Things to do to banish the post-bank holiday blues.
This week might be the comedown from the Jubilee bank holiday, but it certainly doesn't mean there's a lack of things to do in Leeds.
From spoken word sensation JCC to new burger joints and a world triathlon, here are all the best things to do this week in Leeds...
Kids eat free at Yard & Coop
Yard & Coop, Merrion Street | Monday 6 – Friday 10 June 2022
Image: Yard & Coop
Winner winner chicken dinner. Every half term, much-loved fried chicken restaurants Yard & Coop is offering a free child’s portion for every adult main purchased. Inside their Merrion Street venue, there’s lego and crayons to keep your little ones entertained but (jokingly) they recommend you “fill the little tykes with buttermilk fried chicken, and hope it keeps ’em quiet for another few hours of being dragged ’round the shops. Score.“
The ‘kids eat free’ offer is only valid on weekdays 12 – 7.30pm during half term week only. Check the website in advance to ensure that this offer is valid upon your visit.
Monday 6 – Friday 10 June 2022. Find out more here.
Dr John Cooper Clarke – ‘I Wanna Be Yours’
Monday 6 June 2022 | O2 Academy, Millenium Square
Image: John Cooper Clarke
The original people’s poet is performing at the O2 Academy this month- and ticket holders shouldn’t expect anything short of the Poet Laureate of Punk’s usual antics. Taking on some of the most important conversations in modern society, Dr John Cooper Clarke has made a name for himself as one of Britain’s most influential writers, social commentators, radio presenters and fashion icon to many- so this will be a night to remember.
The gig will also feature new poetry and spoken words, sharing anecdotes aplenty and even the secret to the performer’s successful career- with thoughtful musings, riffs and a good ol’ fashioned sense of humour thrown in for good measure.
Legally Blonde just got musical, and we can’t wait to see this live rendition of the cult 00s movie. The musical production promises to follow the same storyline of the original blockbuster, just with a whole lot more singing and dancing.
“Can Elle win back Warner, avoid flunking out of Law School, gain the respect of her peers and professors, and realise her true potential with the support of her new friends? Or will Elle find herself stuck with her stereotype as ‘Legally Blonde’?” Join Carriageworks Theatre over their four day show to find out.
Wednesday 7 June – Sunday 11 June 2022. Find out more here.
Paint and Pizza Night at Franco Manca
Thursday 9 June 2022 5.30pm – 9pm | Franco Manca, Trinity Street, Leeds city centre
Image: Franco Manca
Whilst we all love a good homemade pizza, how many of us actually have a plate big enough to fit it on? If your tired of cutting, folding and altering your Italian feat to fit onto your plates, or just fancy drinking away the night whilst getting creative- we’ve found an ideal evening activity.
With pizza and your choice included in the price, the Paint and Pizza Night at Franco Manca is all about letting out that inner Picasso and design, create and then take home your very own pizza plate.
Tickets cost £20 and can be booked directly with Franco Manca.
Friday 10 June 2022 | 34 Boar Lane, opposite Leeds Train Station
Image: Meat Stack
The long-awaited opening of cult indie cheeseburger joint, MEAT:STACK is finally here. Opening its door to the public for the very first time on Friday 10 June 2022, burger connoisseurs will be able to grab a bite from the menu from 12pm- and if you’re one of the first 100 to visit, you meal will be entirely on the house.
MEAT:STACK has built up a loyal following in the north of England since they first launched as a pop-up in six years ago and after operating within Newcastle’s historic Grainger Market, the company took the plunge in 2020 and opened their first high street store on the Bigg Market in Newcastle.
The success of their burgers followed them onto the main streets and now they’re bringing their attention to detail, authentic preparation methods and moreish flavour combo to Leeds.
Friday 10 June 2022. Find out more here.
Vintage Kilo Sale
Sunday 11 June 2022 | Left Bank, Cardigan Road, Burley
Image: Worth the Weight Vintage
The UK’s biggest kilo sale is bringing sustainable fashion to the masses at Left Bank.
The unique experience that every Leeds student of foraging for second-hand garms and paying for the weight seems to tick off at least once during their University days and for good reason. Featuring exclusive apparel from the 1960s – 1990s, take your pick and pay by per kilo for these thrifted goods.
