It looks like we’re set for another week filled with summer fun in and around Leeds.
It's going to be another scorcher this week, and not only is the weather hotting up but so are our calendars as Leeds is jam-packed with new openings, exciting events and unmissable music gigs.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Everyone's favourite Sicilian street food spot has just opened in the city centre after drawing fans from afar in their Kirkstall and Headingley locations.
This is their first full week of opening so stop by on your lunch break to grab an arancini, slice of pizza and a cannoli.
Headrow House Pub Quiz
Tuesday 13 June 2023 | Headrow House, Leeds City Centre
Image: Headrow House
The Headrow House pub quiz is something quite special. Located in their huge beer hall, nestled amongst their sixty plus lines of beers from around the world, they promise a night of quizzes and games: start with the pub quiz and if you’re successful, your prize will be selected when you spin the wheel of fortune.
Head down to Headrow House for 6.30 pm on a Tuesday evening and take full advantage of their free entry and grab a pint before getting your game face on.
Wednesday 14 June - Saturday 17 June | Carriageworks Theatre, Millenium Square
Image: Leeds Community Art Group
The unmistakable opening line of Dolly Parton’s hit “9 to 5” is brought to you by the award-winning LIDOS this week.
Based on the hilarious 1980’s movie, 9 to 5 is about three women teaming up, standing up and taking care of business. When workmates Violet, Doralee and Judy are pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart, they concoct a plan to kidnap him – but will their scheme to reform the office unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
The Collective will debut it’s brand new late night offering with an exclusive collaboration with award-winning chef Craig Rogan. Rogan, who is the son of 3 Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, has had an impressive career so far. After training in some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants Craig received 3 AA rosettes in his first Head Chef role at 5-star hotel The Grand in York. Highlights are set to include Violet Potato with Ox Cheek & Lovage, Glazed Pork Rib with Fennel & Yuzu and Sweet Cheese with Clementine & Dark Chocolate.
Award winning comedian, actor and writer Jack Whitehall has said that this will be his most “personal” tour to date, and after three sell-out arena tours he is keen to get back on the road. Upon announcing, Jack Whitehall said: “This is my most personal show yet, with plenty of material about the big changes that have happened in my life. It’s about my struggle to settle down gracefully.
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club
Saturday 17 June 2023 | The Wardrobe, St Peter's Square
Image: Craig Charles
Legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles is one of UK’s most beloved Funk and Soul DJs.
He’ll be showing off his back catalogue of seriously tangy tunes ranging from modern mash ups and classic takes of the wildest Funk & Soul around, plus some surprises thrown in to keep you guessing. Get your tickets here.
Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics
Sunday 18 June 2023 | Temple Newsam, Leeds
Image: Gigantic
Legendary DJ Pete Tong will be taking to the decks once more to bring a taste of Ibiza to Leeds. Grab a drink and dance as the sun goes down to true summer anthems .
Tickets are still available via See Tickets, priced at £51.75 each and available here
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Inside Kerala Canteen – the world’s first Kerala tapas restaurant in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Clementine Hall -
12th June 2023 
