Manchester’s beautiful Corn Exchange has built itself a reputation as one of the best places to sit and soak in the sunshine in the city centre.
Every summer when the sun beats down on our city, people flock to the Grade II-listed building and its range of brilliant restaurants and bars.
There are terraces perched outside the stunning architecture, perfectly positioned to soak in the sun from every side of the building.
And there’s loads of food on offer, from classic Italian to Greek to Vietnamese, with something to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.
From the Corn Exchange, you’re in a great people-watching spot, watching the bustling city go by with a cocktail or a wine in hand.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can sit with a view of Exchange Square, or the green spaces of Cathedral Gardens, or even the stunning architecture of the Manchester Cathedral.
The outdoor terraces have plenty of space for socialising in the sunshine, whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or an after-work gathering.
ADVERTISEMENT
The best restaurants and bars with outside space at the Corn Exchange in Manchester
Banyan
This huge, colourful bar, famed for its crowd-pleasing menu and its cocktail happy hour, has one of the biggest and busiest terraces of the lot.
On their massive menu, highlights include the Alpine chicken schnitzel served with house fries; the Revitalise bowl with halloumi, roast butternut squash, red and golden beets, avocado, tomato, roast peppers, quinoa and a superfood dressing; and then wash it down with a fruit bomb, mixing grenadine, cranberry, orange, and fruit jam.
Cosy Club
While its interior balcony looking over the atrium is a popular spot year-round, in the summer months you’ve got to visit the Cosy Club’s outdoor space.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here you can tuck in to dishes like sesame salmon with tamari and ginger teriyaki noodles, or a vegan cheeseburger.
Then they have loads of cocktails and mocktails on offer, like the refreshing Morning Cooler with lemon, elderflower and mint, finished with soda and cucumber.
Zizzi
A crowd favourite for good reason – this Italian restaurant group has delicious summer dishes on offer like hot-smoked salmon and pesto risotto, lentil ragu with sunblush tomatoes and spinach, and amazing sharing boards.
For drinks, they have a new range of coolers, like the Citrus and Pineapple Cooler.
The Real Greek
You’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to Santorini with a visit to the Real Greek.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pull up a chair outside, grab a Mythos beer, and dive into a menu of authentic gyros and other Greek dishes.
Highlights include Chicken Monastiraki served with tzatziki, onion and tomatoes, and jackfruit gyros.
Salvi’s
Salvi’s outdoor restaurant space at the Corn Exchange.
A family-run favourite – Salvi’s offers a hearty and authentic taste of Italy.
Top picks here include Pasta Nonna Teresa with pancetta and pistachio pesto, and a mushroom, vegan parmesan and truffle oil risotto.
And how could you possibly refuse an Aperol spritz in the sunshine while you’re here?
ADVERTISEMENT
Vapiano
The Italian feasts continue in Vapiano, where you can dig in to dishes like Gamberetti e Spinaci (king prawns, onions, cream, Italian hard cheese, nutmeg, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes and basil pesto) and the classic spicy number Penne All’arrabiata.
Their drink of the summer is a Strawberry and Ginger Crush – Everleaf Mountain aperitif, strawberry and ginger syrup, lime and ginger ale.
Pizza Express
Here’s an pizza you’ll be running across to the Corn Exchange for – Pizza Express’s BBQ Burnt Ends Pizza, topped with slow-cooked beef brisket with a hint of chipotle, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, mozzarella and red onions, topped with roasted tomatoes and parsley.
There’s also a beetroot Buddha Bowl, with mixed grains, roasted and baby tomatoes, spinach, rocket, creamy hummus and spiced toasted seeds.
And if you’re looking for a delicious alcohol-free drink, grab one of their Naturally Pink Apple Juices.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tampopo
Another favourite of Manchester’s restaurant scene is Tampopo, which celebrates dishes from across south east Asia.
There’s Nasi Goreng Royale (wok-fried rice with chicken, charred green beans and red peppers, flavoured with chilli, garlic, lime leaf & crispy shallots, served with homemade sambal and a fried egg), and a Chilli Lemongrass Stir Fry (red peppers, red chillies, lemongrass and onions).