There’s no minimum or maximum spend at our events so you can pick as little or as much as you want. Items start at 75p and reach a maximum of £15 for anything big and ‘unweighable’.
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 12 June 2022 | Kirkstall Road, Leeds
Image: Supplied
Bringing a taste of the iconic Australian brunch scene to Leeds, Kulture is all about the coffee. The new opening will see some serious coffee blends frothed up over the opening weekend with ample opportunity to make the most of discounted coffee beans and merch, live music and a fun ‘name our cookie’ competition,
Honestly, if were thinking about a time to try out this new spot then this would be the perfect opportunity, so why not fill your weekend with a pit stop here?
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 12 June 2022. Find out more here.
AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 12 June 2022 | Roundhay Park, Roundhay
Image: Leeds City Council
The city will play host to a two-day triathlon festival across June, making this the sixth year for Leeds to hold this prestigious position.
The likes of Jonny Brownlee, Georgia Taylor-Brown and Alex Yee will be focusing on this leg of the World Triathlon Championship Series ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July- so you might even spot a sporting celeb or two during the weekend event.
As well as the enduring triathalon events, there will also be a children and family swim and run activity to ensure that the entire family can partake and ignite their interest in the sports.
Saturday 11 June – Sunday 12 June 2022. Find out more here.
Tranquillity Season, Thackray Museum of Medicine
141 Beckett Street, Harehills | Monday 6 May – Sunday 12 May 2022.
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
A brand-new programme from Thackray Museum of Medicine promoting wellness and rejuvenation has opened in Harehills, and its an ideal R&R spot for all the family to learn about the importance of relaxing and unwinding.
As this season’s headline installation, the museum has partnered with The Wellcome Collection to bring ‘Regarding Forests’ to The Thackray. The project, Regarding Forests, is thought to evoke an atmosphere of tranquillity and provides visitors with a space to rest and relax whilst giving visitors the chance to learn about celebrated photographer Chrystel Lebas and their travels. From Hoh Rain Forest in Washington State, USA to the Japanese island of Yakushima, the installation seeks to provide a restorative encounter that reminds us of our reliance on the natural world.
The new exhibition will run until Sunday 17 July 2022. Find out more here.
Food might be the last thing you want to think about right now, but if there's anything to brighten up the gloomy month of January then it's the deals.
Right across the city centre, you’ll find generous discounts, special set menus, and other offers all the way through January, to help our local hospitality scene through famously one of the most difficult times of year.
You'll be able to save money on just about every kind of food you can think of, from steaming bowls of ramen to champagne and steak.
There are a lot of January offers to discover around Leeds, and it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down, so we’ve done the hard work for you with a fairly comprehensive guide to the very best January deals.
The Cut & Craft
23 King Edward Street, LS1 6AX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A luxury steak and seafood restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer: Steak and Chips for £19′ offer, available Monday to Friday from 11:30am-4pm; there’s also a new set evening menu priced at £26 for two courses – Monday to Thursday, 4:45-10pm.
Blackhouse
What is it: An iconic Leeds steakhouse just moments away from the train station.
The offer: Enjoy 50% off food when you book online.
Galleria
Armley Road, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:One of Leeds' trendiest all-day hangouts and restaurants, located next to Project House this spot is perfect for some pre-gig scran.
The offer:Every Friday and Saturday night from 5pm through January (starting on the 9th), guests will be able enjoy a whopping 25% off their evening menu when booked advance.
House of Fu
15-19 The Headrow, LS12 2DR
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A staple for ramen lovers in the city with an interior so bright it'll blow away the January blues in an instant.
The offer:£10 ramen and rice bowls on weekdays plus a scratch card revealing a special prize.
Oporto
33 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's most iconic late night Irish bar.
The offer: This one's a good one, £3 pints of Guinness from 12 - 3pm and £5 Guinness 3pm - close. Every single day throughout January.
Olive Tree Brasserie
8 S Parade, LS1 5QX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A modern Greek-inspired restaurant in the heart of the city centre.
The offer:Diners can enjoy 40% include Sunday - Friday throughout January and half of February.
Harvey Nichols Brasserie and Bar
107-111 Briggate, LS1 6AZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A restaurant serving brunch, small plates, and lunch options at any time of day.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu from from 12pm between 6 - 30th January, excluding Saturdays.
