As we embark on another epic bank holiday weekender, we've cherry picked the best ways you can celebrate in and around the city.
Yes you read that right, we've got another bank holiday weekend on the cards and we couldn't be happier about it.
This week is a big one for the Leeds calendar, with two major music festivals taking place at the weekend which will attract visitors from far and wide.
As well as this, there's an opportunity for you to bag yourself a free lunch thanks to Rola Wala, a couple of exciting new shops are opening and Ricky Gervais is coming to town. Keep reading to find out more...
SAKKU in Bloom
Monday 22 - Sunday 28 May 2023 | 5 St Peter's Place
Image: Supplied
All-you-can-eat sushi and Japanese grill restaurant SAKKU is celebrating the Japanese Sakura season with a range of limited edition cocktails. The menu includes the ‘Violette Class’, a floral and fruity mix of gin, apple, lemon and lavender; ‘Nobara Breeze’, a rum based sweet lychee cocktail mixed with rose lemonade as well as ‘SAKKU Manhattan’ a classic Martini with whiskey and sake, and, ‘Spring Spritz’, a bubbly and refreshing mix of citrus gin, plum wine and Prosecco.
Rola Wala Free Lunch
Tuesday 23 May 2023 | Trinity Kitchen
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Ahead of World Hunger Day, Indian street food favourite Rola Wala is giving out a free meal to everyone. ‘In a bid to support the local community during difficult financial times’, Rola Wala will be giving out a free Naan Roll or Spice Bowl between 12pm and 3pm.
There’s no limit on this offer, so anyone in Trinity Kitchen during this three hour period can get themselves a free lunch.
Ricky Gervais Live
Thursday 25 May 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds
Image: First Direct Arena
Afterlife and The Office UK star Ricky Gervais is bringing his latest tour, Armageddon, to Leeds for one night. ‘Considered the most influential British comedian since Charlie Chaplin’ the comedian is embarking on a UK wide tour to share his latest work – Armageddon.
After performing Armageddon in London last year, the comedian took to Twitter to say he’d have his fans ‘reported for hate crimes’ for laughing at the new material, according to The Independent – just to give you an idea of what may lie ahead.
Only VIP tickets for The Mixer remain, priced at £250 each, and available via Ticketmaster here.
Marks and Spencer Megastore Opening
White Rose Shopping Centre | Opening Thursday 25 May 2023
Image: M&S
The Leeds-born supermarket chain announced earlier that the company will be creating a total of 3,400 new jobs across the country, there will be a total of twenty new stores opened, including a brand new spot in Leeds’ own White Rose Shopping Centre.
White Rose will be one of eight full-line destination stores (the big ones) and is thought to be taking over the former Debenhams site inside the shopping centre and has spent the last week or so taking over its socials with photographs of the brand new store to give us a little sneak peek at what lies ahead…
Friday 26 - Sunday 28 May 2023 | Victoria Gate Leeds
Image: Supplied
Designed by women, for women, we’re talking about colourful activewear that’s genuinely flattering to wear (yes, really). Popping up at Victoria Gate Leeds this weekend, Red Run prides itself in understanding the importance of having exercise gear that’s well-fitting and comfortable.
Their collections are made with a range of sustainable, sweat-wicking fabrics, always with a fashion-forward design. Azalea will draw inspiration from the colourful and fast-paced world of motor cross racing, with a 20-piece collection that’s ‘guaranteed to turn heads’.
IF… Bar Bottomless Brunch
Friday 26 and Sunday 28 May 2023 | Call Lane, Leeds city centre
Stacks of pancakes and burritos to soak up endless mimosas – Call Lane has some stellar offers but there’s few that can offer you this to get your weekend started.
They're taking 50% off brunch bookings and the offer is valid for table bookings made before Friday, May 26th using the code “IWANTBRUNCH50” in the booking notes.
Live at Leeds: In The Park Festival
Saturday 27 May 2023 | Temple Newsam, Leeds
Image: Live at Leeds Festival
Live At Leeds: In The Park continues to share the limelight with newcomers into the alt music scene and champion plenty of up-and-coming talent that’ll leave revellers humming the beat of brand new songs aplenty following the day festival’s end.
Headliners such as Two Door Cinema Club, The Hives, DMA’s, Everything Everything, Cavetown, The Big Moon and Black Honey have already been announced, as well as Kate Nash, Maximo Park, Lottery Winners and online sensation James Marriott will be joining the celebration of alternative/indie talent this summer.
To celebrate the third birthday of Leeds’ beloved hot sauce company, Thiccc Sauce, the Fourth Court in Holbeck will be transformed into a food and drink birthday party, in partnership with Leeds Indie Food.
Expect to see local indie favourites like Mozza Fella, The Cheesy Living Co., Stuzzi, The Savvy Baker, Vocation Brewery, Chipp Coffee Co. and a collaboration between Holy Mountain Kitchen and Deadly Venoms Tacos.
Slam Dunk Festival North is back for another year and there’s a huge line-up to look forward to. Set in the heart of Temple Newsam, one of Leeds’ best known festival venues is the hosting a one day set of metal, emo, punk and ska music from some of the industry’s biggest names.
Favourites on the line-up headliners include The Offspring and Enter Shikari, as well as 00s pop-punk icons, Bowling For Soup, Real Friends and Four Year Strong. Canadian rock band Billy Talent and American singer-songwriter Maggie Lindemann will be bringing crowds to life at one of the city’s biggest day festivals too.
Tickets cost £97.90 each and are available fromSee Tickets here, alternatively you can get tickets for both Slam Dunk North and Live at Leeds festival for a combined price of £150.70, with tickets are also available via See Tickets here.
Featured image - Live at Leeds / The Hoot Leeds / Slam Dunk Festival
Leeds
10 of the best places in Leeds to get a pint of Guinness this St Patrick’s Day
As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The Adelphi
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’s
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR
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Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Clementine Hall -
22nd May 2023 
