Nothing beats a pint by the water. and this essential guide rounds up the best riverside bars and pubs in Leeds and across West and North Yorkshire. Picture this. Sunshine, a cold pint in hand, and the gentle ripple of water in front of you. That’s peak living. And when the weather plays ball, there are plenty of top-tier spots to soak it all in — from buzzing city centre terraces to laid-back suburban pubs and scenic countryside gems. Here’s where to grab a drink by the wate

My Delhi is heading to Leeds. The hugely popular brand, with over 300,000 social followers, has secured a prime city centre spot at Hepper House on East Parade. The stunning Grade II listed building, formerly home to Iberica is set to be transformed into My Delhi’s biggest and most ambitious restaurant yet. Already a hit in Newcastle, Sunderland and Leicester, My Delhi has built its name on bold, authentic flavours inspired by the streets of India’s capital. The Leeds venue w

The Ivy Collection has unveiled a special weekend of celebrations for Mother’s Day 2026, with elegant dining experiences available on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March. Famous for its glamorous interiors and refined seasonal British dishes, the restaurant group has created two bespoke menus for the occasion. To make the celebration even more memorable, every mum dining across the weekend will be gifted a beautiful bunch of tulips along with a box of The Ivy Chocolate Truffl

Restaurant Bar & Grill in Leeds has unveiled an all-new menu that celebrates the finest flavours from land and sea with a curated fusion of global cuisine. Celebrating the very best of the season, the menu pairs much-loved classics with modern touches that bring fresh energy to every dish. The 26 Collection offers a specially selected starter and main for £26, delivering standout dining at exceptional value. Even better, birthday guests can enjoy The 26 Collection complimenta

The award-winning restaurant Domo, which has been delighting diners in Sheffield since 2019, is due to launch in Leeds, bringing a taste of Sardinia. With their passion for traditional Sardinian food, co-owners Sarah Elliott-Busceddu and Raffaele Busceddu are transforming Tower Works into a 2,841-square-foot canal-side venue that can accommodate 95 diners, including 25 outside. With foods that are rarely found outside of the island and are prepared exclusively in-house, Domo

When it comes to Sunday Roasts, Leeds has really improved. 2026 offers some amazing options all across the city if you want to avoid the kitchen and go directly into the Yorkshires. Locating a Bottomless Sunday Roast in Leeds has never been simpler, regardless of your preference for a classy restaurant or a bustling location on Greek Street. We've compiled a list of the top spots to book a table and detailed which offers include free beverages and which ones prioritise bottom

With a plethora of new shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues constantly poised to open, Leeds is a city that has its finger on the pulse. We've compiled a list of five of the most intriguing new businesses that will be launching in the next months, ranging from healthy twists on delicious sweets to lively new eateries and wellness centers that assist you in reaching your objectives. Which one excites you the most? Burgerism Burgerism had a delivery kitchen in Leeds, as

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash-hit musical  SIX  makes its royal return to Leeds following four sell-out visits! Winner of 26 major international awards including the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, double winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Best West End Show’ and a Gold-Disk winning album, this sell-out Tudor take-off has ‘an incredibly strong and powerful message’ (Australian) and is ‘pure ente

Following last year’s sell-out world tour, Troy Hawke is back to his globe-sweeping in 2026 with new show Never Stop, Never Change! Angry security guards, barked compliments and crossed wires abound as Troy navigates various conversational minefields, both online and in real life. “I like the videos but how does it translate to the stage?” Come and find out for yourself. City Varieties Music Hall 02 Oct 2026

The smash-hit, internationally acclaimed, award-winning, multi-sell-out phenomenon is back. Our cast will present an unconventional, no-holds-barred interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, with a tipsily tragic take on William Shakespeare’s most iconic roll call of characters: from a rat-arsed Romeo to a juiced-up Juliet, a trollied Tybalt or a mashed-up Mercutio, along with enough booze to sterilise a brewery floor. This will be a tragedy like no other – the cup overfloweth. The

Straight off the back of Taskmaster, A League Of Their Own, and Last One Laughing, Maisie Adam is back with her brand-new show Whatsherface. Join the “tall, chaotic one with the weird hair”* as she returns with her trademark wit, firecracker gags, and probably a few angry outbursts along the way. Leeds Grand Theatre 24 Sep 2026

I definitely don’t know what’s going on. I’m not even sure I know what’s happening anymore. BUT I cannot wait to come to your town and respect your traditions. I have been on TV over five times. May I divulge a secret? I have purchased a large metal ring. I will use it to keep all of the keys to the city that are given to me by the mayors I impress with my showmanship. Live comedy is straight up amazing because people gather to watch it in a spectacular setting rather than og

