll be opening a city centre spot slap bang in the Merrion Centre so you don't have to go far for your Pho needs.
Opening this Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests can grab themselves 30% off all food and drink during the whole first week. Now that is a bargain.
The inaugural 'Live At Kirkstall Abbey' summer series is starting this week, and you absolutely do not want to miss out on these outdoor gigs.
Kicking off from Friday a trio of thoughtfully-curated shows encompassing music and comedy is taking over the Leeds landmark for three days of nonstop entertainment.
Thursday 25 July | Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Road
Image: Russel Crowe
It may not be the place you’d expect, but actual Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is heading to Leeds for a gig this week.
After first kicking things off in the Irish capital of Dublin at the prestigious Gaiety Theatre, Russell and his band of talented live instrumentalists – whose relationships with the actor-turned-musician all go back 30 years – will be making their way over to us in Leeds at the Brudenell Social Club.
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
Image: 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.
Feature
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Domo
Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.
Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.
Kontrast
84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds. Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.
Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist. With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.
We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.
The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.
The best restaurants in Yorkshire named at prestigious National Restaurant Awards
Clementine Hall
The best restaurants in the UK have been named at the National Restaurant Awards – and Yorkshire has done pretty well for itself.
The prestigious awards took place last night, listing the top 100 places to eat in the entire UK.
Four restaurants in Yorkshire managed to make it into the top 100 of the country’s best restaurants.
Coming in at a very impressive number 13 is Sheffield restaurant JÖRO, who's year has gone from accolade to accolade after being awarded none other than a Michelin star back in February.
Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They recently relocated into a bigger space near the edge of the Peak District in Oughtibridge, which has allowed them to expand their offerings.
Here's what the judges had to say: 'A much larger and better-equipped kitchen has allowed French - whose CV includes Midsummer House in Cambridge - to evolve his already finely-tuned and distinctive cooking style.'
JÖRO announced the news to Instagram, saying: "To be sat in a room filled with incredible people from across the industry is truly inspiring and being listed is something our younger selves only dreamed of achieving."
Over in Leeds, beloved neighbourhood bistro Bavette placed at number 83 where owners Sandy and Clement stated they were "Over the moon" to have made it onto the list.
Elsewhere in Yorkshire, The Angel at Hetton came in at number 47 being declared as a 'Yorkshire institution' whilst The Star Inn at Harome took number 78 as one of the first pubs in England to be awarded a Michelin star.
Clementine Hall -
22nd July 2024 
