The best things to do during the week and long weekend.
Yet again, it's a busy week in Leeds, despite being a five day week (we could get used to these four day ones). Whether you're celebrating pay day at the weekend or looking forward to some R&R as the kids return to school, we've rounded up all the best things going on in and around Leeds to get involved in.
Keep reading to find out what our top picks of things to do in Leeds are.
Sukhothai 2002 menu
Regent Street Chapel Allerton | Tuesday 26 April – Sunday 1 May 2022.
Image: PGHL
It’s been 20 years since much-loved Thai restaurant Sukhothai opened its doors for the very first time. To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the restaurant is throwing it back to 2002 and bringing back their original menu to celebrate.
Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, succulent lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a sizzling hot plate. The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.
Tuesday 26 April – Sunday 15 May 2022. Find out more here.
90s Bottomless Brunch at Manahatta
Merrion Street, Leeds city centre | Friday 29 April 2022
Image: Manahatta
Introducing a one-off bottomless brunch to the menu, Manahatta is set to host a boozy experience that’ll bring the likes of the Spice Girls, Barbie and TLC back to the DJ deck. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged: think scrunchies, crimped hair and sporadic neon and acid wash designs are likely to make an appearance on Greek Street, Merrion Street and in Headingley during this bottomless 90s party- the only rule Manahatta impose is ‘No Scrubs’.
Manahatta Headingley, Merrion St in Leeds and York will all host the 90s bottomless on Friday 29 April 2022 at 19.30pm, whilst those visiting the nearby city of Harrogate will have to wait until Sunday 1 May at 16.30pm to pair their old crimpers and capri pants with cocktails and Coors. Tickets cost from £30.95, but are extremely limited, so booking is heavily advised.
Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock | Saturday 30 April 2022
Image: Sausage and Cider Festival
There’s a multitude of flavours, spices, sizes and shapes on offer at the Sausage and Cider Festival and Leeds’ foodies are encouraged to take advantage of the vast options available. Hosted at Royal Armouries for a one-day-only festival, meet meat lovers and cider conesseuirs alike.
If that’s not enough, local musicians and some of the UK’s best tribute acts will be taking to the stage to keep visitors on their feet all afternoon and evening long. The final tickets are now on sale and with many slots now filled, you will be more limited if you’re booking last minute. From £15 each, find out which tickets are still available on the Sausage and Cider Festival website.
Waterlane Boat House, | Saturday 30 April – Sunday 1 May 2022
Image: Sabroso Street
This three day event will have plenty to tuck into all bank holiday weekend. Each day food, live music and the all important tequila shots will be lined up from 12pm, with free entry all day long. Bringing the food to Waterlane Boat House on the Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May is Sabroso Street, a causal Mexican in Farsley that’s big on flavour.
Produced in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains in Mexico, Cazcabel Tequila is a Blue Weber Agave crafted spirit that’ll provide the perfect shot for the occasion. This said, they’re pretty passionate about tall drinks and cocktails too, so we imagine the pop-up Cazabel bar will stock everything needed to make the perfect sunny afternoon tipple: whatever your preference.
Saturday 30 April - Monday 2 May 2022. Find out more here.
SALT Leeds Bottomless Brunch
East Parade, Leeds City Centre | Sunday 1 May 2022
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opting for a sophisticated selection of cheese and charcuterie, SALT has joined forces with The Cheesy Living Co., a local independent that strive to bring the tastiest, smelliest and most exciting cheeses from around the world to our city. Drinkswise, choose from classic sunshine-inspired drinks like Aperol Spritz and Blood Orange Margaritas alongside gin-infused Bramble cocktails and free-flowing Prosecco. Lager lovers will be delighted to see both Jute Session IPA and Yøn lager on the bottomless menu too.
Launching during the May bank holiday on Sunday 1 May with the added advantage of a Monday off-work the following day, the SALT Leeds City bottomless brunch is available at the set times of 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm and 1.30pm, each lasting ninety minutes each with a cost of £34.95 per person.
Temple Arches, Leeds City Centre | Thursday 28 April – Sunday 1 May 2022.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
After a full line-up over Easter weekend, the newly-renovated Chow Down will be hosting a range of incredible events until September, there’s going to be so much to enjoy for 2022 at Temple Arches.
Hosting a summer themed haven with a new food village, three-tier sun terrace, DJ huts and crazy golf: Chow Down is the giant beer garden with far more to offer than just drinks. A nine-hole alfresco crazy golf course is making an appearance for the very first time for those looking to make a tee whilst sipping on cocktails and pints in the sunshine.
Of course, Chow Down’s foodie line-up is equally as important to Leeds as its musical headliners, and this year, there’s plenty of new street food to tempt you over to Temple Arches too.
Thursday 14 April – Saturday 30 April 2022. Find out more here.
Feature
North Star Coffee is expanding and opening two new sites in Leeds city centre this summer
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And there's just no stopping them, as North Star is expanding into both Great George Street and the historic Victoria Quarter. Hurrah!
The Great George Street site will open as a takeaway-focused kiosk and retail store, designed to slot into your every day morning routine for that quick on-the-go brew.
They'll also be serving up house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes, and a curated selection of retail coffee, brewing equipment, and accessories.
The Victoria Quarter location will offer similar, set amongst the Quarter’s tiled arcades and heritage storefronts, the site will reflect a more visible presence for the business within Leeds’ evolving food and drink landscape.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible.As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Sophie Smith -
24th April 2022 
