There’s no denying 2023 is Leeds’ year and lots going on for you to enjoy.
If you visit the city in the coming months you’ll be able to enjoy one of the activities from the rich programme of events scheduled as part of Leeds 2023. You can enjoy a major Yorkshire culture trip by indulging in one of the many, many community-focused activities and festivals.
All aiming to ensure people are shouting loud and proud about Leeds. And, why shouldn’t they be? I’ll get this out of the way early doors, I’m Manchester born and bred. I know we should be battling away but I’m not here for any War of The Roses.
Read more: 70 new acts added to Leeds Festival 2023 line up
Leeds is too finer a place to live and work for such puerile things. Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of leading the LeedsLive coverage on the entertainment and event offering in the city. While Leeds might be somewhat compact compared to some of the UK’s bigger cities it packs a cultural punch few can rival.
For me personally, the city’s music scene is something I love. From rites of passage experience like Leeds Festival at Bramham Park to having one of the most renowned venues in the country, in the shop of Brudenell Social Club, this city never misses a beat.
Apologies for that pun, but one of the beauties of the music scene in Leeds is how every taste and genre is welcome without discrimination. Of course, as well as more niche events, we have the privilege of welcoming some world famous superstars to Leeds First Direct Arena every week.
There’s arguably nothing quite like the spectacle of Leeds West Indian Carnival. A huge annual parade and party celebrating a huge part of identity and belonging in Leeds. I lived in Harehills for a couple of years and carnival was the best part of the year and something truly special.
The culinary scene is also of a sublime quality which puts Leeds on the map and receives admiring glances from all around. The Man Behind The Curtain is one of the most unique restaurants you could wish to fine and regularly showered with praise from award judges.
More and more we are seeing a multitude of cuisines championed in Leeds. Even last weekend, it was lovely to write a story on father and son team Cezar Javier and Isaac Javier opening Kanto. A new Beeston restaurant producing authentic Philippines, Korea and Japan dishes.
I guess given my job, I should really offer a few tips on my favourite places to dine in Leeds. If you love Mexican then you simply have to visit Lupe’s Cantina while my favourite Italian is LIVIN’Italy, the charmingly quaint restaurant based under the Leeds Train Station arches and I adore a good communal curry experience with friends. In my opinion, there’s none better than Bengal Brasserie - either at their Leeds city centre branch or the one a (admittedly hearty) stones throw away from the wonderful Roundhay Park.
I’d always recommend you travel the globe all under the roof of Kirkgate Market with the fine array of street food stalls putting that bland supermarket meal deal to shame each lunchtime. The independent spirit Leeds is famous for is on show across the road from the market at the Corn Exchange. Where you’ll find so many wonderful delights and trinkets - as well as the most obscure vinyl records imaginable.
After all that traipsing around the city centre you more than deserve a pint. Whitelock’s Ale House hidden away off Briggate will more than welcome you or if you fancy a bottomless brunch Greek Street will deliver some of the finest espresso martinis imaginable. Don’t forget, you can also don whichever fancy dress costume you wish and join the masses on the Otley Run each weekend.
For me, following the sad closure of the 1990s Italian football themed bar Golaccio (as I said, you can really be yourself in Leeds) my favourite places to drink in Leeds would be the ever versatile Belgrave Music Hall, the gig venue with a rooftop offering panoramic views of Leeds, or nearby Social. Perhaps followed by a quick stop in Verve. Where, no matter what time of the day, you can guarantee there will be people dancing on tables to the best of indie 2004.
As I said earlier, in Leeds, you are free to be whatever you want to be and Viaduct Showbar, based right in the heart of Leeds city centre, is a shining light in our hospitality sector allowing people from the lgbtqia+ community to be themselves without prejudice. Arguably, Viaduct is Leeds’ most important bar.
And, even after all experiences, serious and playful, I'd still happily squeeze in a show at Leeds Grand Theatre or Leeds Playhouse while Hyde Park Picture House will forever be my favourite cinema. Oh...and there's a football club I believe that's got a bit of a following.
That's just some of the things I love about Leeds and, the joy is, your favourite things about the city could well be completely different. If that is the case, that only further emphasises what a wonder Leeds truly is.
To find out the latest event news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.
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