Apparently, it's only been sixteen months since nightclubs have been closed, but it feels a lot longer. At last, some of Leeds' biggest nightlife events are preparing their return as we count down to "freedom day".
July 19, dubbed "freedom day", is when restrictions will ease and nightclubs will return to their former glory: swinging open their doors to unearth pulsing basslines and two-step rhythms.
Capacities on bars and nightclubs will be lifted, the 'rule of six' will no longer apply, social distancing measures will also be removed - meaning you can go and order at the bar, rather being stuck at your table.
But most importantly, we'll be able to get up and dance.
There's a huge feeling of excitement in the city, not just from punters but from the promoters and artists who've been waiting over a year to go back to work. Now, at last, the day is nearly upon us.
With that in mind, we've run down three of the best parties Leeds has coming up this summer so you're not caught short. See you down the front, we'll be to the left of the stage.
Newsam Park Festival is the first dance music festival to return to Leeds this summer
Newsam Park Festival Saturday 21st August, Newsam Park
This all-new event will be the first dance music festival in Leeds this summer, so expect a spectacular open-air occasion from one of the best parties in Leeds.
It will be soundtracked by Sven Vath, Nightmares on Wax, Mella Dee, Enzo Siragusa and Folamour and more across gorgeous Lake and Garden stages with epic atmospheres and immersive production. Do not miss it.
Mint Festival returns on Saturday 25th September in a brand new location / Image: Mint Festival
Mint Festival Saturday 25th September, Newsam Green Farm
This year's much anticipated Mint Festival is at an all-new location, just 10 minutes from town.
The natural sprawling beauty of Newsam Green Farm is a perfect canvas for four fantastic stages of high-class music. Brands like Fuse and Trick, headliners like Ricardo Villalobos and Amelie Lens, and high-tech production and pyrotechnics all await you at this ultimate adult playground.
Mint Warehouse in Holbeck is returning will a full programme of clubnights showcasing local talent and that from further afield / Image: Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse Multiple dates, Holbeck
It was already the best place to party in the North, but after an almost two-year closure and vast refurbishment, Mint Warehouse is back and ready to take it to a whole new level.
The multi-roomed space has everything from communal main room raves to cozy backroom get-togethers. World-class sound systems boom in every room, and international tastemakers like Jeff Mills, Eats Everything, Patrick Topping, Sasha, Hot Since 82 and tens more are already lined up between now and Autumn.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2021 