Direct from the West End, Emerald Storm is the electrifying new dance phenomenon from Adam Garcia, the acclaimed stage and screen star behind some of theatre’s biggest hits. Fusing the fire of Irish dance with the grit of urban tap, this high-octane production explodes with rhythm, passion and pure spectacle. Defying tradition and reimagining the genre, Emerald Storm delivers thunderous footwork, heart-pounding choreography and a visual feast of movement and sound that pulls

Join Jonathan Pie as he road-tests brand new material for his forthcoming national tour. Jonathan Pie is coming to terms with the horror of Keir Starmer’s Labour and the fact that he voted for it. Meanwhile, Reform are waiting in the wings and Elon Musk is pulling the strings. The far-right are on the march, Trump’s having a ball and the woke left still haven’t worked out how to get their head out their own arses. The climate is collapsing, AI is about to rule and ruin your l

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases. For over a decade, Peter worked undercover, posing as everything from drug dealers to

Following smash-hit runs in London and New York, the WhatsOnStage Best New Musical winner, Heathers: The Musical is coming to Leeds. Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. That is until JD turns up, the myste

The Karate Kid: The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and raw, energetic storytelling. At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s ab

Fear will hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. The acclaimed stage production of the hit movie returns. Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone. Andy strikes up an unlikely friendship with the prison fixer Red, and things start to take a slight turn for the better. However, when Warde

Get your party on with Here & Now, the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Hailed as the ‘biggest jukebox hit since MAMMA MIA!‘ (Sun), don’t miss this feel-good celebration of love and friendship as it tours the UK and Ireland following a record-breaking world premiere. It’s Friday night and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever a

‘The most feel-good show in town’ (Daily Mail) has spread nostalgia and laughs throughout the UK and has the seal of approval from Victoria’s own colleagues and school chums. Featuring the star of BBC1’s All Together Now, Paulus The Cabaret Geek, with Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aïda) on piano, it’s an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria’s best-loved songs. This show is for fans of Victoria and for those yet to discover her to come together and relish in her breathtaki

Tom Davis is back on the road, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life’s hot topics. Co-host of the mega-hit podcast Wolf and Owl with Romesh Ranganathan, star of BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-winning comedy series Murder in Successville and BBC One smash-hit comedy King Gary, Tom also has his own special, Underdog, available to watch on Sky and NOW TV. Also seen in Wonka, Paddington 2, The Curse, A League of Their Own (Sky), Live At The Apollo (BBC) and

Josh Widdicombe is back on tour… not again! By now, he has almost certainly mastered the art of stand-up, either that or he has wasted the last 15 years of his life. Come along and decide for yourself. Expect it to be shorter, with lower production values than Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but funnier and with more references to tea. Josh co-hosts the hugely popular podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett, which has somehow become so popular that they undertook a live arena tour

Hot on the heels of his fourth sell-out UK tour, the nation’s favourite clairvoyant medium, from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Clinton Baptiste is back with a new live show for 2026 and beyond! In a rudderless world, mankind needs an envoy to gather solutions from the all-knowing, all-seeing Afterlife. But who should it be? Of course, there’s only one man for the job – Clinton Baptiste. Receiving the audiences’ queries and earthbound dilemmas, Clinton will then reach out to spi

Ride the K-pop wave influencing the world live on stage! From stadium-shaking anthems to breath-taking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-pop hits from Blackpink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul’s stages to life. With a sea of light sticks glowing and the c

Tim Key (Alan Partridge, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Tim Key’s Late Night Poetry Programme) again pops his suit on, plods about, in a brand new show. Bit gutted he’s old. Guzzling continental lager. Magnetic lol. Decent reviews for previous shows. Played a pigeon in Bong Joon Ho’s latest movie. Been on Richard Herring’s podcast. Book out: L.A. Baby!. Met Steffi Graf in 1998/9. This show has poems in, and he’ll stamp and howl. Won the Perrier Award in 2009! City Varieties Mus

Hey cool cats! Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138-date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026. There’s no denying the world’s a mess daddio, but there is a glimmer of hope as the globe’s favourite Pub Landlord returns with his like-nobody-else common sense hot-takes for the masses, offering a much-needed truth tonic (pint for the fella/glass of white wine for the lady) for these whacked out and troubled times.

