THOR’S Tipi is taking over the Victoria Gardens on the Headrow for another season of festive fun, and we absolutely cannot wait.
As soon as the weather gets colder and the supermarkets start stocking advent calendars and family boxes of celebrations, we start picturing ourselves clutching a steaming mulled wine underneath tipis draped with twinkling lights.
Just us? Oh. Well if it’s not just us, then feel free to rejoice with glee as THOR’S tipi bar is returning to Leeds next month for all our festive needs.
Opening Saturday 16 November 2024, the pop-up bar will be taking over the Victoria Gardens on the Headrow all the way up until New Year.
Image: THOR'S Tipi Bar
It’s the place to be for drinks with friends, family or a loved one, with a marvellous selection of drinks on offer there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re after a winter warmer then there’s mulled wine, mulled cider and hot chocolate which can be pimped up with an added shot of your choice. Make it naughty with some whiskey, make it nice with a shot of caramel vodka or add a little spice with a sprinkling of cherry brandy or winter Pimms.
If for some reason you need cooling down then there’s also winter slushies available, opt for a fruity number with the Winter Woo Woo that combines apple spiced rum with Peach Schnapps, cinnamon and cranberry juice. Or go for the Marzipan Martini that mixes Caramel Vodka, Amaretto, orange, cranberry and almond.
There’s also a wide range of wines, fizz, draught beer and cider as well as premium spirits for you to enjoy with your favourite mixer.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Clementine Hall -
18th October 2024 
