Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in River Nidd

"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"

"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"

"Angelica, at the very top of Trinity Leeds, is a luxurious spot at any time of day, but to really get the most out of it we’d recommend visiting at night. Drinking cocktails on their terrace and watching the world go by is an absolute dream, as is their impressive food menu."

"When it comes to alfresco dining and sunshine drinks, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave, et al, have most definitely raised the bar, quite literally. Their rooftop ‘beer garden’ is one of the go-to destinations when the sun makes an appearance. With a stellar selection of craft beers and cocktails together with 2020’s foodie revelation ‘Spitz Kebabs’ from Ox Club."

"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."

"Belgrave's sister bar Headrow House has one of the biggest outdoor terraces in Leeds, set over two floors. It offers stunning views over the rooftops of the city."

"Bar, bakery and as the name suggests, former boathouse, this waterside joint overlooks the canal and is ideally located for a pre or post-lunch family stroll. Board games will keep young visitors well occupied, although their attention may well be diverted by the arrival of Small Victories’ amazing sourdough pizzas. These bad boys are freshly made on site, so feel free to ask for a smaller size if your kids aren’t able to polish off a full portion."

"Overlooking the River Aire at Granary Wharf, Water Lane Boathouse is one of the best alfresco dining spots in Leeds. It’s great when the sun’s shining, but don’t worry, they have heaters and covered seating too. Their menu takes a two-pronged approach – Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza, made in a hand-crafted Italian oven, and juicy burgers, stacked high with everything from Yorkshire beef to Magic Mountains vegan patties."

"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."

"Just 10 minutes drive from the city centre, Myrtle Tavern is a friendly country pub that’s loved by local families. The welcoming staff, large beer garden and outdoor play equipment create a great environment for both children and parents. They often have fun events for kids too, such as a Santa’s Grotto at Christmas and a bouncy castle in the summer."

"This "top notch pub" came first in line on TripAdvisor for restaurants in Leeds. The Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood was praised by its customers for its roast dinners and "incredible" decorations."

"If you’re a big fan of speakeasy-style venues, then you’ll love The Backroom Leeds!. Split into multiple rooms and levels, this unique venue is located beneath the iconic railway bridge on Call Lane right in the heart of the city. Hosting bustling club nights on the weekend that last throughout the night ‘til the early morning, this is the place to head to if you’re looking for a stylish venue and an amazing cocktail menu that’s second to none!"

"A luxe late-night joint where incredible cocktails are paired with non-stop club classics, The Backroom is just the ticket for those after something a little more dressed up. Shake and shimmy to sweet contemporary sounds, while sipping your way through the creative drinks menu."

"The venue said they will reopen at one minute past midnight, and warned that tickets were selling fast. Follow Best in Leeds. To find out more about what’s on in Leeds and Yorkshire visit our Best in Leeds Facebook page."

"Offering a small but perfectly formed food menu, Beer Hawk is a craft beer bar and bottle shop boshing out more than just pints. Chow down on buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, vegan wings and an array of delicious sides including raclette-covered waffle fries, mac 'n' cheese and mango salads."

"Pitching up on Boar Lane, Beer Hawk has brought a new craft beer competitor to the city. Fronting upwards of 140 different brew, the bar is one of the hops-heads among you, and also offers a small but delicious menu of fried chicken, vegan alternatives and tasty sides."

"Best known for its mega selection of craft brews - the last time we checked it had over 140 - Beer Hawk also whips up tasty burgers. Spend a laid-back evening here with friends sinking pints and chomping on onion rings, vegan duck fries and patties galore."

"A beautiful pub in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, The Fountaine Inn is one of the finest watering holes you’ll come across and it’s a particular favourite for walkers and explorers making the most of the nearby scenery. This historic, idyllic building is a treat for the eyes and once you’re inside, you’ll find the perfect venue for a bite to eat or a well-deserved drink. They keep it all quite informal, even if it tastes top drawer."

"Situated in the heart of the bustling city, The Cafe 68 Gillygate has much to offer visitors with its varied selection of Yorkshire brunches, including vegetarian alternatives, homemade cakes, and house-blend coffee. Offering generous portions of full English breakfasts, poached eggs on an English muffin, and bacon or sausage sandwiches, The Cafe 68 Gillygate is the ideal place to experience lovingly made, traditional English food."

"Plenty of vegan/vegan options and all dishes on main menu can be made GF on request. ‘Osborne’s @68 on Gillygate – lovely people, great coffee, and the cakes are delicious and enormous!!"

"Blossom Street Gallery, which makes its home in the historic Micklegate quarter of the city, was conceived to bring local artists and creatives together in a central space and provide an opportunity for Yorks’ residents and visitors to enjoy local artwork. Blossom Street hosts regular exhibitions with notable artists, predominantly from Yorkshire but sometimes from a little further afield. They aim to offer art which everybody can enjoy – from original pieces, to prints, to handcrafted and design-led gifts and cards, and innovative framing options and supplies."

"Designed by Frank Matcham in 1904 and redeveloped in 1990, the Victoria Quarter is a traditional shopping arcade with the most beautiful architecture. Under its famous stained glass roof, two parallel rows of shops house some of the best designer stores in Leeds. Here, you’ll find England’s only stand-alone Louis Vuitton shop outside the capital, along with two floors of luxury goods at Mulberry and gorgeous leather accessories straight-from New York at Coach."

"The last arcades to be built in Leeds during the Victorian period were the Cross and County arcades (now known as the Victoria Quarter) and they were built by theatre architect Frank Matcham. Designed to stand out from the drab, industrial buildings already present in the city, County Arcade features marble columns, cast-iron arches and colourful mosaics. The Victoria Quarter in Leeds is now home to some of the most exclusive shops in the city."

"One of the pride and joys of the city, the Victoria Quarter rewrites the rules for what a modern shopping centre can be. For starters, it’s simply gorgeous. From the wonderfully tiled floor to the largest stained-glass roof in Britain, it’s a masterpiece in how to refresh Victorian architecture."

"Did you know that Leeds is one of just three cities in the UK with its own ballet and opera companies?. The former is Northern Ballet, a critically acclaimed company that’s widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Led by David Nixon OBE, they offer up unique reinterpretations of classics like Swan Lake alongside new ballets like Casanova, The Little Mermaid and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas."

"The Northern Ballet is a touring dance company which performs locally, nationally and internationally, with its home in Leeds. They are well-known for transforming popular stories into Dance, such as The Little Mermaid and The Great Gatsby. You should definitely take up the opportunity to watch one of their mesmerising ballets if you have the chance."

"If you’re looking for a more intimate environment for a night of comedy in Leeds, look no further than the Carriageworks Theatre. The venue puts on a vast and diverse array of entertainment all year round – and they get more than their fair share of comedy too. They’ve had visits from the likes of Mitch Benn, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, Tape Face, Patrick Monahan and The Clean As Possible Comedy Show over the past few years."

"A 45 – 60 minute show packed with interactive fun and games for the whole family. This show is all about children’s ideas and stories…"