There are more refreshing coolers on the menu here – order a Lychee and Kiwi Cooler – fresh lychee juice & kiwi topped with sparkling apple, Thai basil and fresh lime.
Riva Blu
Sitting outside Riva Blu’s restaurant with a The Peach Thing cocktail (nectarine apéritif, Cocchi Rosa and Martini Bianco with Fever-Tree tonic) in hand is the peak summer vibe in Manchester.
Order yourself a Branzino Alla Scapece – pan-fried sea bass, fried courgette, mint, garlic and lemon sauce – or a Pizza Calabrese Vegana – Roasted pepper pesto, Calabrian chilli ve-du-ya, red onion, vegan mozzarella and fresh basil – and pretend you’re on the Amalfi coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sixes
Over on Cathedral Street now, and to Sixes, where you can hit balls in the cricket cages inside or soak up the sun from their outside space.
Top picks include the Delhi Smasher (crispy fried Delhi chicken, melted cheese, curry mayo, pickled red onion & smoked yoghurt) and the Sri Lankan Fielder (a vegan Symplicity burger, onion sambal, coronation mayo & vegan cheese).
Mowgli Street Food
We all love Mowgli for its punchy menu of Indian street food and curries, and sitting outside with dishes like their Monkey Wrap – an open roti wrap with tandoori chicken, pomegranate, spinach, mint, and homespun chutneys – just makes it even better.
There’s also the Holy Chow, a vegan showstopper that involves a spiced chickpea, potato, spinach, fresh ginger and mango curry served in a bread loaf.
Sip on a Mango Lassi and see why Indians are obsessed by the soft, rare Kesar Mangoes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pho
Fancy a trip to Vietnam without the long flight? Get yourself to Pho and its outside restaurant space.
It’s not just hearty noodle soups here – though the Phở Xào tofu and mushroom is special.
There’s also barbecued meats, like the chicken rice bowl, where marinated chicken thigh is served on a bed of rice with loads of vegetables and herbs.
Delhi House Cafe
This inventive Indian restaurant serves one of our favourite curries in Manchester – Mom’s Buttered Chicken Tikka Masala has perfect tandoori-cooked chicken tikka in a rich creamy tomato sauce, served with Butter Naan.
Then there’s the Punjabi Palak Chole – chickpea & spinach simmered in spiced tomato & onion sauce, served with Tandoori Roti.
ADVERTISEMENT
For drinks, order a Bade Log – mango, mint, lemon & soda.
Why Leeds is the best city to visit this summer for live music, gigs and festivals
Sophie Smith
Our neighbours over in Leeds have got all the best music festivals, homecoming gigs and performances you’ll struggle to find anywhere else this summer.
Leeds has become known locally, and increasingly nationally, as a go-to city for live music and it’s not difficult to see why.
Once upon a time it was Leeds Festival that carried their reputation as a proper Northern Powerhouse in the music scene, and whilst the city still welcomes 80,000 visitors the festival brings each year, there’s plenty more to explore than this.
From up-and-coming indie artists performing in intimate venues to England-exclusive performances; world record attempts; homecoming gigs from some of the biggest artists through the decades and a celebration of our local music nights, we’ve scoured the city in search of all the best events to get yourself down to.
Keep reading to find our sister page The Hoot Leeds’ guide to the most exciting events to visit this summer that are putting Leeds on the map as one of the best cities for live music and festivals…
Festivals
Whether you’re planning to camp out at one of the UK’s biggest music festivals or fancy yourself a trip into the city centre to discover new artists, Leeds is packed withfestivals and events throughout the summer, plenty of which you can’t find anywhere else in the country.
Gold Sounds Festival
The festival that booked Phoebe Bridgers before she became a hit sensation
Images: The Hoot Leeds / Hanglands
Hosted inside the legendary Brudenell Social Club, one of Leeds’ most popular music venues for up-and-coming artists, Gold Sounds Festival is an all-day event bringing alternative music lovers together for a day of non-stop tunes. The festival has a pretty impressive alumni, including Phoebe Bridgers, Wunderhorse, Dune Rats and The Big Moon.
