We're half way through the month and as per usual, there's loads to get up to in our wonderful city of Leeds.
We know January can sometimes feel like a bit of a slog but don't worry as we are here to give you that little nudge with a list of exciting things for you to get involved in this week.
From January foodie specials and Yoga classes to hilarious comedy gigs, just reading this list is bound to give you a pep in your step as we push through closer to the end of the month.
Up to 50% off food and drink in Leeds: January Offers
Monday 2 January – Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Around Leeds
Tattu has 30% off, and is included in the guide. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The start of the year marks an incredible foodie sale for many of Leeds’ most exciting food and drink joints, and we’ve got a guide full of money-saving offers to help you eat out for less all month long.
I’m sure many of us have some new fitness goals which we would like to achieve in 2023, so why not head to House of Fu after work on a Monday to get the body moving and the mind grooving.
For just £5, you will be led through an hour of yoga by qualified yoga teacher Molly Gillett. We can’t think of a better way to start the week, can you?
No need to book, just pay with card or cash on arrival.
The Subways
Thursday 19 January 2023 | Brudenell Social Club, Burley
Image: See Tickets
Four albums have seen The Subways go from strength-to-strength over the years. Starting off in LA to record their debut album All Or Nothing back in 2008, journeying to their latest self-titled in 2015 which is noted by Q Magazine to be “On par with the best things they have ever written… and finds the band energised, focused and battle-ready”.
Tickets cost £24.50 each and can be purchased through See Tickets.
Monday 16 January - Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This month, Indian street food and craft beer connoisseurs, Bundobust, have smashed it out the park with their new limited edition specials and you definitely don’t want to miss out.
Brush off the January blues with their Bombay Sandwich, Stuffed Chillis and Punjabi Kadi - all are bursting with flavour and incredible additions to Bundo's already mouthwatering menu. Read more about the specials here.
Wedding Showcase
Saturday 21 January 2023 | The Faversham, Woodhouse
Steeped in Leeds history and night’s out nostalgia, The Faversham is a beautiful wedding venue right in the heart of Leeds- and there’s never been a better time to check out why it’s the perfect place to tie the knot. Check out the space in all its glory throughout the day and chat to event staff about how to make your perfect day a reality at the Wedding Showcase at The Faversham.
Peter Kay
Friday 20 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Arena Way
Image: Supplied
Reports began circulating earlier this year that the legendary Bolton-born comedian could finally be making his long-awaited return with a huge “comeback tour” in 2023, but it’s now been announced that the 49-year-old will be doing two massive shows at the First Direct Arena on Friday 20 January & Friday 19 May 2023.
Tickets are long gone, but keep an eye out for resale here.
Chris McCausland
Saturday 21 January 2023 | City Varieties Music Hall
Image: Leeds Heritage Theatres
Star of Would I Lie To You, Have I Got News for You and QI will be taking to the stage and telling tales of his life, family and lots of other silly nonsense. The stand-up comedian will be conducting the City Varieties Music Hall this Saturday and is set to cause eruptions of belly laughs throughout the evening.
Saturday 21 January / Saturday 28 January 2023 | Opera North, Grand Theatre
Image: Richard H Smith
Opera North is preparing to breathe new life into the classic operatic performance of Puccini’s Tosca in the coming weeks- and it’s going to be an incredible experience. The operatic performance has been loved for over 100 years, but this month there’s two opportunities to see the Opera North’s 2023 version in person.
Saturday 21 January / Saturday 28 January 2023 | O2 Academy, Millennium Square
Bringing back Saturday nights in the Academy for the new year, one of the North’s leading events is back and still going strong after 10 years of production. The event is known to have ‘the killer combination of unparalleled production, performers, resident DJs and very special guests’.
Tickets cost £5.50 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Clementine Hall -
16th January 2023 
