From a festival celebrating the wonderful world of whisky to a Pup-up Cafe dedicated to Dachsund's, there’s so much to do in and around Leeds this week.
We're kicking off the Spring season with a brilliant week full of festivals, food and fun.
Photography lovers out there are in for a treat as Photo North Festival is being held at The Faversham this year and it's set to be a fantastic weekend celebrating world renowned photographers and emerging artists.
And it doesn't stop there, there's some brilliant gigs taking place this week as well as Leeds Whisky Festival and a cafe dedicated to dogs. Keep reading to find out more.
Deaf Havana
Wednesday 22 March 2023 | Leeds University Stylus, Leeds
Image: Deaf Havana, Facebook
There’s not many rock bands that span across three decades of non-stop releases, but Deaf Havana is the exception to the rule. With seven albums, eight EPs and more hit singles than we can remember, Deaf Havana promise a night of new tunes and old favourites alike as the two-piece-band kick off their UK tour at Leeds University Stylus, with support from The LaFontaines and Sick Joy.
Thursday 23 March 2023 | Inside Meanwood Tavern, Meanwood
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Offering a carefully-selected menu of delicious Detroit-style pizzas, the popular pizza joint has everything you’d possibly want from a lunchtime snack or dinner time treat.
The popularity for the sellout pizzas speaks volumes for itself, but there’s never been a better time to head down to Meanwood Tavern and give these slices a taste-test with the return of the Slice Safari – which gives you access to any of the pizzas as a XXXL slice for a fiver.
Friday 24 - Sunday 26 March 2023 | The Faversham, Woodhouse
Image: Photo North Festival
Photo North Festival is back for its fourth year and this year it is being held at the Faversham in Leeds. Building on the success of previous years, this unique photography event is aimed at the professional photographer, art-enthusiast, keen amateur and students.
Expect a sensational display of exhibitions from world renowned photographers and emerging artists, interesting talks, workshops, film screenings, book / print signings and portfolio reviews.
After the festival’s triumphant success in 2022, Leeds’ Corn Exchange is bringing back 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 25 March, bringing an impressive line-up of whiskies from all over the world to our doorstep. The whisky will be accompanied by entertainment, music and delicious food from levantine-inspired kitchen MorMor – providing whisky enthusiasts with an all-round, immersive and fun experience.
Sunday 26 March 2023 from 10.30am | Revolution Electric Press, Leeds city centre
Image: Pup-Up Cafe
Walk through the doors into the fairground-themed bar of Revolution Electric Press and wander between dog-friendly stalls stocking everything from a puppacino to luxury dog collars, and that’s before you’ve seen the many, many Dashchund’s making friends inside the venue.
Find out more here.
Fondue Sunday Lunch
Sunday 26 March 2023 at 12pm and 2pm | Cheesy Living Co, Corn Exchange
Image: The Hoot Leeds
£20 per person gets you a fondue for two (or more) filled in the classic Swiss style with melted cheese, then your table is filled with roast dinner staples like rosemary potatoes dusted in paprika, half roasted garlic and of course, Yorkshire puddings.
Then you can build on your roast selection as you see fit to make up the ultimate roast dinner, adding a board of Lishman’s cold cut roast ham and beef; honey roasted carrots and parsnips; stuffing balls or even a DIY cauliflower cheese offering to dip into the Alpine-style fondue pot and cover in as much cheese as possible.
Sunday 26 March 2023 | Leeds University Stylus, Leeds
Image: Jack Garratt, Facebook
English singer songwriter Jack Garratt rose to fame in 2016 when he won the coveted Critic's Choice award at the Brit Awards. On this tour he will be performing all of his dance classics as well as tracks from his new album "Love, Death and Dancing".
Summer is drawing to a close, and another new month is here.
After six long weeks of the summer holidays, children across Leeds are finally heading back to school for a new academic year from this week… but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still lots of exciting events in the social calendar to be getting up to now that ‘normality’ has resumed.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our 'what's on' guide.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
DogFest
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 September 2024 | Harewood House
Image: DogFest
Grab your furry friend, because ‘DogFest’ is taking over Harewood House this weekend.