Leeds and Manchester share the festival between them, but with a host of different names in each city, Sounds Of The City Leeds is well worth travelling for to your only chance to catch Anne-Marie, Paloma Faith and Gabrielle, Busted, Suede and Manic Street Preachers perform as part of the festival.
When: Thursday 4 July – Friday 19 July 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Tickets: Varying between £45 and £66.45, tickets are available via See Tickets here
Find out more here.
Live At Leeds: In The Park
The indie day festival where you’re destined to spot the ‘next big thing’
Image: Supplied
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Making up the summer portion of the Live At Leeds series, Temple Newsam will be abuzz with artists new and old. This year headlining are The Kooks, plus Declan McKenna, The Cribs, Sea Girls, Future Islands, Circa Waves, Baby Queen and Melanie C.
There’s nothing else like it on this scale in the north
Image: Millennium Square
Image: Buster Shuffle via Instagram
Leeds music festivals span across all genres, including a seven hour festival dedicated to Ska and Mod music. Doors open from 2pm with artists like King Hammond & The Rude Boy Mafia, Stranger Cole, The Chords, Death Of Guitar Pop and Buster Shuffle confirmed for the outdoor event.
When: Sunday 4 August 2024, 2-9pm
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Catch You Me At Six’s final UK festival performance.
Images: Supplied
The UK’s biggest indie rock festival regularly attracts crowds from across the country, and this year with a line-up of I Prevail, The Interrupters, The All American Rejects and the final UK festival performance from You Me At Six, this year will be no different.
Fred Again’s festival exclusive, the return of Catfish and The Bottlemen’s, plus the chance to see some of the world’s biggest artists live across three day festival
Image: Supplied
Image: The Hoot Leeds
An obvious choice when it comes to ‘must-visit events in Leeds’: the festival is set to have one of it’s biggest years to date with over 200 acts promised to attend over the three days, including headliners Blink 182, Lana Del Ray, Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Gerry Cinnamon.
When: Friday 23 August – Sunday 25 August 2024
Where: Bramham Park, Leeds, LS23 6ND
Tickets: £125 for a day ticket or £325 for the entire weekend, all tickets are still available viaTicketmaster here
Leeds is home to some incredible talent. We grew with the Kaiser Chiefs in the 00s, followed Mel B on her journey to success with the Spice Girls and have plenty of time for ex-One Direction star Zayn Malik who always shares how proud he is of his West Yorkshire roots (and is now the face of theBradford 2025 campaign).
If you want a live event where you can genuinely watch artists feel at home, with local fans pouring out to see their neighbours, school alumni, or even just celebrities that keep the dream of live music alive and accessible for us all, heading to a homecoming gig in Leeds is a must.
Here’s our top picks of which homegrown artists you can catch back in Leeds this summer…
ADVERTISEMENT
Yard Act
Vocalist James Smith and bassist Ryan Needham started the band after moving into a house in Meanwood together in 2016. Image: Yard Act
The four-piece band from Leeds have been going from strength-to-strength since steering their golden rover into the public eye in 2020. Yard Act command the stage at every single gig and fill their acts with fun, humorous twists choreographed to a tee and we’re expecting nothing less from their homecoming gig this August.
When: Saturday 3 August 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
Corrine Bailey Rae grew up in Moortown and attended university in Leeds. Image: Corrine Bailey Rae
Black Rainbows is a musical project ‘inspired by the objects and artworks collected by Theaster Gates at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago’ that Corrine Bailey Rae will be sharing with Leeds as part of the Live At Leeds festival at Temple Newsam.
Kimberly Walsh grew up in Allerton and returns for two nights on The Girls Aloud Tour. Image: Supplied
Girls Aloud are back after a long hiatus, celebrating 21-years together and in memory of fellow band member Sarah Harding, the Sound Of The Underground returns to stages across the UK, with two nights planned in Leeds.
When: Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June 2024
Where: First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds, LS2 8BY
Tickets: Both dates still have limited tickets left, available via Ticketmaster here
The band came together in Bailiff Bridge, just outside of Halifax in the 90s.
