If there's one thing Leeds locals love, it's a wine bar.
Okay wine lovers, this article is well and truly dedicated to you and your wine-sipping needs.
If you're sick and tired of being served an average wine in a horrible shaped glass at a pub, then we're here to save the day and get you to where you deserve to be.
Over the last couple of years there's been an influx of new wine bars touching down in the city, and we're not mad about it whatsoever.
So whether you fancy an earthy glass of natural orange wine or a smooth chilled red, we're pretty certain there's a wine bar for you.
Keep reading and get ready to get really, really thirsty...
Bottle Chop
Weetwood Lane, Headingley
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: The Hoot Leeds
This one comes as literally no surprise. The absolute OGs of natural wine, this pastel pink oasis over in Headingley is a firm favourite amongst city dwellers and those settled in the suburbs.
Stop by for an epic cheese and charcuterie boards and let the wonderful staff guide you to your perfect glass of wine. You're welcome.
Rinse
Call Lane
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: The Hoot Leeds
And if we're going to shoutout Bottle Chop, then the next logical answer is of course Rinse.
Their city centre sibling opened up just a few months ago and it's just as brilliant and just as busy, obviously. You can get all of the above here at Rinse but you're slap bang in the city centre, the perfect mid-shopping pick me up or pre-dinner glass pitstop.
Friends of Ham
New Station Street, Leeds and Wells Road, Ilkley
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This fabulous spot not only serves great wine and lashing of beer but they also sell lots of...ham.
These guys take a lot of pride in their charcuterie and cheese boards and you probably won't find better in the city. Using only the best quality ingredients, each board is carefully curated and they'll help you choose a wine to match. Their small plates change seasonally but they're all always delicious, trust us.
NoNo Wine Bar
Granary Wharf
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New to the city, NoNo Wine Bar offers a lovely cosy setting right next to the train station, perfect whether you're coming or going to the city.
Nestled underneath the railway arch you'll find walls of wine of every colour on offer by glass or by the bottle.
Veeno
Wellington Place
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This spot is well known amongst city workers as a great spot to sink a glass of wine or two. It's an Italian wine bar and kitchen where you'll find great deals as well as overflowing charcuterie boards and glasses to match.
Eat Your Greens
New York Street
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Okay, technically not just a wine bar, Eat Your Greens is still a fabulous space to enjoy a glass of wine that you might not have tried before.
They're all about using the very best seasonal ingredients, so here you'll find a rotating selection of wines which are all guaranteed to be very, very delicious. And obviously whilst you're there it would be rude not to dig into their fantastic dishes, in a jiffy this will be your new favourite spot in the city.
Latitude
The Calls
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We have a feeling you'll already know about this one, having served the people of Leeds since 2008 they recently moved into a bigger space on The Calls where you can not only buy their wine but you can sit in and drink it as well.
Their mission is very simple, to provide customers with stellar service and exceptional wine. And they do that in abundance.
There's only one thing better than fries, and that's bottomless fries.
There's a new date spot in town, and it's called Jasper's.
Tucked away in the beautiful Grand Arcade, this new bistro and bar is focusing on one thing and doing it well...steak and chips.
We honestly can't think of a better combo, and the best part? The chips are bottomless.
You may have seen this sort of concept over in Paris, where guests are served two servings of steak and chips all for a very reasonable price.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well this is basically the same, except you get one steak each and endless fries that are perfect for mopping up all the juices.
You can choose from a rump steak and chips for just £19.50 or you can pay a little bit extra for a 28 day aged ribeye, if you're feeling that little bit fancy.
Then once your food arrives, you'll have 90 minutes to get through as many fries as possible. Challenge accepted.
They've got loads of sauces for dipping and dunking as well, from your classic peppercorn to a zingy chimichurri.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If steak isn't your thing then the menu also features plenty of other options like tiger prawns, fried oysters and grilled scallops.
The cocktail list is absolutely huge, with over 100 whiskeys on offer for you to make your way through.
The interior is moody, dark and ultra romantic - perfect for date night if you ask us.
Jasper's steak house and bar is open now in Leeds city centre and you can find more about it here.
The very best ice cream and gelato spots in and around Leeds
Clementine Hall
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
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If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
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Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.