A new rental neighbourhood has popped up in the heart of the city centre - and it's so much more than just a place to rest your head.
When you move into The Junction, you get far more than just a stunning new place to live. Make the most of co-working spaces, private dining rooms, seemingly unlimited events and classes, and perhaps best of all, you'll get your very own The Junction card.
The idea is that you'll be able to eat, drink, shop, even ride and swim your way through the city for less - and champion family-run businesses and local independents that keep the city going at the same time.
From rooftop dinners overlooking the city to your lunchtime pit stop and local hairdressers, the 'Neighbourhood Heroes' as they're known just need to see your The Junction card when you visit to take advantage of exclusive offers, discounts and loyalty points.
The Junction Card is included in all resident's welcome packs so from the moment you move in, you can take advantage of your card.
Keep reading to find out more about all the exciting spots around the city to use your The Junction card and find your favourite of the Neighbourhood Heroes.
Food and Drink
You really can grab everything from dawn to dusk with The Junction card. Get your morning caffeine supply from the likes of 200 Degrees and Sociable Folkto start your day and finish off your day on the rooftop sipping cocktails at Angelicas and watch the sunset over Trinity Leeds with views stretching across the city and beyond.
Heading over to the train station? You can even take advantage of Neighbourhood Hero The Brewery Tap, home of Big Buns burgers and footy fans aplenty, for a crisp cold pint and burger loved by YouTube sensation Danny Malin from Rate My Takeaway and locals alike.
Big Buns at The Brewery Tap. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Sociable Folk. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
When the sun's shining and the beer taps are flowing and the beer garden at SALT Calls Landing is the perfect pit stop for a drink. Grab a pint and a pie for a tenner or head over to Editor's Draught for a craft beer and take advantage of the huge selection of food - including a full vegan menu.
Food wise, you're truly spoilt for choice: Ibérica, a Spanish small plates restaurant inside a gorgeous old auction house will serve up tapas aplenty (and a seriously good paella) whilst Issho, meaning 'together' in Japanese, is a must-visit for those looking for a fancy sushi dinner with a city skyline in the backdrop.
Ibérica. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fléur. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fléur, Leeds' 'most Instagrammable' restaurant, is an ideal spot for around-the-world dishes, whilst recently renovated Mad Frans hosts bottomless brunch, Sunday roasts, a wide-spanning menu of cocktails and its own 'scran menu' full of burgers, wings and fries.
Wellington Place's sophisticated bar and grill Good Luck Club is moments from The Junction and ideal for a late night dinner and drink. Nearby La Bodega on Cross Park Street is just a stroll away for some sangria, artisan cheeses and cured meats.
Shopping
Now The Junction's Neighbourhood Heroes aren't just for those wanting to eat out - there's plenty of partnering local foodie spots that allow you to shop for local produce to take back to your apartment.
Fine-dining event at The Cheesy Living Co. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Sunday Roast fondue and wine at The Cheesy Living Co. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Both Leeds Veg Box and DLR Produce, for instance, support local farmers to bring fruit and veggies to your doorstep and The Cheesy Living Co. inside the Corn Exchange is the perfect pit stop for those looking to grab a cheese board filled with cured meats, charcuterie and a whole host of pastries, chutneys and just about anything else you could possibly want to stock your cupboards with.
Owners Jake and Sophie have just restocked the 'modern kind of deli' with craft beers, a carefully curated menu of wines and spirits, as well as negronis in a tin - and if you're looking to dine in, there's always a selection of events like Sunday roast fondue and fine dining nights collaborating with esteemed Leeds foodies to make the most of too.
Plant Point inside Leeds Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to spruce up your home with some of the coolest plants about? Plant Point, also located inside the Corn Exchange, is a haven for any plant parents - and Plant Point plotted the plants you'll see throughout The Junction's social spaces, so no need to worry about your greenery fitting in at home - it'll certainly look the part!
In the Suburbs
Those looking to escape the city centre in search of new foodie favourites or shopping hotspots will be delighted to hear that The Junction's Neighbourhood Heroes span to Burley, Headingley, Adel and beyond.
Tråd Collective is ideal for stocking up on vintage, preloved and altered clothing. The sustainable fashion store hosts a coffee shop, tailors and clothes store all inside a single unit on Otley Road in Headingley, and is filled with jackets, jewellery and even prints from local artists to cover your new apartment walls with.
Tråd Collective. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Pizza Freak. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Dastaan is headed up by award-winning chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjay Gour, who have taken both London and Surrey in their stride throughout their career. They promise a taste of “Mayfair cooking at a fraction of the price”, and their fine-dining Indian cuisine certainly doesn't disappoint.
Just a short drive or bus journey from The Junction you'll find Pizza Freak, home of Detroit and NYC-style pizzas that are big on flavour and the perfect excuse for a takeaway or eat-in weekend treat.
Fitness, Wellness and Beauty
Now we all need a bit of R&R in our lives, and The Junction is ensuring that all residents are able to get their hair done, head to spin classes and even take advantage of a luxury spa and indoor swimming pool all in the heart of the city centre with exclusive offers and discounts.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Ryde Studios and Trib3 both specialise in fitness and wellness classes that get your endorphins flowing with full body workouts to the beat of catchy basses and motivating music. Meanwhile, those looking for a place to swim or hang out in the sauna can show their The Junction card at the Crowne Plaza, just a few steps away from the neighbourhood on Wellington Street.