Cast your mind back to the early 00s, Embrace were on the Millennium Square stage at Live At Leeds (pictured above), Chris Martin had just co-written a song with the band and Coldplay were their support act. Now the West-Yorkshire-born-and-bred band will be taking over the stunning ruins of an old monastery at Kirkstall Abbey in celebration of 20 years of album ‘Out Of Nothing‘.
Leeds’ own The Pigeon Detectives will be supporting Madness at Kirkstall Abbey this summer. With six albums to choose from, expect the summer party to start on stage before we’re welcomed to the House Of Fun this July.
The English indie rock band has been through it all in the last 40 years. Tied with Elvis Presley for the most number of Top 40 hits in a single year in 1992, seven record labels, nine albums and a whopping 26 band members during this time (five present and 21 former): now The Wedding Present is coming home for a performance at the O2 Academy.
When: Saturday 5 October 2024
Where: O2 Academy Leeds, 55 Cookridge Street, Leeds LS2 3AW
Gigs you’ll struggle to find anywhere else this summer
So Leeds might not be the biggest city in the UK, but it’s been chosen by artists across the world as a must-visit for live music, in fact, Leeds has been chosen as the only English city to host Global-Award-winning band Nothing But Thieves this summer, as well as one of a handful taking part in Frank Turner‘s world record attempt.
We’re also a city that knows how to party, and as such, you’ll be able to find tickets to the new day rave for over 30s here, and remain one of, if not the only, place in the country with availability.
Keep reading to find out our top picks for exclusive music events in Leeds this summer…
Frank Turner’s World Record Attempt
Image: Frank Turner via Facebook
Leeds joins a select number of UK venues for this weekend-long record attempt
Leeds has been chosen as one of the cities to play a part in artist Frank Turner’s attempt to perform at the most music venues in 24 hours. There will be a solo set lasting around 20 minutes or so around 4pm, but due to the nature of the record attempt, timings may vary on the day.
Millennium Square is the band’s only headline show in England this summer
The Dead Club City band toured the UK last year, missing Leeds off the rota – until now that is. Leeds is now the only headline stop for the band as they play across Europe this summer, and with a back catalogue of four albums and six EPs all recorded in the last decade to choose from, there’s going to be non-stop-hits all night long at Millennium Square.
When: Wednesday 3 July 2024
Where: Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD
‘The daytime disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday’ is returning to Leeds following the success of its launch over Easter weekend. Over-30s club event Day Fever is touring across the country but Leeds is the only city (at the time of writing) that still has tickets available, but this is sure to change soon so grab yours whilst you can to avoid disappointment.
Paris, Berlin, New York and West Yorkshire host the prestigious event.
Now in its 21st year, Leeds International Piano Competition comes to an exciting crescendo at the Great Hall inside the University of Leeds. Heats are held around the world before a second round and semi-finals are held in Leeds, and the grand final nearby in Bradford.
When: Friday 13 September – Saturday 21 September 2024
Where: The Great Hall of the University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT
Returning favourites that keep us dancing every single month
Just because these events happen regularly, by no means suggests they shouldn’t be shouted about. As a city we’ve got world-renowned speakeasies with talented jazz artists inside; we’ve got the streets lined with DJs and open mic nights, and performances every single day of the week inside venues that have more customers each year than Leeds Festival.
Keep reading to find our top picks for unique live music events you can find each month (or so) in Leeds.
The Domino Pub Quiz
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where else can you take part in a music quiz inside a secret Jazz speakeasy?
Barbers by day, underground speakeasy by night, The Domino is a local favourite for a fun night out and now you can take part in a monthly pub quiz with a live band that combines the tongue-in-cheek humour; an incredibly talented trio of musicians and all the best bits of your usual pub quiz (drinks included).
When: Last Tuesday of every month from 8pm
Where: 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6PG
Tickets: £10 per person, recommended four people per team, bookings can be made directly withThe Domino here
Think of the most British songs you can name, with lyrics replaced with northern slag; some of the most talented local singers, guitarists, violinists and more
Northern Guitars is Call Lane’s answer to an early doors night out to kick the Monday blues: head down for Happy Hour drinks and then relax into the evening with acoustic sets, hilarious covers and remakes, as well as musicians from near and far. It’s a real escape from reality.