Tattu
29 East Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A swish Chinese restaurant famed for its enormous cherry blossom tree in the dining room, and its refined take on Chinese favourites.
The offer:30% off the a la carte menu, all Sunday to Thursday (plus until 4.45pm on Fridays) between 1 January and 8 February, when you book online.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:Indian street food at its finest, Bundobust is a firm favourite amongst Leeds locals and has been for the past 10 years.
The offer: Two dishes and a beer for just £12.50.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A laidback bar and music venue serving up delicious food from different vendors.
The offer: Get half price slices from Dough Boys Pizza until 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 5pm Friday and Saturday, or between Sunday and Friday choose from five dishes for just over a fiver from Patty's Burgers - we're talking smash burgers and their iconic session fries.
Power, Corruption and Lies
36 Call Lane, LS1 6DT
What is it: The funkiest bar on Call Lane serving dim sum and great cocktails.
The offer: Get 50% off dim sum and £20 bottles of prosecco every Monday throughout January.
Meat:Stack
3 Bishopgate Street, LS1 5DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:A laidback burger joint serving American-style smash patties, fries and milkshakes.
The offer: Get a burger, chips, dip AND drink for just £10 between 11 and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Cinnamon Kitchen
City Square, LS1 1PJ
What is it: Leeds' newest Indian restaurant located in the beautiful Queen's Hotel.
The offer: Dine on two courses for £19 or three for £22 if you visit between 12 and 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Neon Cactus
35 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it: A Mexican cocktail bar and taqueria that gives ultimate party vibes.
The offer:A whopping 50% off food throughout January. Simple, but very effective.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, LS11 5PF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What is it:The city's best canal side pub and eatery.
The offer:From 5 - 22nd January, enjoy 35% off all food all day every day and a sandwich plus drink for just £9.95 lunchtimes from Monday to Friday.
Where to get the best bagels in Leeds at any time of day
Clementine Hall
Looking for the best bagels in Leeds? Look no further.
In honour of National Bagel Day, we've chosen five of our favourite cafes, shops and bodegas to get our hands on a delicious bagel.
Thought of as an iconic New York food, the big apple has done wonders for the reputation of this chewy, boiled breakfast snack - and it's even come over to Leeds, where there are plenty of bakers turning their hand to the humble bagel.
Whether you like yours slathered in cream cheese and loaded with smoked salmon, or kept simple with a lick of butter, keep reading to discover some of our top picks for the best bagels in Leeds.
Slow Rise Bakery
2a Sunnybank Ave, Horsforth, LS18 4LZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
In the bagel game since 2014, where they learnt their trade assisting Berlin's formidable Fine Bagels, Slow Rise knows what they're doing when it comes to boiling bagels. Whilst they already supply wholesale to quite a few different places in Leeds, you can also find their famous bagels at their own cafe in Horsforth.
Served freshly toasted and stuffed with your choice of hummus, turkey, salt beef, pastrami; or salmon, or simply slathered in the likes of butter, cream cheese, or avocado, there are over twenty different ways to enjoy a bagel here. These are some of the best bagels in Leeds, no doubt about it.
Streetlane Bakery
Caretakers House, 399 Street Ln, Moortown, LS17 6HQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This community bakehouse seemingly does it all, bagels included. These can be bought individually or in packs of six and are made fresh daily to a classic Jewish recipe, with flavours including plain, onion and poppy seed. Filling choices are quite limited if you're eating in, with options including Nutella and smoked salmon.
Fika North
94 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 4BA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Situated in the leafy suburb of Far Headingley, this speciality coffee shop also knows a thing or two about bagels. Served from 9 am - 3 pm daily, there are nine different options to choose from including nduja and avocado, rose harissa chickpeas with pink pickles and pea shoots, peanut butter and banana.
Alfonso's Deli
Grand Arcade, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you've got a hankering for a proper New York-style breakfast bagel, then the Grand Arcade is where you should be heading.
Relatively new to Leeds, Alfonso's breakfast bagels are the perfect hangover cure - loaded with hash browns, perfectly cooked eggs and dripping in melted cheese.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You already know by now that everything that Jake and team at Cheesy Living Co. does is absolutley stellar, and their bagels are no exception.
Baked and boiled at their own bakery in town, they're then filled with whatever your heart desires and served with a coffee of your choice for just a tenner.
Sophie Smith -
5th June 2022 
