Futuristic discos, spa breaks, rooftop socials...we’ve got New Year's Eve covered
MOTOWN SPECIAL | Smokestack
Step back in time with Smokestack, who’ll be busting out the best Motown hits all evening upstairs in the Roost, and acoustic blues and roots downstairs between 8-10pm. Cocktails are two for £10, and free fizz will be given out to all those upstairs when the clock strikes 12. What’s not to love?
Smokestack, LS1 6LY (7pm-3am; free tickets available at eventbrite.co.uk)
2020 – A FUTURE DISCO | Sheaf Street
Sheaf Street tend to go big on the themed parties for NYE, and this year’s shindig should be no different. Within their walls, 2020 is not just a new year - it’s a whole futuristic world of opportunity, where the cars are flying, the outfits are utilitarian and the music is, well…you’ll have to wait and see. Prizes are awarded to those who come sporting the best outfit, but there will be plenty of opportunities to jazz you up on the night at the ‘transformation station’. Don’t hang about - tickets are currently on their final release.
Sheaf Street, LS10 1HD (9pm-4am; tickets from £24 at ticketarena.co.uk)
FESTIVE MENU | Shears Yard
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner date or a big outing for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with a booking at Shears Yard. This year’s festive menu involves such delights as smoked chicken and duck rillettes, haddock and potato chowder and cranberry & Malibu compote served over panna cotta. Need we say more?
Shears Yard, LS2 3EH (5-10pm; three courses from £35, bookings available through shearsyard.com)
MARK MCDIVA | Wharf Chambers
Step into the world of Mark McDiva, where guilty pleasures don’t exist. Expect drag dance routines and lip-syncs from a host of Leeds’ local talent, intermixed with DJ sets chock-full of Abba, Whitney, Gaga and Chaka Khan. Wharf Chambers operate a diligent safe-space policy and, as a co-operative, require all event attendees to sign up for £1 membership – visit their website here for more details.
Wharf Chambers, LS2 7EQ (9am-4pm; tickets from £5 at skiddle.com)
NYE COMEDY AND DINING | The Wardrobe
Design your perfect night with The Wardrobe’s generous offering of mix-and-match food and entertainment. Start things off with their three-course festive menu (including complimentary drink) before a four-act comedy show, wrapped up by a midnight party with live band and DJs. Dip in and out at your discretion – ticket prices are structured to accommodate for your itinerary.
The Wardrobe, LS9 8AH (7.30pm-late; tickets from £25 at thewardrobe.co.uk)
QUIZ NIGHT | Friends of Ham
Not even New Year’s Eve will get in the way of the weekly Friends of Ham quiz. Covering general knowledge, music and a whole host of revolving themes, there’s a £80 bar tab up for grabs, as well as plenty of other novelty prizes. Best of all, everything wraps up at 10pm, leaving you free to head to another party. Or home for the Hootenanny - whatever floats your boat.
Friends of Ham, LS1 5DL (8-10pm; £1 entry on the night, or book for free in person in-store)
MTV CLASSICS COUNTDOWN | Belgrave Music Hall
2020 ain’t just a new year, it’s a whole new decade. Belgrave Music Hall will be honouring the best and brightest of the past 10 years (and beyond) as they play all things MTV, from Rihanna to Nirvana, Ariana to Avril. Mark the occasion in their photo booth, and line your stomach with festive food offerings from both Patty Smith’s and Doughboys.
Belgrave Music Hall, LS2 8JP (10pm-3am; free entry)
SOCIAL UNDER STARS | East Parade Social
Wrap up warm and get outdoors with East Parade Social, who will be opening up their rooftop bar for one evening only - all the better to spot the fireworks across the city. Tickets include a welcome drink in arrival, with access to the roof from 11pm.
East Parade Social, LS1 2AJ (8pm-2am; tickets from £10 at skiddle.com)
NEW YEAR GALA | Aagrah
Bored of eating the Christmas leftovers? Book yourself into Aagrah’s for a delicious five-course meal, followed by an evening disco and firework display. Yorkshire trout with fennel seeds, juicy chicken tikka and ginger cauliflower, kulfi cheesecake…we’re counting down the days.
Aagrah, LS9 8AH (7pm-1am; £51.95 per person, bookings and menu available at aagrah.com)
SPA STAY | Chevin Country Park
Didn’t quite knock it out of the park on the Christmas gifting front? Make up for lost time with a trip to the Chevin Country Park in Otley - the perfect short spa escape. Pick and choose from an array of treatments before a black-tie gala dinner and dance, and full English breakfast next morning to sop up any hangovers. It’s important to start the year as you intend to go on…
Chevin Country Park, LS21 3NU (bookings from £268 at chevinhotel.co.uk)
