Where to Eat in Leeds Before a Concert at First Direct Arena

First Direct Arena sits in the heart of Leeds city centre, roughly 10 to 12 minutes walk from MyLahore. This proximity is crucial when you’re managing concert timing, close enough to reach the venue stress free but far enough to enjoy a proper meal.

Most concerts at First Direct Arena open doors 60 to 90 minutes before the advertised start time. Support acts typically begin 30 to 45 minutes after doors open, with headliners appearing 60 to 90 minutes later. This schedule gives you flexibility, and MyLahore’s experienced team understands exactly how to pace your meal to match your show time.

The restaurant’s approach to service is what sets them apart. They’ve served countless concert goers and know the unique demands of pre show dining. Whether you’re racing against the clock or savouring a leisurely dinner, the staff will match their service to your schedule without making you feel rushed or delayed.

Quick Pre Concert Options: Fast Food That Still Feels Special

When time is tight, MyLahore delivers quality food fast. The Chicken Seekh Kebab makes an excellent quick protein hit, chargrilled and flavourful, ready within minutes. The Meat Samosa or Veg Samosa provides portable, satisfying food that energises you without leaving you uncomfortably full during the show.

The Chicken Tortilla Wrap is particularly clever for concert nights, combining chargrilled shredded chicken with onion, peppers, melted cheddar cheese, and MyLahore’s special sauce. It’s substantial, delicious, and perfectly designed for efficiency.

You can be in and out within 30 to 45 minutes when you’re focused on speed. The food quality never suffers regardless of timing, you’re getting the same attention to spice blends and cooking methods whether you’re there for 30 minutes or 90.

Making It a Celebration: Turning Dinner Into Part of the Night Out

For many people, a concert represents a special night out. When dining is part of the celebration rather than just logistics, MyLahore creates the perfect foundation.

The sharing style dining naturally creates a celebratory atmosphere. Start with the Combo Platter featuring chicken seekh, mutton seekh, flaming chop, meat samosa and crispy chicken strips. It’s conversation fuel that gets everyone reaching across the table, trying different flavours, and building excitement for the show ahead.

For mains, the Lahori Chicken Karahi brings theatrical flair. Served in a traditional karahi, the dish arrives still sizzling with aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, and carefully balanced seasonings. The Butter Chicken offers rich, comforting flavours for those preferring milder heat, whilst the Lamb Handi on the Bone provides traditional presentation and depth of flavour.

Each dish is crafted to satisfy without leaving you uncomfortably full, an important consideration when you’ll be standing or sitting in arena seating for the next few hours. Allow 75 to 90 minutes for a relaxed meal with starters and mains.

Dietary Inclusivity: Making Sure Everyone in Your Group Eats Well

Modern concert groups often include vegans, vegetarians, and people with various dietary requirements. MyLahore’s vegetarian menu isn’t simplified or limited, it’s comprehensive and carefully crafted.

The Palak Paneer combines earthy spinach with tender paneer cheese. The Channa Karahi brings tender chickpeas together with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The Vegan Karahi uses plant based chicken style strips cooked with the same spice blends as traditional karahis.

This genuine inclusivity matters enormously on concert nights. Nobody wants to be the person whose dietary needs limit group choices or who settles for mediocre food whilst everyone else enjoys properly crafted dishes. At MyLahore, everyone participates equally in the celebration.

The team maintains detailed allergen information and can discuss dietary needs. When time is tight before a concert, contact MyLahore ahead to discuss specific requirements.

Timing Your Visit Perfectly: How to Plan Your Meal Around Doors Open

Getting the timing right transforms your concert experience from stressful to smooth. Here’s how to plan your MyLahore visit:

Start with your concert’s door time, subtract 10 to 12 minutes for the walk from MyLahore to the arena, then subtract your meal duration (30 to 45 minutes for quick bites, 60 to 75 minutes for a standard meal, 90 minutes for a celebration dinner). Add a 10 to 15 minute buffer, and you have your MyLahore arrival time.

Quick Example:
Door time: 7pm
Target arena arrival: 7:15pm
Walk time: 12 minutes
Meal duration: 35 minutes
Buffer: 15 minutes
Arrive at MyLahore: 6:10pm

Celebration Example:
Door time: 7pm
Target arena arrival: 7:30pm
Walk time: 12 minutes
Meal duration: 90 minutes
Buffer: 15 minutes
Arrive at MyLahore: 5:30pm

Booking Your Table: How to Reserve and Leave on Time

For concert nights, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings with major acts, book your MyLahore table ahead. The restaurant accepts reservations via their website and phone.

When booking, mention you’re attending a concert and need to leave by a specific time. The team can time your courses accordingly. For groups of 4 or more, booking is particularly advisable.

If you haven’t booked, MyLahore accommodates walk ins when space allows. Arriving at 5:15pm or after 7:15pm often means shorter waits, though booking ahead eliminates uncertainty.

Beyond Sit Down Dining: Takeaway and Other Useful Options

MyLahore offers takeaway service if you’d rather maximise your time differently. Order ahead, collect your food, and find a spot near the arena to eat before heading in. Wraps and samosas travel particularly well.

For larger concert outings, By MyLahore‘s catering services can arrange off site catering for groups. For home preparation before early shows, Ranges by MyLahore offers ready to grill options and tray bakes.

Your Concert Night Checklist: A Quick Plan for a Stress Free Evening

• Check your concert’s door time and calculate your MyLahore arrival time
• Book your table in advance, especially for groups or weekend shows
• Mention you’re attending a concert when booking
• Check the menu at mylahore.co.uk if anyone has dietary requirements
• Allow buffer time for unexpected delays
• Check weather forecasts for your walk to the arena

Why This Matters: Setting the Tone for the Whole Night

The best concert nights start well before the lights go down. MyLahore understands that pre show dining isn’t just about filling your stomach, it’s about setting the right tone for your evening.

The theatrical presentation of dishes like the karahi, the communal joy of sharing food, the aromatic spices that build anticipation, these elements create momentum that carries directly into your concert experience. When you approach dining as part of the whole celebration, the entire evening becomes richer.

MyLahore Leeds has become a go to choice for pre show meals because they’ve mastered the balance: quality food that respects your timing, genuine hospitality that enhances your evening, and practical understanding of what concert goers actually need.

So next time you book First Direct Arena tickets, book your MyLahore table too. Your future self, standing in the arena watching your favourite artist, will thank you for the preparation. After all, live music deserves to be enjoyed without the distraction of hunger or timing stress.

Ready to book your pre concert meal?

Contact MyLahore Leeds to reserve your table and experience authentic South Asian cuisine perfectly timed for your First Direct Arena show. For bespoke corporate events or larger groups, explore By MyLahore‘s catering services.

Follow MyLahore on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for menu updates and concert night inspiration.

Learn more about MyLahore’s story and discover their locations in Bradford, Manchester, Blackburn, and Birmingham. For more dining inspiration, explore family friendly options in Manchester, Bradford family dining, Sunday lunch in Bradford, and must try dishes at Blackburn. Discover more about why eating out matters and visit the FAQs for more information.