First Winter living in Leeds and don’t know what to do now that the nights are colder? Carys provides a shortlist of the very best.

The clocks have changed, the nights are drawing in and Leeds is plummeting into what ca n only be described as an arctic climate. Winter is officially coming but, alas, my friends, despite being plunged into months of icy darkness, there is good news. Believe it or not, Leeds comes alive during this season and it would be a wasted opportunity to not take advantage of the opportunity.

Don’t worry though, I know that with November and December fast approaching deadlines are just around the corner. So, to make it easy for you, I’ve produced a Winter Bucket List for Leeds…

Let’s Get Quizzical

Leeds seems to host a different pub quiz almost every night and, if you can get a good group of clever friends together, it can be a wonderful winter activity. 

Sunday – The Royal Park Pub 

A more traditional quiz but entertaining all the same.

Monday – The Original Oak 

For £1 you get to partake in the quiz and have sausage & chips during the break!

Wednesday – East Village 

In a similar vein to The Original Oak, East Village has 25p wings on offer to help power those brain cells.

Thursday – Old Bar

If you’ve had a long study session at uni, then what better way to unwind than to head down to a quiz on campus?

Hyde Park Picture House

This little gem is in the heart of Hyde Park so it’s a great place to meet friends and hunker down for a night of indulgence. Their vintage style popcorn – which comes in cute little red and white striped bags – is all generated from an old school machine and the actual cinema will take your breath away. They show mostly indie films and, with Leeds International Film Festival currently underway, it definitely won’t end up being a generic cinema trip.

Cosy Treats

Ice Scoop Gelato is conveniently just down the road from Hyde Park Picture House and it would be criminal not to stop here on your way back from a movie. Now, I know you’re probably thinking “ice cream during this cold weather?!” but here is the beauty of Ice Scoop. They do cookie dough, crepes, waffles, you name it. All these treats melt in your mouth, are oozing with warmth and will no doubt satisfy your stomach.

Host a Roast

Winter would not be winter without a cracking good roast and I’m pleased to inform you that Leeds has some of the best. Whitelock’s gives you a mouthwatering portion of Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and a choice of meat all swimming in gravy. It’s a proper pub with prober grub but if you want somewhere more student-y then you can’t go wrong with Man V Roast – the name says it all!

Christmas is Coming

Getting yourself into that Christmas spirit has never been easier than simply popping down to the German Markets in Millennium Square. With mulled wine, Christmas crafts and a stunning carousel, it’s a night of pure delight.

So there you have it, five top tips for making your winter in Leeds full of fun.

Carys Reid Davies