2022 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the city’s hospitality sector.
And one independent collection of beautiful tearooms, restaurants and music spaces has a vibrant mix coming up; from scintillating live acts, artisanal markets and 5-course cake treats to quizzes, delicious menus morning, lunch and evening and song writing, LEAF is returning to its roots embedded in music, food and drink and socialising.
LEAF’s three venues across the region – the Bold Street city-centre HQ, suburban Smithdown Road and idyllic West Kirby – offer an array of experiences in their intimate spaces, from cosy catch ups with friends to amazing music as part of a wonderful forthcoming winter season.
Here’s what is coming up across the next few weeks – for all ticketed events, please go to: www.thisisleaf.co.uk/whats-on.
LEAF Bold Street
Saturday 22nd January – Liverpool Acoustic Song Writing Challenge Final
Ten talented local songwriters have won a place at the Liverpool Acoustic Song Writing Challenge 2021 Showcase Final taking place on Saturday 22nd January at LEAF on Bold St. Songwriters submitted brand new songs inspired by works of art on display across the Liverpool City Region during the September to October entry period. This is fantastic event to support the next generation of budding song writers in the city.
Tuesday 25th January – La Violette Societa
Violette Società 35 present more amazing music talent from Karley Denniston, Ali Horn, Paul Crowe and The Dream Machine who all perform live at this sold-out show.
Thursday 27th January – Pudding Club
It’s a simple but equally winning idea. 5 delicious desserts, carefully paired with complementary LEAF’s loose-leaf teas. Pudding Club is back in January with February’s date coming soon.
Saturday 5th February – Arooj Aftab
Arooj Aftab is a Brooklyn-based Pakistani vocalist, music composer, and producer. She has no constraints of musical styles, working across jazz, minimalism, neo-Sufi, and more. She is often referred to as the Queen of Sufi Music, a form of devotional Muslim poetry and song that pursues enlightenment via a deep, mystical relationship with God.
Friday 11th February – John Francis Flynn
John Francis Flynn is a singer and multi-instrumentalist whose work centres around traditional and folk material from Ireland. A supremely talented singer and multi-instrumentalist, the Dubliner draws on the folk traditions of his Irish homeland, intertwining this with his singularly haunting and enchanting instrumental arrangements and vocal delivery and brings his talent to LEAF Bold Street on Friday 11th February.
Monday 28th February – Benjamin Francis Leftwich
In a world where electronic production is increasingly drowning out the acoustic guitar in the arsenal of the singer-songwriter, Benjamin Francis Leftwich is unafraid to stick to the classics. Hailing from York, he has the sort of voice, delivery and material that draws comparisons to Damien Rice and José González, though he cites Arcade Fire, Ryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen as his inspirations.
LEAF Smithdown Road
Pudding Club
Pudding Club returns to Smithdown Road on Tuesday 25th January. Expect lashings of rapture with 5 delicious dishes carefully paired with complementary loose-leaf teas for a sweet-toothed odyssey. February’s date to be announced soon.
The Thursday Challenge every week
The Thursday Challenge is LEAF Smithdown’s weekly mind and matter session. Tricky subjects, curve balls puzzlers and grey-matter meddling questions feature in this very quizzy evening. A LEAF voucher prize awaits the winner. 8pm start and £2 entry per person.
LEAF West Kirby
Pudding Club
Pudding Club also returns to West Kirby on Wednesday 26th January and it’s nirvana for anyone with a sweet tooth. Dessert heaven with 5 delicious dishes carefully paired with complementary loose-leaf teas for a sweet-toothed odyssey. February’s date is TBA soon.
The Tuesday Challenge – every week
LEAF West Kirby’s famous Tuesday Challenge quiz is back every Tuesday from 7pm and costs £2 to enter. It’s a true test of everyone’s cerebral acumen – expect all the classic rounds and a challenging difficulty level and there’s a LEAF voucher prize for winner.
Every Friday – Spotify Fridays
From 6pm, be immersed in a truly eclectic range of songs at Spotify Fridays each and every week.