It’s almost easier to say whom Ruby Wax DIDN’T meet, interview and coax fascinating insights from in her huge TV shows Ruby Wax Meets and Full Wax. Donald Trump, OJ Simpson, Pamela Anderson, Madonna and many more. Her provocative, abrasive, incomparable style was – just about – kept in check by lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh. Together live on-stage they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard – and take the audi

Horror author Nick Steen is having visions… A sinister black steeple; eerie lights in the sky that look like a Catherine wheel but are not remotely a Catherine wheel… Plus a giant skeleton with a moustache. Are they omens? Auguries? Portendings of things to come? (Spoiler – yes, they are). For Nick Steen’s imagination is bursting out of his brain and threatening to burst, in turn, the entirety of Stalkford. Can Nick stop the aforesaid bursting? Or have things already slightly

Roll up, roll up… the UK’s longest-running burlesque show is back touring the nation with a thrilling new twist! Presenting An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret – a dazzling celebration of cabaret, burlesque, and world-class entertainment. This ultimate variety show blends stylish cabaret, comedy, music, and burlesque into a spectacular extravaganza of glitz and glamour. Featuring dazzling showgirls, specialty cabaret artists, and stars of the stage and screen, this is a night of

Beloved comedian John Bishop returns to Leeds on 29 April 2027 with 'Let’s Go Round Again', his eagerly awaited 2027 tour. Packed with razor-sharp observations, heartfelt storytelling and unstoppable warmth, Bishop revisits life, laughter and what really matters. Catch the master at his funniest, reconnecting audiences across the UK with joy, honesty and big laughs nationwide. John said: “After my 25 tour last year I thought I would take time off, but I loved it so much I am

British comedy superstar Jack Whitehall returns to first direct bank arena, Leeds, on Saturday 6 February 2027 with his brand-new stand-up tour, Jack Whitehall: Bad Influence. Fresh from starring in Malice on Prime Video and hosting The BRIT Awards, Whitehall brings fearless, unfiltered comedy straight to Leeds audiences. Expect razor-sharp observations, outrageous new stories, and mischievous confessions delivered with his signature wit. Bad Influence features brand-new mate

British rock band The Darkness are bringing their unmistakable sound and electrifying live show to Leeds! Known for soaring falsettos, outrageous guitar riffs and an incredible stage presence, The Darkness carved their place in rock history with a style that’s equal parts nostalgic and completely their own. Their breakout album Permission to Land became an instant classic, earning multi-platinum success and delivering anthems that defined a generation of British rock fans. Ov

Pete Tong’s legendary Ibiza Classics is set to return to the first direct bank arena in Leeds on 05 December 2026, bringing with it the euphoric energy, unforgettable music, and sun-drenched spirit of the White Isle. The Ibiza Classics show, performed with a live Orchestra, has grown into a groundbreaking live experience. Expect a spectacular celebration of the tracks that defined generations of clubbers—timeless tunes that echo memories of sunrise sets at Café del Mar, packe

Get set for Kevin Bridges’ signature mix of honesty, sharp wit, and no-nonsense comedy. The Scottish powerhouse returns with a completely new show, bringing it to the first direct bank arena on Thursday 19 November 2026. Kevin has spent years selling out arenas across the UK, thanks to his brilliantly relatable storytelling, sharp observations, and unique ability to turn everyday moments into laugh-out-loud gold. From his early breakthrough appearances on Michael McIntyre’s C

After performing his smash-hit show ‘Horizons’ to nearly half a million people across the world, Professor Brian Cox is back with his new tour world tour Emergence, coming to first direct bank arena on 10 October, 2026. Brian has appeared in many landmark science programs for BBC radio and television over the last 15 years, from the Peabody Award-winning Wonders of the Solar System, The Planets and the exceptionally funny, The Infinite Monkey Cage. Professor Brian Cox creates

As musical director and curator, the master Hans Zimmer, is largely responsible for The World of Hans Zimmer show, even when he is not onstage himself. Captivating, overwhelming and fantastically cinematic, The World of Hans Zimmer is a top-class show highlight and a real treat for fans. Zimmer’s unique new orchestral suites will be combined with visually stunning projections, powerful sound arrangements and moving solo performances to create an unforgettable experience for a

Westlife are coming back to first direct bank arena, Leeds on their 25th Anniversary celebrations tour. “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.” Make sure you don't miss out on a

Kings of Leon are returning to Leeds with a brand-new tour date at first direct bank arena in Leeds on 06 July 2026, marking an exciting return to a city that has always shown them unforgettable energy. Leeds has long been a favourite stop for the band, and this upcoming show promises to be one of the standout dates on their 2026 tour calendar. With a catalogue packed full of modern-rock anthems, Kings of Leon are set to deliver a night that celebrates every era of their musi