Swiftogeddon is the Taylor Swift night that fans continue to sell out every single time it’s in town. Taking place at Belgrave Music Hall every few months, the night comprises of back-to-back hits from the American pop sensation, and nothing else.
When: Friday 26 April / Friday 21 June 2024
Where: Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds LS2 8JP
Anyone that’s worked their way up through the ranks as a performer in Leeds will be able to tell you about their first time at the Brudenell Social Club. Affectionately known as ‘The Brude’, the 400-capacity music venue is a jumping off point for artists big and small.
Recently Gene Gallagher (son of Liam Gallagher)’s band Villanelle ; The Last Dinner Party and Yard Act have performed here, and it’s been known to host secret gigs for the likes of Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs in the past. It’s a must-visit venue for anyone looking to find a new favourite artist.
If you find yourself travelling over from outside the city to visit Leeds, there’s a whole host of unique hostels, hotels and exciting staycation options to choose from.
You can find The Hoot’s top picks on where to stay in Leedshere.
Sponsored
Manchester’s Barton Aerodrome announces huge line-up of outdoor gigs including McFly, JLS and UB40
Daisy Jackson
Three new shows have been announced for an open-air gig series at Barton Aerodrome this summer.
Barton LIVE has today confirmed that McFly, JLS and UB40 will be taking to the stage, where the backdrop will be the bustling runway of Barton Airport.
The summer series also includes performances from The Jacksons Live, 90s Baby Festival, and Boogietown North.
Barton LIVE’s summer series takes place at one of the country’s most unique and exhilarating settings at Barton Aerodrome, where the worlds of music and aviation come together.
The three new shows that have just been announced kick off with McFly on Thursday 12 September.
The pop-rockers, famed for their hits like Five Colours In Her Hair, All About You and Obviously, will take centre stage with a typically high-energy performance.
Then on Saturday 14 September, the stage will be given over to British boy band royalty JLS, whose chart-topping hits include Beat Again, Everybody in Love, and She Makes Me Wanna.
Their signature blend of R&B, pop, soul and silky-smooth vocals will be part of Barton LIVE’s star-studded end-of-summer line-up.
Finally, on Sunday 15 September, legendary reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell will perform.
They’ll be whisking audiences away to the warm and vibrant Caribbean through their iconic reggae rhythms and songs like Red Red Wine, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Kingston Town.
Tickets for McFly, JLS and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at Barton LIVE will be available on Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up for tickets via www.bartonlive.co.uk
Over the course of the summer, the stage at Barton Aerodrome will welcome the likes of Ronan Keating, The Jacksons, Peter Andre, Blue, Eternal, Sister Sledge Ft Kathy Sledge, Soul II Soul, Boney M and many more.
Barton LIVE line-up in full for outdoor gig series at Barton Aerodrome
Friday 19July – The Jacksons LIVE (The Jacksons, Kenny Thomas, Soul Boutique Collective) – tickets £39.50 plus booking fee via Skiddle here.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July – 90s Baby Festival (Ronan Keating, Eternal, Peter Andre, Blue, Five, A1, Scott Mills, 911, Sonique, Blazin Squad, Dave Pearce, Phats & Small, N-Trance, Happy Clappers Ft Sandra Edwards, Baby D, Alison Limerick, Ultrabeat, JX, Livin Joy Ft Luzahnn, Urban Cookie Collective, Nick Coulson + support) – tickets £39.50 from Skiddle here.
Saturday 27 July – Boogietown North (Sister Sledge Ft Kathy Sledge, Soul II Soul, Tunde Of Lighthouse Family, Boney M, Trevor Nelson, Craig Charles, Gina Breeze, Supernatire Disco, Nick Coulson) – tickets £39.50 from Skiddle here.
Thursday 12 September – McFly – tickets £44.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk
Saturday 14 September – JLS – tickets £49.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk
Sunday 15 September – UB40 featuring Ali Cambell, tickets £39.50 plus booking fee, on sale Friday 26 April at 9am. Sign up via bartonlive.co.uk
Daisy Jackson -
16th June 2023 
