Mentioned by Creative Tourist
Lunch in Leeds - Our Top Picks for Lunch in Leeds
"What: This trendy New York style rooftop bar and restaurant is a great spot in which to start the weekend, particularly when you factor in its fantastic bottomless brunch. Here you can feast on the likes of avocado on toast, eggs cooked in various ways, and burgers, all while enjoying free-flowing bubbly or Bloody Marys for 90 minutes. It’s worth noting that East 59th’s weekend bottomless brunch is popular with groups and parties, so it’s best to book ahead.Where: East 59th, 47 Victoria Gate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7AU"
"East 59th’s jungle-like roof terrace is blessed with south-facing views over the city’s skyline, which you can take in at your leisure over dinner, and if the weather doesn’t play, you can cosy up under their heat lamps and parasols to keep warm. From the East Cheeseburger to the Seafood Platter, they have a menu of New York-inspired eats to fill your belly. Fancy something lighter?"
"When the weekend rolls around, East 59th becomes inundated with daytime revellers getting their fix of free-flowing fizz and brekkie dishes. But it's not just the bottomless brunch that attracts the masses. The rooftop gem also touts citywide vistas that are sure to wow."
"What: Boasting stunning rooftop views of the city, the terrace at Angelica, which sits six floors up in the Trinity Shopping Centre, is one of Leeds' most popular al fresco dining destinations. It might be known predominantly as a bar but the food menu here certainly isn't to be sniffed at. Head here on weekends for a memorable outdoor brunch or treat yourself to a three-course dinner in the evening, with indulgent dishes such as lobster and chips on offer.Where: Level 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Lane, LS1 6HW"
"It’s one of the city’s most glamourous dining venues thanks to its prestigious location on the top floor of Trinity Leeds. While the sleek and modern interior is certainly inviting, a visit to Angelica wouldn’t be complete without heading onto the wraparound outdoor terrace to take in the panoramic views. A popular cocktail destination, it’s a great venue to kick-start your evening."
"A classy rooftop bar, make your way to Trinity and head six storeys up. Said to boast sophisticated cocktails, the atmosphere here is a calm one and again has some picture-perfect views."
"There’s not one, but two roof terraces to choose from at Headrow House. They’re both massive, so you’ll never struggle to socially distance. The upper terrace, Kennedy Meadows, offers incredible views across the city’s rooftops, while the lower terrace has plenty of cosy corners to settle down in."
"A former textile mill and one-time grotty dive pub, the historic building that now houses Headrow House was given a hefty makeover to transform it into the four-floor nightlife venue it is today."
"No round-up of restaurants in Leeds would be complete without mentioning The Reliance. It’s a vintage pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Although it boasts a somewhat understated interior, it contrasts this with its great service and the high-quality food it delivers – which is undoubedtly how their reputation has spread like wildfire."
"Home-cured charcuterie boards are what this pub’s most proud of, though you’ll also find soups, sandwiches, snacks and large plates on its menu. The informal pub setting means The Reliance is well-suited to both solo- and group-dining."
"Located at the bottom of town near the train station, Space is ideal if you’ve been drinking in the city centre and want to finish the night off in style – although that style is less tuxedos and Grey Goose, more freshers sitting in puddles of their own vomit. Don’t let that deter you – this is what Space does best. The vibe is very much about throwing on that t-shirt that you haven’t taken off since arriving and a pair of scuzzy trainers and preparing yourself for a messy one."
"Hidden away behind Duncan Street and Call Lane, Space has been an intrinsic part of the Leeds club scene since 1999, promising that little bit of Ibiza in the heart of the city centre. A haven of house music, it has become the scene of many great nights out in Leeds, and because it’s so central, you’re never far away from an all-night party. Head down for Space Tuesdays or go on Fridays for Colours to kick off or end your night out in Leeds."
"Copyright J Thomas licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use. The Anchor Inn is one of the best country pubs in North Yorkshire. It’s a 40-minute drive from Leeds in the picturesque village of Whixley."
"This award-winning museum attempts to bring 400 years of the city’s history together in one place. The interactive style of this museum is full of loyal recreations that accurately imitate how life would have been; a street plucked straight from the Victorian era, a row of iconic shops straight from the 1970s and much more. Children enter for free with a paying adult and there is enough variety to keep all ages happy."
"One of the best York photography spots is the Victorian street recreated in the York Castle Museum. Head there towards the end of the day, maybe 30-40 minutes before the closing time, so you can get the street empty and take some stunning photos there. York Castle Museum is one of my favourite Instagrammable spots in York."
"Sunny Bank Mills was once a key part of the city’s industrial past, but since being restored by the Gaunt family, it’s been turned into a multi-purpose creative space with a 3,000-square-foot art gallery at its heart. It’s one of the best galleries in Leeds to find exhibitions by local artists, as it gives them a platform to show their work, from Mel Davies’ colourful landscapes to Kate Kenney’s oil paintings of Yorkshire. It’s also home to Spinning Mill Studios, where local artists and makers create and display their work."
"From their website: ‘Our exciting, inventive and varied menus have been especially created by our experienced staff, and are La Vecchia Scuola’s distinguishing – and distinguished – culinary feature. We believe in serving only the very best in contemporary Italian cooking.’"
"05/06/2021: The restaurant is one of two we tend to visit whenever we come to York. The building and surroundings are stunning and this is a big draw. On this occasion we were put in a side room with three other tables."