It's the last full week of January so let's make it a corker, we've gathered together the highlights of what's happening in Leeds for you to take a peak at.
Congratulations all, we have officially made it to the end of January (well, almost) and believe us when we say that with what's going on this week, we are finishing it off with a bang.
Get your best tartan on because we've got Burns Night celebrations happening all over the city as well as super exciting gigs (hello Matty Healy), delicious foodie openings and so much more.
Get your calendar at the ready and keep reading.
The 1975 Live
Monday 23 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
The 1975. Credit: Samuel Bradley
Everybody stay calm, it's happening. The 1975 are coming to Leeds and performing at the First Direct Arena.
Social media has been awash with videos from The 1975’s tour so far (notably Matty Healy’s autotune) and the time has finally come where we get to see the spectacle for ourselves. To say we are excited is a bit of an understatement.
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.
Wednesday 25 January 2023 from 6pm | Ox Club, The Headrow
Image: Ox Club
Bringing back the special six course tasting menu for the eighth year in a row. There’s tables all night long from 5pm – 10pm but booking is advised as this one is going to sell out fast. Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide have already given their blessing to the restaurant’s dishes, so we’re certain the quality will be worth the £65 price tag.
Monday 23 - Sunday 29 January 2023 | Trinity Kitchen
Image: Little Red Eats
New year means new Trinity Kitchen food trucks, and for the next nine weeks there’s going to be plenty of winter warmers to tuck into. Expect burgers, bhajis, bagels and everything in between from five street food vendors, including some newbies and old favourites.
Feeling hungry yet? Us two. Read all about it here.
Lone Design Club Pop-up Shop
Thursday 26 January 2023 | 27 Albion Street, Trinity Leeds
Image: Lone Design Club
This January, enter the New Year with a bang as Lone Design Club brings the best of the most exciting and up-and-coming lifestyle, home, beauty and wellness brands to Leeds in the form of a pop-up concept store.
Opening on Thursday, expect an exclusive selection of the most promising brands of the future, showcased within an interactive store, alongside a full events programme to bring you into the world of LDC’s beloved and experimental brands.
Astoria
Thursday 26 January 2023 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square
Image: Astoria
Playing their biggest show to date, Leeds-born rock and roll band, Astoria, is preparing for an intimate show to crowds like never before. Expect a night to remember featuring catching riffs, alt-rock ballads and heartfelt lyrics from Where The Light Lives, amongst other hits.
Tickets cost £7.70 and can be purchased through See Tickets.
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.
Enjoy one of the UK's top ranked Sunday Roasts
Sunday 29 January 2023 | Across Leeds
Image: The Tetley
Did you know that five Leeds' based restaurants have been ranked in the Top 15 in the whole of the UK? Rate Good Roasts provides us with an annual list of roast dinners that are well worth the type, so it would be rude not to sample one this weekend wouldn't it.
This year the top slot was given to The Hawthorn in Haworth before places like long-standing local favourites and Michelin Guide-recommended Ox Club and newcomers Braizin’ Squad over in Meanwood snook their way into the top roast list.
Sunday 29 January 2023 | Neighbourhood, Greek Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Neighbourhood Leeds, located on Greek Street, is the ultimate city centre party venue. Not only do they know how to make showstopping cocktails and delicious food, but they’re absolute professionals in the bottomless brunch sector.
And for all those ABBA fans out there, this is your lucky day as Neighbourhood are officially hosting a Mamma Mia themed Bottomless Brunch at the end of this week.
Monday 23 - Sunday 29 January 2023 | Năm Sông Caphe, New Briggate
Image: Nam Song
To help celebrate the Vietnamese Year of the Cat, Năm Sông will be hosting a Lucky Red Envelope giveaway all week. Every time you dine with them, you will receive a lucky red envelope where you will win anything from your entire meal for free, filter coffee sets, a round of drinks or even a free slice of the green mean machine Pandan Cake.
It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As Easter bank holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best bar or pub to enjoy a tipple in this spring.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
The top 10 places to cure a hangover in and around Leeds
Clementine Hall
Whether your hangover cravings are a full english or a stacked tower of pancakes, we've found the best places in Leeds to visit to cure your hangover.
Look, we've all been there. A hangover is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you use it as an opportunity to pig out on some delicious food the next day.
Luckily, the Leeds food scene is full of salty, chocolately, carb-loaded dishes that will sort you right out. So grab some paracetamol and some water and head to one of our top picks to get rid of your hangover.
Fat Hippo
Fat Hippo, Otley Road, Headingley and Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after proper dirty, stacked, greasy burgers to get your chops around - then the answer is, and always will be, Fat Hippo burger. Forget about calories, and get stuck in.
Find them in Headingley and in the city centre on Boar Lane.
Federal
Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Pretty much anything at this Aussie-inspired brunch spot will cure your heavy head, but our personal favourite is the steak and eggs. Perfectly pink and dripping in gooey egg yolk, it's a complete winner.
Nothing will soak up the sins of yesterday more than a stack of fluffy American pancakes. Top them off with crispy streaky bacon and super sweet maple syrup, and you can kiss that hangover goodbye.
At Moose you'll also find plenty of other hangover cures like huevos rancheros and fluffy french toast.
Meat:Stack
Bishopgate Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another one for the burger lovers, this Newcastle-born indie spot serve up some banging smash burgers, milkshakes, tenders and loaded fries. It's a gamble whether this will make you feel better or worse to be honest, but it's a risk we're willing to take.
Homeboy Pizza
Burley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The way to cure a hangover? Carbs, carbs and more carbs. So you can't go wrong with one of the best pizzas in Leeds at Homeboy Pizza. Order it straight to your house so you don't even have to get changed out of your pyjamas.
Alfonso's Deli
Grand Arcade
Image: The Hoot Leeds
You can't go wrong with a proper hefty sub sandwich on a hangover, and Alfonso's is serving up the best in the business. They also do some incredible breakfast bagels that paired with a strong coffee will have you back on form in no time.
Souvlaki's Corner
Dixon Lane, Leeds
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for something a little bit lighter then get your hands on a gyro from Souvlaki's Corner. This way you've got your meat and carbs, but you're also getting a few veggies to make you feel better about yourself. A win if you ask us.
House of Koko
Oakwood, Chapel Allerton and Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
When I say hangover, you say brunch. And there's no where better than the brunch GOAT's, House of Koko.
Turkish eggs, French toast, stacked breakfast burgers, you name it and they've absolutely got it. Oh and obviously you've got to order their legendary hash browns, we don't make the rules. Washed down with a Bloody Mary and you'll be ready to get back in the pub.
Noodlesta
Blenheim Terrace
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now I don't know about you, but on a hangover there's nothing that sorts me out more than a steaming hot bowl of spicy noodles. And the only place to go for this is Noodlesta where they pull your noodles fresh to order.
Located right opposite the University of Leeds' Parkinson Steps, students - this one is specifically for you after a late one at the student's union.
Chinese Salt & Pepper
New Market Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
When you're a bit worse for wear, salt and pepper chips are always the answer. This new hatch in the centre of town are serving up stacked boxes full of crispy chips, springs rolls and wontons all tossed in that magical seasoning dust that's got us in a chokehold.