New openings, foodie pop-ups, unmissable art exhibitions and so much more happening this week in our vibrant city.
We're officially into the Summer months now and there's so many exciting things to get up to.
If you're not jetting off to somewhere exotic this week then absolutely no fear, as Leeds is bursting at the seams with music gigs, exhibitions and foodie events that you absolutely do not want to miss.
Once again, we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Sakku Samba Bradford Opening
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | The Broadway Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
SAKKU Leeds is known for their impeccable, all-you-can-eat dining concept where guests can tuck into as much food as they want in the given time frame.
And now they are opening up a new Sakku Samba in Bradford, with their grand opening taking place this Tuesday. Expect sushi rolls, bao buns and Japanese grill galore.
Book your table to this exciting new opening here.
Queens of the Stone Age
Tuesday 20 June 2023 | The Piece Hall, Halifax
Image: Wikicommons
The American rock band are still going strong after almost 30 years together. Only a few weeks ago the band’s first single since 2017 Emotion Sickness was released, along with an official announcement of the album In Times New Roman…so this tour comes with high hopes of tunes new and old
Tickets are still available and can be bought via Ticketmaster.
Flatbreads, rare-breed meats cooked mangal-style, house-made pickles and skewers - Ox Club will be collaborating with everyone's favourite Leeds street food legends Mor Mor.
The one-off seven course tasting menu is set to be a night of culinary excellence, tickets are selling fast so act fast and get yours here.
Summer Solstice: Asian Music Festival
Wednesday 21 June – Thursday 22 June 2023 | Leeds Corn Exchange
Image: Qais Essar
Lunchtime recitals, Indo-Jazz tunes to wash away the day, and as night falls, the Corn Exchange will celebrate the Summer Solstice with sweet melodies. Whether you come to see award-winning musician Qais Essar playing on 2,500-year-old instrument or just popping in for a cuppa and staying for an hour to listen to the music, it promises to be a day to remember.
Find out more here.
Afra Eisma: splashdown tender launch
Friday 23 June 2023 | The Tetley, Hunslet Road
Image: Supplied, The Tetley
The Tetley presents splashdown tender, artist Afra Eisma’s first UK solo exhibition. The artist, who is based in the Netherlands, transforms The Tetley, with textile works spilling out across the galleries, accompanied by soft sculptures, sound installations and ceramics.
A sense of fun is essential to the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to sit and rest on, feel and cuddle, interact and participate with the central artwork on display in the Atrium. Entry is free and the exciting exhibition runs until October. Read more about it here.
With a deep baritone voice and heartfelt lyrics, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man has been capturing the nation’s attention for a good decade now. His album Life by Misadventure debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became the fastest-selling album by a solo artist in 2021.
One of Leeds' best beer gardens Water Lane Boathouse are hosting a series of summer pop-ups which are enough to get any foodies excited. This week they are hosting KOBEN subs and sarnies, created by the masterminds behind Thiccc Sauce.
Expect unreal sarnies and piled-high subs, all alongside a selection of delicious tipples from Water Lane. Can you think of a better weekend activity? We definitely can't.
A new hacienda hangout has landed in our city and we're sure it's going to be the place to be this summer.
There's only one thing better then a bar, and that is a rooftop bar. And that's everything that Azotea is and more.
To put it bluntly, entering this venue which is on top of the Hyatt Hotel on Sovereign Street will get you instantly feeling like you're on Love Island.
We're talking fire pits, plush booth seating, lavish greenery and plenty of rattan - the interior really is stunning.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's two massive rooftops which offer jaw dropping views of the city, as well as one long dining room and bar area for when it gets a bit chilly (which let's be honest, is the majority of the time).
Azotea is bringing a slice of Latin America to the city, with a menu inspired by 33 countries.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Expect Mexican street food, Brazilian sharing steaks, Caribbean small plates and so much more to dig your teeth into whilst enjoying the beautiful setting.
There's also a cracking cocktail list for those sun set drinks with friends, of course.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you are wanting to sit outside on one of the bigger tables, it won't come cheap as Azotea will be requesting deposits for group bookings over eight as well as minimum spends.
However, for a special occasion there really isn't anything like it in the city and the views themselves make it worth the money.
Azotea is now open, and you can find out more about the venue and book your table here.
Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
Clementine Hall
Leeds is bursting at the seams with new openings, and we're here to tell you all about them.
The start of 2025 has brought a whole lot of newness to the city, from a brilliant new bakery to a gorgeous independent book shop, it's giving us lots to brag about.
But if you've been living under a rock for the past two months (and to be honest we don't blame you for doing so), then allow us to show off for a minute about five of our favourites.
So, without further ado...
Next Chapter Books
Ground floor of The Corn Exchange
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a book worm or reading more is one of your goals for 2025, then you’re going to want to pay a visit to Next Chapter Books.
Located inside the wonderful Corn Exchange, this cosy spot celebrates women-led books and businesses and it's truly something special.
Serving up coffee and soon wine, we can’t think of a better way to browse books and to interact with like minded people.
BAKE
Mustard Approach, Lockside, Holbeck, LS1 4EY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the mastermind behind Things In Bread and Doh'hut comes BAKE, a nostalgic British bakery concept serving up all your classic bakes with a refined twist.
We're talking cheese twists, vanilla slices, chicken bakes and weekly specials which will get you forgetting Greggs ever even existing.
Get there early though, because it's so good that their bakes are selling out day in and day out.
Aesop
25-29 County Arcade Victoria Leeds, LS2 7AU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Aesop has chosen Leeds for its first ever northern store, and we're very excited about it indeed.
This beautiful new store has everything you already know and love about Aesop including their iconic soaps, incense, shampoos, home fragrances, hand creams and skincare - the list goes on.
So if you're feeling a bit smelly, get yourself to Aesop and they'll sort you right out.
Sostrene Grene
4 Commercial St, LS1 6AL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The iconic Danish homeware store has finally landed in Leeds, and yes we have already spent most of our pay check in there.
From crafts to crockery to cooking equipment, and with a gorgeous range of stationery and gifts too, here’s where you can buy yourself loads of well-deserved treats and still have money to spare at the end of it.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit this weekend, make sure you check it out.
Green Room
36 Wellington St, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everyone's favourite night time venue is back and literally bigger and better than ever before after a sparkling new refurb.
We're talking an extended bar area, a groovy basement cocktail bar as well as improvements to their already amazing rooftop terrace.
It's the place to be for a great night out in the city, go check it out for yourselves.
Clementine Hall -
19th June 2023 
