Well, it seems like the summer heatwave is over - for now at least. Perfect timing, just as the summer holidays begin and all the kids are off school.
We thought we'd get ahead of the curb and start researching some rainy day activities ready for the inevitable midsummer down pour - and aren't you lucky we did.
Keep reading to discover some of our top picks for things to do in Leeds when it's raining, from the best places to soak up a bit of culture to gaming spots and more.
Leeds Art Gallery is packed out with some gorgeous and historically important art works / Image: Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery
This striking building on the Headrow is one of Leeds' most beautiful - containing above its doors the city's oldest civic sculpture: a marble statue of Queen Anne that dates back to 1712. Inside the Grade II-listed building, you'll find an impressive collection of 20th-century works deemed by the British government in 1997 to be of 'national importance.'
Team Sport Go Karting
Adrenaline junkies can't go wrong with a spot of go-karting at Team Sport. After watching a quick safety video and getting all your driving equipment, you'll be in your kart zooming around the court in no time living out your best race car driver life. The track here is state of the art with flyover and electronic timing, so you know you'll be taken good care of.
Jack Rabbits Pottery
Painting pottery is a great way to relax and while away an afternoon when it's pouring it down outside. The way it works at this paint-your-own pottery studio is you pick a piece from one of their creations - be that a jug, a plate, piggy banks, animals, plaques, baubles, coasters - to paint, then one of their team members will guide you through the process to ensure you leave with something you'll be proud to display at home.
Roxy Lanes
If bowling is your thing, you can't go wrong at Roxy Lanes. Here you'll find four full-size bowling lanes, priced at £8/10 per person per game depending on whether it's on or off peak. The perfect way to while away a few rainy hours in Leeds, we're sure you'll agree.
If bowling is your thing, you can't go wrong at Roxy Lanes / Image: Luke Toney 94
Roxy Ball Room
We're pretty spoilt for Roxy's here in Leeds, with four in total spread across the city. Down at Roxy Ball Room on Boar lane, you'll find a whole host of games including shuffleboard, beer pong and 'Roxy golf'. The ideal spot if you want to play games but can't make up your mind - they've got it all going on down here.
The Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries has some seriously incredible artefacts, but the most impressive has to be the 16th century elephant armour on display. Brought to the UK in 1801 by the Governor of Madras' former wife, it's the biggest known piece of animal armour to exist in the world. Find it at The Royal Armouries alongside a host of other ihntriguing displays.
Shuffl at BOX
Shuffleboard fans are in for a treat at BOX, which boasts two of the biggest tables you can find in the city. The sports bar is also known for its cracking pizzas, so if you're heading down might as well make an afternoon of it and get one of their signature chicken katsu bad boys down you whilst you play a few games.
The Hyde Park Picture House
For movie lovers, there's nowhere better to go in Leeds than the Hyde Park Picture House. This gorgeous Garde II-listed building is a local landmark and can always be relied upon to show some solid indie gems. First opened in 1914, it lays claim to the title of the UK's last gas-lit cinena and is a truly iconic piece of history right here in the city.
News
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Doughnut Tester
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Fancy it then? Does this sound like you?
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
Clementine Hall
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
Georgina Pellant -
7th August 2021 
