The Italian Aperitivo Terrace hidden in the Leeds suburbs
If you've ever dined at Culto, you'll be able to imagine the fresh smell of cheese, meats and bruschetta across the veranda as you while away the evening, Limoncello cocktail in hand.
"Our @verandaleeds is back for another summer season! #Meanwood, we have some big news! Don’t make any plans for this weekend. The weather looks promising so we’ve decided not to wait any longer and open for a trial run this weekend!
"Come join us at our beautiful Italian Aperitivo Terrace from 12PM until 9PM this Saturday and Sunday - no bookings needed. Expect all sorts of fancy Italian cocktails (if you haven’t tried our frozen Limoncello granita last year - it’s a must!!! ), antipasti, sharing platters, lots of new specials and good vibes only".
Inspired by the bold colours and seaside of the Amalfi coast, Veranda is the summer pop-up from Culto Meanwood, perfect to soak up all of the summer sun.
Image: Veranda
Last year, the sun trap was open weekdays from 5pm and midday at the weekend, with post-work drinks and light bites both available until until 10pm as long as the sun is shining - but this weekend is just a trial run, open Come join us at our beautiful Italian Aperitivo Terrace from 12PM until 9PM this Saturday and Sunday.
If you've ever dined at Culto, you'll be able to imagine the fresh smell of cheese, meats and bruschetta across the veranda as you while away the evening, Limoncello cocktail in hand.
Feast your eyes on sharing platters and graze on homemade focaccia. We're guessing based on last year's options, expect Burrata cheese balls, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and a selection of Italian antipasti, designed for either two or four at a time, with vegan alternatives for those dining on a plant-based diet.
Image: Veranda
Cocktail-wise you're spoilt for choice. There's frozen cocktails perfect for a hot summers afternoon in both Italian favourite flavours: Limoncello and Aperol Spritz.
There's Italian-inspired drinks aplenty, like the La Dolce Vita Spritz is a concoction of Malfy Gin con Arancia, prosecco and limonata, Limoncello Martinis and staples like Garibaldis and Campari Spritz ready to transport the senses to the coastline.
Naturally Peroni and Birra Moretti make it on to the drinks list alongside a considered wine menu and proper coffee choices too.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Sophie Smith -
19th May 2023 
