We hope the transition into the new year has been a smooth one, and if you're looking for things to get up to this week then we've got you covered.
January can sometimes be a bit glum, but it doesn't have to be. There's loads going in and around the city which will make sure that you've started off 2023 in the best way possible.
From midweek yoga to star studded concerts and incredible foodie deals, there's something for everyone to get stuck into this January. Keep reading to see our top picks...
Up to 50% off food and drink in Leeds: January Offers
Monday 9 January – Tuesday 31 January 2023 | Around 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.
Visit Things In Bread
Tuesday 10 - Sunday 15 January 2023 | Boar Lane, Leeds city centre
Image: Things In Bread
The people behind sweet treat favourite Doh’hut have opened an entire store dedicated to sarnies. Named ‘Things in Bread’, this is their first full week being open and it's definitely worth the trip.
Expect “Classic Proper British Sandwiches , Egg & Cress, BLT , Ham and Cheese & loads more…. sounds basic while I’m writing this but I promise you these sandwiches are anything but! If you’ve had our sandwiches you know we do them right & so excited to finally have the space to do them better than ever. Made to order & bread baked fresh every day! Works begin asap and hope to get open as soon as we can!”
Thursday 12 January 2023 | Northern Monk Refectory, Holbeck
Image: Skiddle
Paint your way through Thursday night and create your own version of Andrew Sales’s Van Gogh-inspired Starry Night over Leeds. Painting in blue and green, it’s an opportunity to unleash your creative side with a glass of wine in one hand and paint brush in the other.
Just because you’re doing Dry January, there’s no reason to skip the pub. In fact, it’s more important than ever to support hospitality after the winter. So why skip the pub crawl if you’re not drinking? There’s loads of non-alcoholic options in Leeds, all from the bars that need your support- seems pretty win, win if you ask us.
Take a look at our list of places to try out on your pub crawl, and the non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic drinks to try out in Leeds city centre.
Leeds Board Game Fest
Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 January 2023 | Hyde Park Book Club, Headingley
Image: Cards or Die
Organisers Cards or Die are passionate about bringing people together through board games. They will be bringing a selection of games to Hyde Park Book Club this weekend for you to get involved in. Or if you were kindly given a new board game for Christmas, then bring it along and take it for a spin.
For more information and to book your ticket, take a look at the event's website.
Lewis Capaldi Live
Saturday 14 January 2023 | First Direct Arena, Leeds city centre
Image: Skiddle
The Scottish singer will be tackling a massive 31-date arena tour, including a night at the First Direct Arena in January. He also confirmed a new album is finally on the way, with Broken By Desire to be Heavenly Sent set for release on 19 May 2023. The Someone You Loved songwriter recently made his long-awaited return to music with the release of single Forget Me, which marked his third UK number one.
Monday 9 January 2023 | The Wardrobe, St Peter’s Square
Image: Gabrielle Aplin, Facebook
To celebrate the release of her new album, Phosphorescent, The Power Of Love singer will be on stage at The Wardrobe for a special Intimate Launch show from 7pm and signing albums in the venue after her performance.
£25 Bottomless Roast Dinner
Every Sunday throughout January | Neighbourhood, Greek Street
Every Sunday for a full 90 minutes enjoy bottomless Prosecco, gin, pink gin, vodka, rum, seasonal cocktails and beer with your roast. Now that’s what we call a Sunday Funday Neighbourhood.
Choose from Roast Topside Beef, Roast Chicken Breast or Zucchini & Cashew Bake with roast potatoes, mash potatoes, a huge Yorkshire pudding, parsnips, carrots, cabbage and the best part – bottomless gravy.
Plus you can use the link in on our Instagram page to book for only £25pp – Available every Sunday until 29th Jan 2023.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long
Clementine Hall
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Clementine Hall -
9th January 2023 
