This might just be the busiest week of 2024 so far.
This week we’ve got both Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day to celebrate, and it’s even half term for some schools across Leeds so of course there's lots to get up to in the city centre and beyond.
So If you're feeling spoilt for choice, have a read of our handy guide where we've cherry picked the best of what to get up to this week.
Pancake Day
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Across the city
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of the best days in the foodie calendar is here this week and it’s time to decide where you’re going for the ultimate stack.
From thin crepes with lemon and sugar to pillowy, thick buttermilk stacks which are showered with a whole host of delicious toppings – there’s a pancake dish for everyone to devour this Shrove Tuesday in and around Leeds. Have a look at our Pancake Day Guide here.
Valentine's Day
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | Across the city
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – so we've pulled together a list of 10 of the best restaurant deals around the city so you and your loved one can enjoy a meal out for less.
Whether you’re celebrating the big day with your significant other, heading out on the town with your pals or just looking to give yourself some well-deserved self love – there’s nothing better then enjoying a lovely meal out. Find out more here.
Ever wanted to see what it’s really like to perform open heart surgery first-hand? Or how about learning about the ins and outs of germs and how they affect our day to day lives?
Located just a short trip out of the city centre in Harehills, The Thackray Museum is an award-winning haven of learning, jam-packed with an ever-changing collection of immersive galleries, mind-blowing exhibitions and so much more. There’s so much to get up to this February, all of which is created to inspire and entertain our next generation of big thinkers.
From Thursday 1 February 2024 | Royal Armouries, Leeds City Centre
Image: Leeds City Council
The touring Knife Angel sculpture is coming to Leeds this February, to send a powerful message and spark conversations about knife crime in the city.
The Knife Angel, standing tall at 27ft and made from over 100,000 seized blades, was created by the British Ironwork Centre to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour and the need for change.
The poignant sculpture will be placed outside the Royal Armouries Museum as part of an intensification month on knife crime which launches on Thursday 1 February 2024.
Six Nations 2024
Monday 12 February onwards | Across Leeds
Image: The Box Bar UK
The Six Nations returns for 2024, and we’ve found all the best places to watch the game in the company of like-minded fans.
Whether you’re secretly rooting for Ireland to keep hold of the title or ready to cheer on England this year, we’ve found all the best places to go and pull up a seat in Leeds.
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.