A full two-day festival entirely dedicated to dogs is happening this weekend, and if you’re a dog lover you certainly won’t want to miss out. The UK’s ultimate dog-friendly festival, invites you to a weekend filled with fun and excitement, from thrilling dog displays and expert advice, to shopping opportunities and delicious food.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here via the DogFest website.
Leeds International Beer Festival
Thursday 5 - Sunday 8 September | Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Leeds International Beer Festival
The long-awaited annual four day festival is back, celebrating and promoting craft beer brewed in the UK and overseas.
And not only that, expect a delicious street food market, live music and all sorts of lovely beer related things.
It's your last few days to enjoy this pop-up bar in City Square and if you haven't visited yet then we highly recommend you do.
Expect refreshing cocktails, epic tunes and ultimate vibes - the perfect way to see off an incredible summer.
Stuzzi lunch deal
Wednesday 4 - Friday 6 September | Grand Arcade
Good news because you can now get your Stuzzi fix for less, as acclaimed restaurant announces new affordable lunchtime offering. The menu features two courses for £18.50 or three courses for £23.50, what a bargain.
Showcasing simple, authentic dishes with quality ingredients such as cacio e pepe made with homemade pasta and a perfectly cooked Onglet steak - this lunch will blow any meal deal out of the water.
The best things to do in and around Leeds this week | 22 – 28 July 2024
Clementine Hall
School is nearly out for the summer.
As little ones across our region break up for the school holidays this week, and July begins to draw to a close, it seems like the sunshine season has finally arrived…
And with it, the Leeds social calendar is packed full of exciting things to get up to.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? As always, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘ what’s on ‘ guide.
The Vietnamese restaurant has already made a huge name for itself over in Headingley, and now they'll be opening a city centre spot slap bang in the Merrion Centre so you don't have to go far for your Pho needs.
Opening this Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests can grab themselves 30% off all food and drink during the whole first week. Now that is a bargain.
The inaugural 'Live At Kirkstall Abbey' summer series is starting this week, and you absolutely do not want to miss out on these outdoor gigs.
Kicking off from Friday a trio of thoughtfully-curated shows encompassing music and comedy is taking over the Leeds landmark for three days of nonstop entertainment.
Thursday 25 July | Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Road
Image: Russel Crowe
It may not be the place you’d expect, but actual Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is heading to Leeds for a gig this week.
After first kicking things off in the Irish capital of Dublin at the prestigious Gaiety Theatre, Russell and his band of talented live instrumentalists – whose relationships with the actor-turned-musician all go back 30 years – will be making their way over to us in Leeds at the Brudenell Social Club.
One of Europe’s largest parks has just opened a fun new sculpture trail perfect for the whole family. The new attraction has been created by Yorkshire chainsaw artist, Shane Green.
Known as the ‘Yorkshire Carver’, Green has transformed felled beech trees into gorgeous sculptures of owls, herons, butterflies, fish and more. He has created a total of 16 tree sculptures for visitors to discover and marvel at throughout the 700-acre park.
Did someone say thirsty Thursday? Yep, Leeds’ newest wood-fire kitchen and bar Galleria did.
They’re making Thursday the new Friday with their brand new Bottomless Thursday deal. We’re talking two dishes plus unlimited drinks for a whopping 90 minutes, where you can pick from a huge menu of tipples including Aperol spritzes, spicy margaritas, espresso martinis and negronis.
Food wise you can pick one of their iconic wood-fired flatbreads as well as a seasonal plate, from fresh salads to wood-fired chicken with home fries.
The perfect pre-gig fuel before heading into Project House or just because you fancy breaking the rules and playing out on a weekday, book your table here.
Graduation menu at Cut and Craft
Monday – Friday throughout July | 23 King Edward St, LS1 6AX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It’s time to say cheers to the class of 2024, and where better than Cut and Craft.
For just £45 per person, enjoy three courses plus a complimentary glass of Prosecco to toast to the class of 2024 with your loved ones on your special day.
Of course their steaks are a cut above the rest, but there’s an option to suit everyone from a delicate fillet of sea bass to sizzling halloumi fajitas.
To find out more and to book your table for the big day, take a look at their website.
Clementine Hall -
20th March 2023 
