Thor’s Tipi, a popular name in Yorkshire already, is bringing back its huge pop-up bar in Leeds right in time for the summer.
With a big screen, outdoor seating, and (of course) a tipi, the huge space is set to open in City Square in just a few weeks time.
This time, the bar will be disco themed complete with glitter balls, disco-themed games, drinks inspired by nostalgic ice lollies and live acoustic sessions every Thursday.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Opening on Friday 16 May, Thor’s Tipi will also be serving up a selection of beers and wine as well as delicious street food to keep punters fuelled up.
Amanda Monaghan, director at THOR’S said “We’re thrilled to be bringing THOR’S back to City Square after such a successful debut year last year, when people really got into the spirit.
“Bringing the party to such a brilliant space was fantastic and we can’t wait to get the party started in May with a new disco theme. It’s sure to be a summer to remember with some classic music, food and drinks.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “One of our key aims for the City Square project was to create an attractive, welcoming gateway to the city and a new public space that people living, visiting or working in the city could enjoy.
“Last summer’s events programme really brought this space to life in a whole new way and it was fantastic to see people making the most of this landmark new addition to the city’s public realm.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to the square this summer for more events and activities and hopefully some sunshine too."
Thor's Tipi will be sticking around until Monday 25 August, and we can't wait to be sipping in the sunshine.
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 -
11th April 2025 