Pop sensation Lily Allen has thrilled fans once again by announcing an exciting new tour date at the first direct bank arena in June 2026, adding to what is already shaping up to be the biggest live chapter of her career. The news follows overwhelming public demand for her instantly sold-out theatre shows in March 2026, prompting Allen to expand her schedule with an outstanding run of UK and Ireland arena dates selecting the Yorkshire venue as one of these. These newly announ

The 11th Annual Leeds Tattoo Expo returns to the iconic first direct bank arena, Leeds, on 6 & 7 June 2026, promising its biggest and boldest weekend yet. Across two action-packed days, LITE will bring together some of the world’s finest tattoo artists, representing a huge range of styles - from traditional and realism to neo-traditional, blackwork, fine line and cutting-edge contemporary designs. With leading local talent alongside internationally renowned artists, this is a

Overwhelming demand for Peter’s return to stand-up comedy has been phenomenal and fans will now have more opportunity to experience his incredible show live. Peter’s new dates will see him perform at first direct bank arena, Leeds on 16 May 2026. “It's been wonderful doing what I love most, stand-up comedy. Laughter is more important than ever in these challenging times and with the cost of living still at an all-time high, ticket prices for the new dates will start from £35*

The BetMGM Premier League heads back to first direct bank arena, Leeds for another night of top-class darting action on Thursday May 7, 2026. 2025's sold-out night in Leeds was won by Luke Humphries, as the world number one edged out Luke Littler to triumph in a last-leg shoot-out. Humphries and Littler are set to headline next year’s showpiece, with the eight-player field to be confirmed in early January 2026 following the completion of the World Darts Championship. Stay tun

Get ready, Leeds – the Clubland Live Tour 2026 is coming to the city on 03 May 2026, and it promises to be one of the biggest Clubland shows of all time. Fans of dance anthems, high-energy performances, and unforgettable nights out are in for an experience like no other. The legendary Clubland brand has been setting dancefloors alight for years, and now it’s returning bigger, louder, and more spectacular than ever. The Leeds date will bring together a selection of the best DJ

Legendary Electronic Punks, The Prodigy return to the UK & Ireland in April 2026 with very special guest Carl Cox, coming to first direct bank arena on 22 April, 2026. The World Heavyweight Champions Re-unite for a tour of straight up ruckus that sees The Prodigy blast through their headline set, performing tracks from across their 7 UK number one albums, along with Carl Cox returning to his genre breaking 3 deck vinyl setup for a 2 hour set from doors each night. This is a s

Multimillion selling global star Rick Astley has announced a major UK and Ireland arena tour for April 2026, with special guest, Gabrielle! Coming to first direct bank arena, Leeds on Saturday 18th April, 2026! Rick Astley’s story is a remarkable career of two chapters. Way back in 1987, he became an unlikely global phenomenon as his era-defining smash ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ established him as an international chart-topping, BRIT Award winning global star-a status heighten

Europe’s Strongest Man returns to first direct bank arena Leeds on Saturday 11th April in what promises to be a thrilling strength extravaganza!!! This is the second installment of the Giants Live Official Strongman World Tour for 2026, where twelve of Europe’s most powerful men will come together in the Strongman ‘Mecca of Muscle’ here in Leeds in what will be the 45th edition of Europe’s greatest strength contest. The athletes will compete over five incredible tests of s

Don’t miss one of the UK’s most iconic bands as James return to first direct bank arena in Leeds on Saturday 4 April 2026 for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgic hits with very special guests, Doves. With a career spanning more than four decades, James have cemented their place in British music history with timeless anthems like “Sit Down,” “Laid,” “Getting Away With It (All Messed Up),” and “Come Home.” Their distinctive sound, poetic lyrics, and electric live perf

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ is thrilled to continue the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite — the dynamite Rhino themed truck. Get ready for more heat and action as Hot Wheels brings the ultimate monster truck show to first direct bank arena, Leeds! Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire is produced by Family Entertainment Live and brings fans’ favourite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-

Gorillaz are set to bring their groundbreaking sound and visuals to Leeds as part of The Mountain Tour, hitting the first direct bank arena on 25 March 2026. Following a string of sold-out shows and the critically acclaimed House of Kong exhibition, the band proves they’re as electrifying as ever. With support from Trueno on selected dates, expect an unforgettable night from one of the most innovative acts of our time. First Direct Bank Arena 25 March 2026

Greg Davies is heading back to first direct bank arena in 2026 on his Full Fat Legend tour. Star of shows such as Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners, The Cleaner, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Man Down and Cuckoo, this is Greg’s biggest live tour yet. Greg Davies will be with us at first direct bank arena on 22 March 2026. First Direct Bank Arena 22 March 2026