Haircare is also taken very seriously here and Neighbourhood Heroes, The Salon, The Barbers and No. 3 Gentleman's Hairdressing have you covered - no matter whether you're looking for your usual blowdry or a fancy new 'do' for a special occasion, there's plenty of different hairdressers and barbers to choose from with The Junction card.
About The Junction
The Junction is home to 665 rental apartments, one, two and three bedroom apartments available to rent now, and seemingly endless green spaces just moments from the city centre. This luxury neighbourhood is home to its own multi-use sports pitch, co-working spaces, resident lounge, bookable private dining rooms and activities aplenty to bring together its residents with yoga, cooking classes and more.
Pop hitmaker Rick Astley is playing a few UK shows and is treating Leeds to a night of live music as part of The Reflection Tour.
Newton-le-Willows-born singer Rick Astley has achieved worldwide success, most notably with his work in the 80s alongside songwriting and production duo Stock-Aitken and Waterman.
Astley's album Whenever You Need Somebody has amassed 15 million sales across the globe and is a pivotal record that many would use to define 80s music.
On this LP is his huge hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' which dropped back in 1987, with the track gaining more attention courtesy of social media trickery.
The worldwide recognition of this hit is all down to people online who deliberately link to the music video for this song, with the term being coined 'The Rickroll'.
Now, Rick Astley is returning to Leeds and ready to play out to over 13,500 people at one of Leeds' biggest indoor arenas First Direct Arena this April.
Gig guide | Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all you need to know
Rick Astley is bringing The Reflection Tour to Leeds this April / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
Rick Astley UK tour dates
Fri 10 April - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 11 April - Newcastle, UK - Utilita Arena
Mon 13 April - Belfast, UK - SSE Arena
Tue 14 April - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Thu 16 April - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
Fri 17 April - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Sat 18 April - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Mon 20 April - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Tue 21 April - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Wed 22 April - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
Fri 24 April - Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live
Sat 25 April - London, UK - The O2
Fri 5 June - Scarborough, UK - Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Fri 19 June - Newport, UK - Isle of Wight Festival
Wed 24 June - Llangollen, UK - Llangollen Pavilion
Thu 25 June - Lincoln, UK - Lincoln Castle
Sat 27 June - Gloucester, UK - Westonbirt Arboretum
Fri 24 July - Ludlow, UK - Ludlow Castle
Sat 25 July - Sheffield, UK - Tramlines
Sat 30 August - Silverstone, UK - Carfest
Are there any tickets left for Rick Astley in Leeds?
No need to 'Cry For Help', there's plenty of tickets for Rick Astley's Leeds show at First Direct Arena and you can grab yours HERE.
It's been 'Driving Me Crazy' waiting for the right opportunity to do a little Rickrolling of my own - the actual tickets can be found HERE.
Rick Astley setlist for 2026 tour
The Reflection Tour sees Rick Astley play various shows and festivals across the UK / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
This year will mark Rick Astley's first official headline tour since 2024 meaning a full setlist is yet to be confirmed.
Here is a setlist from 2024 when the 80s performer played a series of festival sets:
Never Gonna Stop
Together Forever
Beautiful Life
It Would Take a Strong Strong Man
Dippin My Feet
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones cover)
She Wants to Dance With Me
Juice (Lizzo cover)
Forever and More
Hold Me in Your Arms
Seventeen Going Under (Sam Fender cover)
Cry For Help
Dance
Angels On My Side
Whenever You Need Somebody (O 'Chi Brown cover)
Good Times (Chic cover)
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover)
Maria Love
Never Gonna Give You Up
Stage times for Rick Astley and support act for First Direct Arena, Leeds
Doors for Rick Astley's The Reflection Tour are set to open from 6.30pm with an official starting time of 7.30pm.
Support for this show comes in the form of another celebrated UK performer who achieved prominence the decade after Astley - Gabrielle.
This R&B-pop singer is recognised for her 1993 hit 'Dreams' and is known for soundtracking the 90s and noughties with multiple chart entries throughout the decades.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
And about the rickrolling earlier... sorry not sorry.
Featured Images - Press shots via Peter Neill / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
Leeds
Ireland’s famous fast food phenomenon, the spice bag, has landed in Leeds Kirkgate Market
Clementine Hall
You can now grab the ultimate hangover cure at our very own Kirkgate Market.
And it comes from none other than The Fisherman's Wife - a Leeds institution that has been serving up fantastic fish and chips for over 60 years.
But now, they're turning their attention to spice bags.
If you have no idea what we're talking about then allow us to fill you in. And we'd recommend pouring yourself an ice cold glass of water, because it's about to get real salty up in here.
The spice bag is an Irish delicacy that is often devoured after a few Guinness on the streets of Dublin, for example.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It consists of shredded and battered chicken, chips, onions and peppers - all deep fried, loaded into a bag and tossed in lashings of salt and pepper seasoning.
Oh, and of course dipped or lathered in a sauce of your choosing. The classic being curry sauce, obviously.
It's been available in Leeds once before at a pop-up in Trinity Kitchen, but now The Fisherman's Wife is here to make them a permanent option for anyone with that salty craving.
You've got a couple of flavours to choose from too, including peri-peri, plain, salt & chilli and of course the classic salt & pepper.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can then add a drizzle of sriracha, curry sauce (obviously) or sticky honey if you're looking for that sweet and salty balance.
The best part? They're selling these for just £6.50.
So next time you've had a few too many the night before, get yourself to The Fisherman's Wife inside Leeds Kirkgate Market's food hall and get yourself a spice bag. You'll be cured in no time.
Sophie Smith -
9th May 2023 
