Mentioned by Confidentials
The coolest places to eat 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 is one of Leeds' swankiest rooftop restaurants and bars, offering views of the city's gorgeous architecture including the historic Kirkgate Market. Grab a space on their outdoor terrace for jaw-dropping vistas, boujee brunch plates, and NYC-inspired cocktails come nightfall."
"This Trinity Leeds rooftop restaurant boasts panoramic views and sleek interiors. Alongside a variety of fine dining options and an impressive cocktail menu, Angelica transforms into a lively bar when night falls, regularly playing host to club nights, DJ sets and summertime BBQs."
"Nestled on the fifth floor of Trinity, Angelica is one of the best rooftop bars in Leeds. You can look out across the city from one of their stylish metal tables or luxurious outdoor sofas, which are all kitted out with parasols and heat lamps. Wine is what they do best."
"With a wraparound terrace and panoramic city views, Angelica is a real show-stopper and oh so instagrammable. Relax in a luxurious setting with a cocktail prepared by one of their skilled mixologists. Level 6 Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, LS1 6HW"
"Housed in a former textile mill, Headrow House has been transformed into a vibrant food and drink destination with three floors and two impressive rooftop terraces. The Redondo Beach cocktail bar boasts a variety of original concoctions to try and leads out onto a large outdoor space which features a kitchen and bar. On the floor above sits Kennedy Meadows, a terraced area overlooking the Victoria Quarter, Kirkgate Market and Victoria Gate."
"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."
"What: If you don't mind drifting out of the city centre a bit and over the river, Water Lane Boathouse is well worth the walk. Sitting right on the waterfront in Holbeck, it's home to one of Leeds' biggest beer gardens and serves a number of different craft beers from various local breweries. If the idyllic location and drinks menu wasn't enough already, there's also a mouthwatering pizza and burger menu on offer her."
"Canal-side pub and restaurant from the savvy team behind Belgrave and Headrow House, Water Lane Boathouse is a cool spot for dinner with friends, a casual date, or lazy board games on a Sunday afternoon. Their Italian hand-crafted mosaic masterpiece of an oven produces super sourdough pizzas, and the burgers and salads are equally as good. Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS – 0113 246 0985"
"Water Lane Boathouse sits on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal with cracking views over the water. It comes from the team behind Headrow House and Belgrave and it’s cool-as-heck, with original brickwork and minimalist decor. Take a pew in their amazing outdoor area, where you can sit and enjoy one of their many craft beers and artisan gins overlooking the water."
"Since arriving on the scene, the Rum Shack has been able to compliment and contribute to the growing sense of community and relaxed atmosphere that thrives so strongly in Bradford."
"While not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, the Grub and Grog Shop is still a firm favourite among Leeds’ plant-based community. That’s because it offers up vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner in an informal setting, with everything made from scratch (as much as possible) using local, organic ingredients. Grub and Grog also works with a number of local providers, meaning customers can buy the products used directly from the shop."
"Based in Sheaf Street Cafeteria, Grub & Grog is open for breakfast and lunch all week as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, serving an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Utilising fresh ingredients and wholesome recipes, their daytime offering is centred on sandwiches, salads and traditional brunch options. The evening menu is usually based around vegan offerings with a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian options."
"This ethical and sustainable café and coffee shop is leading the way in Leeds’ #eatyourgreens movement. They source ingredients locally before serving up delicious meals in a funky renovated warehouse. Grub & Grog comes from the same people as Sheaf St., and their impact on the vegan food scene here in Leeds has certainly not gone unnoticed."
"A longtime favourite of Leeds’ nightlife, Aire Bar has a nice little spot by the River Aire on The Calls. Delve into the iconic arched rooms, grab a drink at the bar and head out onto the overhanging terrace for a close up of the waterfront. They have a range of local breweries on tap, such as Ilkley, Ossett and Saltaire, that will go down a storm on their balcony, and if you get peckish, Yorkshire Burgaire Company will sort you out."
"Staindrop Lodge Hotel refurbishment programme which has transformed it into an eye-catching, Art Deco style hotel. The spacious bedrooms are well equipped with digital and analogue access points. Situated just 3 minutes from the M1, it enjoys a central location ideal for Sheffield, Meadowhall and South Yorkshire."
"Souvlaki sources all their ingredients from Greece, ensuring you really get that authentic Mediterranean flavour. Each grilled wrap is packed with delicious salads, meat, chips and crumbling feta and is a solid alternative to the standard lunchtime sandwich fare. Silver Street, YO1 8RY (souvlakiyork)"
"King’s Manor is a stately house in York city centre that has played host to some of British history’s most important visitors. In the days before the Reformation, it was the home of the Abbot of St Mary’s, before becoming the headquarters of the Council of the North in Henry VIII’s time. The Tudor king himself stayed there, giving rise to its current name."
"Visiting the Museum Gardens is yet another free activity to do in York. On a nice, summer’s day you can bring a picnic here and relax on a bench or the grass. You can also explore the ruins of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey, or simply visit The Yorkshire Museum."
"Just below Tropical World are the beautiful Canal Gardens which again, despite being in the area many times exploring Roundhay Park I had never noticed before I ran past them during a lockdown run. I came back again a couple of weeks later with my new tripod (best purchase!!!) to photograph them. In Spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom in this peaceful place."
"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."