Whatever the weather, we've found all the best things to do in our city.
Last week we experienced all four seasons, sometimes only an hour apart from each other, so this week, we wanted to make sure we were prepared for all eventualities.
Whether the skies are blue with sunshine cascading down as we flock to the beer garden in our masses or another bizarre snowstorm arrives and sends us all into the nearest coffee shop or museum, there's loads to get involved in as we settle into the spring months.
Keep reading to find out the best things to do in Leeds this week, according to The Hoot Leeds...
Eggcelent Easter Hunt
Thackray Museum of Medicine, Harehills | Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022.
Image: Chapter 81
This Easter, the Thackray Museum of Medicine is hosting a whole range of egg-citing activity programmes to bring the Easter holidays to life. Visitors are invited to explore the museum as part of the ‘Eggcellent Easter Egg Hunt’, in which several eggs will be hidden throughout the exhibitions, and participants asked to complete a trail to get their hands on a mini Easter treat.
Suitable for even young children, there will even be an 'Egg and Sperm Race', where players will compete to reach the egg first, and an ‘Absolutely Smashing Matching Hatching Game’, which will put your knowledge of eggs and growth in the animal kingdom to the test. Please note that parental supervision required at these events.
Monday 4 April - Friday 22 April 2022. Find out more here.
Burlesque Brunch at The Wardrobe
St Peter’s Square, Leeds City Centre | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: The Wardrobe Leeds
For those that reckon they’ve completed just about every decent bottomless brunch in Leeds, The Wardrobe is offering a chance to channel your inner Christina Aguilera and Cher whilst sipping on cocktails aplenty at their one-off Burlesque Brunch event.
Start your boozy afternoon with a one hour masterclass with burlesque performer Roxy Stardust, a “GlasVegas showgirl” described as the “Powerhouse of Scottish Burlesque” then tuck into a 90 minute bottomless brunch sitting that’s just as glamorous. Think bold flavours in cocktails like Bloody Mary’s and Aperol Spritz, selected cask and Amstel, as well as Prosecco, Orchard Thieves and your choice of brunch dish.
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane | Saturday 9 April 2022.
Image: Chapter 81
After the success of its Rum Festival in 2021, Leeds’ Corn Exchange is debuting Leeds Whisky Fest, a one-day festival that champions all things boozy. A vibrant selection of global and homegrown brands is set to take over Leeds Corn Exchange on Saturday 9 April, bringing an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world to our doorstep.
In total, there will be over 100 whiskies available on show, but you’ll only need the one entry ticket for all-access to unlimited samples, talks, masterclasses and tastings, as well as an exclusive Leeds Whisky Fest branded tasting glass and guide to take home with you after your visit.
Saturday 9 April 2022, 12-4pm or 5-9pm. Find out more here.
Seagulls Spring Market
Seagulls Reuse, Kirkstall Road | Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022.
Image: Seagulls Reuse
After the success of Seagulls' Winter Market, the organisers have decided to host a springtime second act with a whole host of indie makers and creators in attendance.
Ben from Seagulls Mosaic has organised the entire event, enlisting the help of Kirkstall Brewery and Ginny the Gin Wagon to supply afternoon tipple whilst Hu & mee offer a variety of Panda-themed items (cards, towels, mugs, you name it!); and Kat Williams, an Illustrator inspired by stories, mythology, history, education and funny animals, will be selling her bestselling prints alongside other stallholders.
Boki Ethical sell sustainable stationery, home decor and clothing. They are a creative space for standing up for causes close to their hearts like mental health awareness, environment, women’s rights and equality. Goods in General concentrate on vintage, industrial and salvaged. All items are practical, quality items saving them from landfills and ensuring they won’t be left to gather dust.
Saturday 9 April - Sunday 10 April 2022. Find out more here.
Leeds Young Film Festival
Carriageworks Theatre | Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022.
Image: Leeds Film
Families are being invited to step into the world of cinema as the Leeds Young Film Festival returns for its 24th year during the Easter Holidays. At this year’s festival, families can join the ‘Secret Silver Screen Society’ and help character Louise Le Prince and her friends save the future of film.
Following some quality family screenings, children will be challenged to bring their own stories to life, thinking up new ideas and setting off on a quest around the city. The exciting challenge will appeal to children of all ages by getting them involved and sparking their creativity. The family-friendly films selection has been specially programmed for this year and is set to captivate young audiences at the Carriageworks Theatre, with the support of the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery.
Saturday 9 April - Saturday 15 April 2022. Find out more here.
Bongos Bingo
Leeds O2 Academy, Cookridge Street | Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022.
Image: Bongos Bingo
Bongo’s Bingo is back for another round of Sunday night madness at the O2 Academy. We’ve been told that this year, Bongo’s Bingo enthusiasts should expect the same nostalgic escapism from previous shows, with the added chance of winning iconic prizes like Henry Hoovers, mobility scooters, karaoke machines and more.
In addition to the crazy prizes, crowd renditions of Mr Brightside, dance offs, and ‘hands in the air’ moments aplenty are all guaranteed to make an appearance.
Sunday 10 April and Sunday 24 April 2022. Find out more here.
Feature Image- Seagulls Reuse
Eats
Popular beer festival showcasing over 35 indie breweries is returning to Leeds this month
Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.
Beer lovers, this one's for you.
Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.
The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.
Images: Supplied
Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.
Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.
And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.
Images: Supplied
Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.
"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”
Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.
All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.
So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.
From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).
So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.
RAW Coffee
10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.
And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.
It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.
Federal
Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.
MADE
165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.
Tsujiri
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.
It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.
Cup + Lid
29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.
You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.
The Savvy Baker
27 Albion Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?
Pole Pole
60 North Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Sonder
27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.
But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.
Hii Grind
King Edward St, LS1 6BR
Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.
We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.
Sophie Smith -
4th April 2022 
