The warmer weather has got us all craving an Aperol Spritz, so we've cherry picked five of the best spots in Leeds where you can sip one in the sunshine.
The Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitif cocktails in Italy and over the past couple of years it's been cropping up in the UK and has become a firm beer garden favourite.
There's just something about that neon orange, sparkling nectar which just hits the spot on every level.
A divine combination of Aperol, prosecco and soda, topped with a juicy slice of orange and sometimes (if you're lucky) an olive - this glorious drink is the ultimate summer beverage.
We've hand picked five places in Leeds where you can get yourself a brilliant Aperol Spritz, keep reading to find out and prepare to feel a little bit thirsty...
Green Room
36 Wellington Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' best sun traps and rooftops Green Room really know how to do a good spritz. Maybe the idyllic setting has something to do with it, but the spritzes here are utter perfection.
With a dedicated summer spritz menu, you can start off with an Aperol and then make your way down the list. We're a huge fan of the Elderflower Spritz which features fresh mint to really refresh you on a hot summer's day.
Roland's
39 Call Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know that Roland's make world class drinks, but we absolutely love their aperol for one huge reason - the olive. Not only do they have the ratios of the ingredients down to an absolute T, but the addition of an olive on top of the orange slice just really takes it up a notch.
Take your spritz upstairs to their secret rooftop and sip away whilst watching the sun go down. And if you need a pick me up, we also recommend their Espresso Martini. Or any other drink to be honest, because Roland's know exactly what they're doing.
Friends of Ham
4 New Station Street Leeds, Wells Road Ilkley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know and love Friends of Ham for their brilliant charcuterie, delicious cheese and impressive beer selection. But their Aperol Spritz is one we keep going back for time and time again. They get the ratio absolutely bang on, every single time.
Granted the Leeds location doesn't have an outdoor area but the Ilkley location has a stunning courtyard which basks in the afternoon sun and is the perfect spritz spot. What's better is that you can order a delicious bowl of Perello olives to go alongside it, can you think of anything better? We definitely can't.
Livin' Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Italians of course know how to make an Aperol Spritz, so Livin' Italy is the obvious choice and they certainly do not disappoint. With branded glasses and Aperol decor surrounding you in it's sun-filled terrace, you immediately know it's going to be a cracker before the tipple has even arrived at your table.
Enjoy yours alongside a delicious pizza or pasta for the ultimate Italian experience, you'll soon be cancelling your trip to Rome and booking a table here instead.
Headrow House
19 The Headrow
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Headrow House is undeniably one of Leeds' best rooftop bars, the drinks are fantastic, the music is great and the terrace offers an ultimate party atmosphere.
Not only do they make great Aperols but all day every day, they serve them for 2 for £12. You probably won't find an Aperol Spritz cheaper than this anywhere in the city but for the views you get at the same time, it's almost like they're giving them away.
A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.
It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.
The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
Leeds Festival announces second wave of artists including Skepta b2b set
Thomas Melia
One of West Yorkshire's biggest live music events , Leeds Festival, has announced its second wave of artists including a Skepta DJ set.
Back in December, Leeds Festival announced some impressive acts would be headlining like Fontaines D.C., Florence and the Machine, Charli xcx, Raye, Dave, and Chase & Status.
Leeds Festival 2026 also marks the first time this live music extended-weekender will have a Thursday night headliner courtesy of rock band Kasabian.
Alongside the stellar headliners, this year's line-up also sees Skepta, Sombr, Skye Newman, Role Model, Kneecap and more major acts performing next August.
Leeds Festival 2026 announces second wave of artists with over 60 new names / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Now, Leeds Festival has dropped its second wave of artists with over 60 names that are just as hard-hitting and extraordinary as the previously mentioned music moguls.
Headliner RAYE is making her Leeds Festival headline slot a family affair by bringing along her amazing sisters along for the ride too as Amma and Absolutely are now playing sets.
Violet Grohl, the eldest daughter of Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl, is making her first ever festival appearance and bringing her alternative-indie sound to Leeds.
Skepta announced for a b2b set and Violet Grohl makes festival performance debut / Credit: @henrygoodfell0w / Press Shot via supplied
Get ready for Cruz Beckham and The Breakers to step out for a set like no other too, as they prepare a performance all 'for your love' and attention.
There's even a brand-new stage titled The Warehouse which will act as the home for all things dance music, with exclusive b2b sets, DJ performances and a club-like experience.
The acts taking to this stage include Skepta b2b with East End Dubs, Omar +, Bou, Hedex, Rossi, Mall Grab and lots more.
More artists ready to wow the Bramham Park crowd include Arthur Hill, The Lathums, Duke Dumont, Slayyyter, The K's, Paris Paloma, Holly Humberstone and more.
Leeds Festival is taking place from 27 August to 30 August at Bramham Park and to find a full line-up HERE.
If you're after getting your hands on tickets for one of West Yorkshire's biggest festivals when it returns this August, you can do so HERE.
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2023 
