Can you believe it's the second week of July already?
Summer is well and truly in full swing across Leeds, and there are so many exciting things to get up to in our city.
So without further ado, let's take a look at what your week could look like with our handy 'what's guide'.
Galleria Bottomless Thursday
Thursday 11 July 2024 | Armley Road, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Did someone say thirsty Thursday? Yep, Leeds' newest wood-fire kitchen and bar Galleria did.Â
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.Â
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.
Watch the Euros 2024
Wednesday 10 July (and hopefully Sunday 14) 2024 | All around the city
Image: 4theFans
The end of the tournament is almost upon us, so it's time to cheer on the lads as they bring the trophy home.
Whether you're heading to Millennium Square's official fan zone to watch the action or getting set up in one of our fantastic bars - there's a spot for everyone to get a front row seat of the action.
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Canal Wharf, Holbeck, LS11 5PS
Image: Water Lane Boathouse
Feeling hungry? We hope so, because we’re in for a very delicious couple of months as Water Lane Boathouse prepare for the highly anticipated return of their summer food series.
And this weekend they're kicking it off with Oliver Award winner Herencia, making their debut at the venue and serving up the tastiest filipino-inspired grub that you can get your hands on.
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.Â
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.
The Junc Shed Opening
Friday 12 July 2024 | The Exchange, Whitehall, LS12 1BU
A brand new food offering is coming to Leeds' newest neighbourhood, The Junction, and it's set to be a tasty one.
Introducing The Junc Shed, situated beneath The Junction's iconic viaduct, this is a place where local hospitality businesses are welcomed and encouraged to show off their incredible creations to the public.
Opening the shed is Alfonso's Cuban Shack, a brand new food concept by Koben Smokehouse operating 7 days a week where visitors can enjoy a delicious breakfast menu featuring bagels and pastries, along with their signature low & slow smoked meats.
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.Â
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
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.