Things To Do

Hop aboard this Alice in Wonderland- themed murder mystery adventure on a steam train

Fall down the rabbit hole on this Alice in Wonderland-themed murder mystery night on a steam train.

The Hoot The Hoot - 8th April 2022

If you're a big fan of Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes, or you just enjoy a brilliant night of entertainment and fine dining, then this event is for you.

East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is hosting one of its Murder Mystery Nights this month, and it’s taking a topsy-turvy twist on a classic fairytale.

Having been on hold for the past two years since the pandemic, these popular events hosted by the heritage railway are back and this time they are taking you down the rabbit hole.

Image: East Lancashire Railway

You're invited to bring your best detective skills and step aboard a stunning steam train travelling through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.Hosted by award-winning events company After Dark Entertainment, you will be guided through some “serious sleuthing” to find out whodunit, ELR says.

Each murder mystery night features a different theme, a different cast, and a different riddle to solve – and this Saturday 30 April is the turn of ‘Malice in Wonderland’, which is of course inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll 1865 children’s novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

A description for the upcoming event on the ELR website reads: “It may have killed the Cheshire Cat but things just keep getting curioser and curiouser on this surreal trip down the rabbit hole.

“Can you keep your head whilst everyone else is losing theirs?”

If all of the drama wasn’t enough of a draw as it is, you’ll also get a complementary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, then enjoy a mouthwatering four-course meal, followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates, all onboard the vintage train carriages as the murder happens, mystery unfolds, and the culprit is eventually found.

Image: East Lancashire Railway

Some of the other upcoming murder mystery events ELR is hosting throughout the year include Great British Bump Off, Treacherous Terror Train, Allo Allo, Hollywood Homicide, and Gatsby Manor Mystery.

Read more: A Peaky Blinders stage show is coming to Yorkshire

“An evening of intrigue, investigation and indulgence awaits,” ELR says.

Malice in Wonderland is taking place on Saturday 30 April, and the evening starts at Bury Bolton Street Station at 6:45pm, before finishing at approximately 10:15pm.

You can find out more and grab tickets via the East Lancashire Railway website.

Featured Image – East Lancashire Railway

Things To Do

January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at restaurants and bars across Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

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.

Read more: An Aussie-inspired brunch spot made famous in Manchester has just opened in Leeds

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Things To Do

10 alcohol-free activities in Leeds to keep you busy during dry January

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Just because you're doing dry January doesn't mean you have to stay inside all month.

Listen, we get it. After an entire month of boozing (and spending) it's nice to have a reset and live the sober life for a few weeks.

But if after one week you're sat at home twiddling your thumbs in boredom, then allow us to add a bit of spice into your life with 10 activities that are a barrel of laughs but don't include alcohol.

I know, we didn't think it could be done either but it truly can.

So, without further ado let's get into 10 alcohol-free activities in Leeds.

Tadatuft

New York Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're looking to learn a brand-new hobby this year, then why not make your own rug? This brilliant spot will walk you step by step through the magical world of rug tufting. With prices starting from just £10, it would be rude not to.

Chance and Counters

Merrion Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

We all love a board game, and this cosy spot on Merrion Street has them in abundance. Get settled with your mates and try out some of the wackiest games on the market or keep it simple with Monopoly, we won't judge.

NQ64

Merrion Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Just up the road you'll also find NQ64 where you can unleash your competitive side by playing loads of arcade games.

OMG! Moru Garden

The Corn Exchange

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one has to be a favourite, downstairs in The Corn Exchange you will find the cutest little shop where you can make your very own Moru doll. You'll be guided through the workshop to make your furry friend then you can dress it up however you like.

Go Ape

Temple Newsam

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This one's for the outdoorsy folk...brave the cold and grab a harness at Go Ape as you tower above the trees. Prices start at just £21 per person.

Green Room Run Club

Wellington Street

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to be more active, then joining a run club is an absolute no brainer. Every single Saturday head to Green Room to meet up with like minded people and head out on a run, followed by fresh pastries, juice and coffees because you've well and truly deserved it.

Adorn

Koncept Studios, Kirkgate

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Create your own charm necklaces and bracelets at this gorgeous studio, whether for yourself or for a loved one this is such a special treat that can be completely personalised to your taste.

Sunken Studios

Butterley Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Try your hand at a pottery class where you can learn, practice and craft your own skills. There's plenty of courses and workshops to get involved in, all at varying price points.

Bloc Studios

Chapel Allerton

Image: The Hoot Leeds

There's no time like the present to have a go at reformer pilates, and this beautiful studio in Chapel Allerton is the perfect spot. It's just £28 for two sessions too.

Read more: January 2026 deals, discounts and offers at restaurants and bars across Leeds

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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