It's back to the daily grind for most of us- but that doesn't mean January needs to be boring.
January is full of exciting offers around the city centre, not to mention the HALF PRICE food and drink savings available, new openings from Doh'hut, an operatic performance like no other from Opera North and the opportunity to see the likes of Lewis Capaldi and The 1975 take over the First Direct Arena.
So here's what to check out this month- it's well worth braving it out in the cold for.
Up to 50% off food and drink in Leeds: January Offers
Monday 2 January - Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Around Leeds
Tattu has 30% off, and is included in the guide. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The start of the year marks an incredible foodie sale for many of Leeds' most exciting food and drink joints, and we've got a guide full of money-saving offers to help you eat out for less all month long.
Friday 6 January 2023 | Boar Lane, Leeds city centre
Image: Things In Bread
The people behind sweet treat favourite Doh’hut are opening a store dedicated to sarnies. Named ‘Things in Bread’, the owners of Doh’hut will be transforming what was once the Nicholas Deakin store on Boar Lane into a dedicated sandwich store.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Doh’hut said to expect “Classic Proper British Sandwiches , Egg & Cress, BLT , Ham and Cheese & loads more…. sounds basic while I’m writing this but I promise you these sandwiches are anything but! If you’ve had our sandwiches you know we do them right & so excited to finally have the space to do them better than ever. Made to order & bread baked fresh every day! Works begin asap and hope to get open as soon as we can!”
Kicking off the 'year of culture' in Leeds, The Awakening is all about our cultural past, present and future. The event will see live performances to Corinne Bailey Eaw, Simon Armitage and LYR, The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, Graft, Inder Goldfinger, Testament, Hope and Social, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Denmarc Creary, George Webster and more, all hosted by Gabby Logan and Sanchez Payne.
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Northern Monk Refectory, Holbeck
Image: Skiddle
Paint your way through Thursday night and create your own version of Andrew Sales's Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night over Leeds. Painting in blue and green, it's an opportunity to unleash your creative side with a glass of wine in one hand and paint brush in the other.
Every Sunday for a full 90 minutes enjoy bottomless Prosecco, gin, pink gin, vodka, rum, seasonal cocktails and beer with your roast. Now that’s what we call a Sunday Funday Neighbourhood.
Choose from Roast Topside Beef, Roast Chicken Breast or Zucchini & Cashew Bake with roast potatoes, mash potatoes, a huge Yorkshire pudding, parsnips, carrots, cabbage and the best part – bottomless gravy.
Plus you can use the link in on our Instagram page to book for only £25pp – Available every Sunday until 29th Jan 2023.
Saturday 14 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
What: The Scottish singer will be tackling a massive 31-date arena tour, including a night at the First Direct Arena in January. He also confirmed a new album is finally on the way, with Broken By Desire to be Heavenly Sent set for release on 19 May 2023. The Someone You Loved songwriter recently made his long-awaited return to music with the release of single Forget Me, which marked his third UK number one.
Saturday 21 January / Saturday 28 January 2023 | Opera North, Grand Theatre
Image: Richard H Smith
Opera North is preparing to breathe new life into the classic operatic performance of Puccini’s Tosca in the coming weeks- and it’s going to be an incredible experience. The operatic performance has been loved for over 100 years, but this month there's two opportunities to see the Opera North's 2023 version in person.
Steeped in Leeds history and night's out nostalgia, The Faversham is a beautiful wedding venue right in the heart of Leeds- and there's never been a better time to check out why it's the perfect place to tie the knot. Check out the space in all its glory throughout the day and chat to event staff about how to make your perfect day a reality at the Wedding Showcase at The Faversham.
Monday 23 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
The 1975. Credit: Samuel Bradley
Social media has been awash with videos from The 1975’s tour so far (notably Matty Healy’s autotune) and it’s not long until we get to see their At Their Very Best tour for ourselves. They’ll be going right across the country and tickets are still available from £46.50 at See Tickets.
Wednesday 25 January 2022 from 6pm | Ox Club, The Headrow
Image: Ox Club
Bringing back the special six course tasting menu for eighth year in a row. There’s tables all night long from 5pm – 10pm but booking is advised as this one is going to sell out fast. Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide have already given their blessing to the restaurant’s dishes, so we’re certain the quality will be worth the £65 price tag.
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.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.