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.
Feature
Inside Azotea – Leeds’ newest Latin American rooftop bar and restaurant
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 -
22nd July 2024 
