If you're moving to Leeds this month for university then we've rounded up ten places which we think you should put to the top of your priority list.
We know it can feel daunting moving to a new city but if you're moving to Leeds then first of all, lucky you and second of all, we've got you covered.
From affordable foodie hot spots to perfect places to break the ice with your new flat mates, here are ten places you should put to the top of your priority list (after studying, of course).
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Cross Belgrave Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Belgrave Music Hall is an absolute student staple, pop here for a few drinks after lectures and we can promise you'll have a whale of a time. Live music, a stunning rooftop terrace, cocktails, beer and half price pizza slices during the week...it's an absolute no brainer really.
Roxy Ballroom
Merrion Street, Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to break the ice with your new flat mates? Then head to Roxy Ballroom for a couple games of beer pong and a few cheeky cocktails. They've also got a great selection of food including pizzas which are perfect for sharing and loaded fries to snack on mid-game.
Things In Bread
Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On Boar Lane in the city centre you will find Things In Bread who serve up the best sandwiches in Leeds (big statement, we know). So get yourself down there and fuel up before the first semester.
With weekly specials this is a spot you'll be going back to time and time again, eager to sample the delicious concoctions they're putting out. They're affordable, filling and just all round fantastic sarnies.
Headingley Heights
Otley Road, Headingley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Closer to campus you'll find The Box Bar's rooftop terrace in Headingley. A great spot to watch some live sport in the sunshine and relax with a few bevvies. Who doesn't love a good rooftop right?
The Tetley
Hunslet Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It can't all be nights out and partying (although we wish it could be), so seek a bit of culture at The Tetley. What was once home to one of Leeds' largest brewing dynasties is now a contemporary art gallery with loads of great free exhibitions to explore.
They've also got a great cafe and bar for you to fuel up once you're done being a culture vulture.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Bundobust is a proper Leeds landmark - and if you know, you know. Indian street food served at an affordable price alongside a selection of their own beers and cocktails. They do a great deal called the 'Combo for 2' where you can get a selection of dishes for just £30.
And it's all vegetarian with a huge selection of vegan dishes on offer as well, so everyone in your flat can enjoy some tasty grub. Get the Okra Fries, you won't regret it.
Electric Shuffle
123 The Headrow
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a quick game of shuffleboard? Get competitive with your new mates at Electric Shuffle, the only immersive shuffleboard experience outside of London! The perfect bonding experience between new mates after a day of lectures.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds Kirkgate Market is one of our favourite places in the city. It is a market drenched in history and innovation, being home to the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened back in 1857.
The market is a must-visit when in town, showcasing lots of street food vendors who serve grub from around the world at an affordable price. It's a no brainer really.
Water Lane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, Holbeck
By the canal you'll find Water Lane Boathouse, a proper scenic spot for a drink or two whilst watching the world go by (with half price pizzas on Sunday).
Their cocktails are two for £12 all day, every day and the Aperol Spritz are absolutely spot on.
Leeds City Museum
Millenium Square
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds City Museum is the perfect spot to browse on a rainy afternoon, hosting a range of free exhibitions including one currently on everything Hip Hop. Running until March 2024, the museum has uncovered the history behind one of our favourite music genres.
The exhibition has recreated bedrooms, vinyl stores, barber shops and it even has a real New York Subway filled with graffiti - cool right?
That should keep you busy for the first couple of weeks, but keep an eye on our page as we'll be giving you the low down on all things Leeds.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
11th September 2023 
