All ready for Christmas? Don’t worry, we’re not either. If you’re looking for gift inspo, we would (of course) suggest you shop local and support your indies. We’ve put some ideas together to get you started that should suit all palettes and budgets.
Rolling Social Events
Creators of The Christmas Market at Leeds Corn Exchange and Leeds Rum Festival, Rolling Social Events’ are always something to mark in the diary. Last year they added a Whisky Festival and Tequila Festival to their collection of high quality events that celebrate quality spirits alongside fun and education. For 2023 they are kicking things off with a Scotch whisky tasting to celebrate Burns Night, a French wine & cheese Sip Along in Feb and the second Leeds Whisky Festival in April. Buy a ticket now and have something to look forward to in 2023. Ticket and info here.
Ready, Steady… Bake It
8 St Paul’s Street, LS1 2LE
Know any bake off fans? Then this gift is for them. Ready, Steady…Bake It is a live-baking event for two people. Pairs work together to create a themed bake against the clock in 90 min. Once the bakes are completed, a judge will pick a winner. Everyone gets to take their bake home – but you decide if it’s for sharing or not. A perfect recipe for couples, friends, family or colleagues. The baking theme changes each month. Check out their website for more details. Vouchers available.
Leeds Cookery School
The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, LS9 6NL
Leeds Cookery School offers an extensive range of chef-led cookery classes as half-day and full-day sessions. Courses range from basic cookery and knife skills to world cookery and baking. Why not master the perfect filled pasta or try your hand at a Japanese masterclass? They also have a range of classes for plant based and vegetarian cuisine.
Stuzzi Hamper
During December, head down to Stuzzi on a Sunday for their Christmas market and gift shop. Eat and drink while you peruse the selection of imported Italian produce and their very own Stuzzi gin. Perfect gifts for friends and family who enjoy cooking with fantastic ingredients or people that just like to eat and drink awesome stuff.
Local Booze
Christmas is all about indulging in the finer things and enjoying time with loved ones. We’re fortunate that Leeds is home to an ever increasing and impressive number of quality brewers and drink producers, creating everything from vodka, gin rum and vermouth to beer and cask ales. Have a look at the offerings from Libation Rum, Wolfe Bros, North Brewing Company, Kirkstall Brewery, Meanwood Brewery, Northern Monk, Stuzzi Gin, John Roberts Botanic Request, Hotham’s Gin, Royal Armouries Gin to fill your booze cabinet and impress your friends.
Shop local
Nothing says you care like a voucher, right? Well, that depends on what the voucher is for. With artisan cheese mongers such as George & Joseph, wine and spirit merchants Latitude Wines and Wayward Wines these are the kind of vouchers that are bound to put a smile on someone’s face. Alternatively, if you prefer to pop in, the folks there are all really friendly and knowledgeable so can happily make a recommendation. Likewise with Little Leeds Beerhouse. Or perhaps you want to treat the future you with a meal next year. Nothing beats those January blues like a dinner out somewhere at one of your fave places. Bundobust do vouchers or how about The Owl if you’re feeling indulgent.
You could swing by your local indie and see if they do vouchers. It’s a great way to spread the good word and shout about some of Leeds’ many hidden gems.
Doing Good Coffee
Something for the coffee lover in your life? Give the gift of good this Christmas. Doing Good Coffee offers subscriptions expertly curated from independent specialty roasters, good books to inspire an intentionally better way of living, and donations to mental health good causes. Their mission is to be known for doing good coffee and good things that make taking time out for a brew (at home, at work, or outside) a nourishing experience.
