Mark Whittle

Moving to a new place can be a nerve-wracking experience. It doesn’t help matters that local customs and colloquialisms can make your new home seem even stranger. Luckily, Leeds folk are a friendly bunch and, if you’re fortunate enough to move here, you’ll soon learn your way around. In the meantime, to offer a helping hand, we’ve compiled a list of some things you’ll soon learn once you arrive in our fair city. 1) Terms of endearment like "flower", "petal" and "love" are gender neutral. Flickr: Stephen Griffin No matter what your gender, you'll be referred to as one of these during your time in Leeds. Even if you’re a man, don’t be surprised if a tattooed, six-foot tall bouncer waves you into bar or club with a cheery, “In you go, petal”. 2) The names you refer to baked goods with is a topic every bit as controversial as politics or religion. <img id="41e8e624-cd99-6d0e-e894-8598374caf69" data-caption="" data-credit="Flickr: Jim Lukach" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="114415" loaded="114415" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102426661/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> Flickr: Jim Lukach                                 “Can I get a roll, please?” It's a question that will be met first with a quizzical look, followed by one of these responses: “You mean a breadcake?” “Nah, you’re after a bap, right?” “Are you sure you don’t mean cob?” 3)

There’s no doubt that Leeds loves its movies. The city is home to a host of multiplexes, art-house cinemas as well as a multitude of film festivals. What you might not be aware of, however, is the number of film screenings going on every week in other, less conventional venues. With locations ranging from pubs and bars to textile mills and theatres, we’ve selected some of our favourite hidden film nights Leeds has to offer, each one offering their individual take on the cinema experience. Films at HeartAn independent art space located in Headingley, The Heart Centre also puts on its own film night in the form of Films at Heart. Membership costs £20/£15 per year – non-members are also welcome, though – and allows you to watch contemporary independent, European and world cinema from the comfort of their café area. While you’re there, let’s face it, you should probably grab yourself a coffee and a slice of cake as well. Crowd of Favours’ Secret CinemaEvery Tuesday, Crowd of Favours transforms its basement into a movie theatre for the night. The films chosen are about as diverse as you can get, ranging from the critically acclaimed and thought-provoking Milk to the cult favourite (and slightly less critically acclaimed) Sharknado. Combine this eccentric film selection with free popcorn and one of the finest gin menus in Leeds and you’ve got a unique film night. Check out their special event taking place on Monday May 4, where they’ll be showing all six Star Wars films, with a fre

There are many benefits to living in Leeds – the arts scene, world-renowned universities, amazing bars and restaurants… the list is endless. However there is another, darker reason to stay here. One that never makes its way into the visitors' guide. When the inevitable happens and the dead rise from their graves to feast on the living and the rest of society crumbles around them, Leeds’ inhabitants can take heart in the knowledge that their city has prepared them with everything they need to survive the undead onslaught. Leeds is, without doubt, a zombie-lover's paradise and here are just a few of the reasons why. The Leeds Horror Film FestivalBefore you can combat the undead you need to understand them, and what better way to educate yourself than with a horror movie marathon? New for this year, The Leeds Horror Film Festival is taking place on Sunday April 26 at the Cottage Road Cinema. Organised by self-confessed zombie obsessives Dominic Brunt and Mark Charnock, aka Emmerdale’s Paddy and Marlon, the festival gives horror fans the opportunity to watch classic films on a big screen, as well as discover some more recent releases. Each film is introduced by Dominic and Mark, explaining why it was chosen, and, while the films haven't been announced yet, the duo's previous venture, Leeds Zombie Film Festival, featured the director’s cut of World War Z and the wonderfully titled Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead. An excellent way to gather survival tips then, and see plent

For many people Friday 13 will go by completely unnoticed – just another date in the calendar. At most, a good excuse to watch a decent horror film. For those afflicted with paraskevidekatriaphobia however, today raises serious problems. A fear of Friday 13 is surprisingly common, too. A study has found that one in ten people will purposely not travel today and one in 20 won’t even leave the house. All is not lost, however. Leeds offers plenty of opportunities to lead a full and happy life without ever venturing past your doorstep and we’ve found six of the best ways to do so. Food First off, you’re going to need to keep up your strength up and that means some decent food. There are a lot options available when it come to ordering fresh food to your door but we’re going to suggest Goosemoor Organics. Offering a variety of fruit and veg, freshly picked from their smallholding near Wetherby, Goosemoor also uses low-emission vans to deliver, as well as setting part of their land aside as a nature reserve. So not only will you eat healthily without tempting fate, you also get to enjoy the warm glow that comes from knowing your meal is both delicious and morally sound. Relaxation Avoiding the perils of Friday 13 can be a stressful experience. If you find it all getting a bit much, it may be time to invest in some of Calico’s mobile massage therapy. As long you’ve got enough space - they suggest imagining a six-foot person lying down with their arms outstretched – they offer plen

In an era when, whether legally or illegally, it's easy to download a video game from pretty much any era it may seem strange that retro enthusiasts, scouring car boots sales for forgotten consoles and games, still exist. Yet we do. Whether you’re a self-confessed addict or interested in starting a collection of your own, the RetroCollect Video Game Market, which takes place on Saturday February 7, is the perfect opportunity to indulge your love of retro. As an added bonus, because it’s taking place at Leeds Town Hall, you don’t have to worry about your car getting stuck in mud or an unexpected downpour ruining your copy of Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap. To mark the occasion, here are five retro video-game gems to keep an eye out for while you’re there. Chiki Chiki Boys (Megadrive, 1992)Every retro enthusiast has their gateway game, the ‘one-off’ purchase that spawned an obsession. This was mine. It would be ten years after I first played it that I found a copy nestled between two frayed Beano annuals at a jumble sale. Of course, to play the game you'll need the right console but then why stop at just one game or even one console? It’s a slippery path. The game itself is a fun little platformer with some great sprite work, which really shows off the system’s graphics and colour palate. It also has one of the greatest soundtracks of any game. Seriously, take a listen, it’s three minutes of unadulterated joy. Super 3D Noah’s Ark (SNES, 1994)Some retro games aren't particu