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 Yorkshire-born and bred artist and his creative team have earned the huge honour of creating the official FIFA scarf collection for this year's World Cup.
Nothing short of massive for anyone from our part of the world.
The local legend in question is Tom Pitts, who was born in Sheffield and is now based just beyond Leeds, leading the campaign right from the helm.
Hand Drawn Pixels is a graphic design and digital studio based in Otley, and while you'll see plenty of folks wearing football shirts and even the odd scarf on the town's famous pub crawl, these lot are venturing on an entirely different kind of run this summer.
In fact, the work has very much already started, with Tom and co. collaborating directly with FIFA and US manufacturers, Global Scarves, to create the World Cup collection.
With this year's tournament obviously taking place across America, Mexico and Canada, they've joined up with a big LLC, but they describe themselves as "a true English custom scarf company with American parents."
In their words, "We knit scarves for clients all over the world", with a presence both near Leeds and over in Seattle, Washington.
The fixtures themselves kick off next month (England's first game coming against Croatia on 17 June), and so Hand Drawn Pixels have been hard at work meeting the briefs for each of the nations taking part.
Here's a quick breakdown of how the opportunity came about, their vision for the project, and how everything starts for them as a whole process.
You can see more of their work HERE, but as the brand name would suggest, it's pretty simple to begin with: nothing more than a pencil.
It's worth noting that the 2026 World Cup also featured the largest number of teams in the competition's history: 48 qualified national squads, to be exact. So, technically, they've had even more designing to do than they theoretically would have in any of the previous years, too.
Tom confessed that winning this bid is obviously a big deal on its own and that seeing his creations being worn in person by supporters at the stadiums will be a "surreal" experience.
Speaking exclusively with The Hoot, he said: "It’s been an amazing creative challenge for us to truly reflect the individuality and diversity of the nations competing in this prestigious tournament on such an iconic product as the football scarf."
He went on to add that "the whole project has been a huge learning experience, gaining deeper cultural insight into every nation involved."
We can't wait to cast eyes upon a sea of colour and finely crafted fabric in unique but somehow universally familiar patterns, all designed right here in 'God's Own Country'.
Award-winning Sardinian restaurant Domo announces Leeds opening date
Clementine Hall
Domo will officially open the doors to its Leeds venue this summer.
Get ready for Domo Leeds, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
Domo has confirmed it will officially open the doors to its first Leeds venue on Friday June 5, so we really don't have long to wait.
Located at the iconic Tower Works development, Domo Leeds will offer a vibrant new canal-side destination, perfect for the summer months.
Alongside the main restaurant menu, there’ll be a dedicated bar food menu designed around relaxed dining and carefully crafted small plates designed to pair with the drinks offering creating a more informal way for guests to experience Sardinian flavours.
Domo co-founder, Sarah Elliott-Busceddu, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally open the doors and welcome people into Domo Leeds. From day one, our vision has been to create a space where everyone feels welcome and somewhere that brings people together in the true spirit of Sardinian hospitality.
“Whether it’s an evening out with friends, a relaxed catch-up over drinks after work, or a big family celebration, we’ve designed Domo to feel warm, inclusive and full of life. We can’t wait for people in Leeds to experience not just the food and drinks, but the atmosphere and sense of community that sits at the heart of everything we do.”
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2023 
