The Thornhill in Calverley is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
There's just nothing better at this time of year than venturing into a cosy pub and escaping the chilly weather outside.
From roaring fires and comforting pub grub, you'll find all this and more at The Thornhill in Calverley. And not only that, but it's got a cracking history behind it too.
The Thornhill was built over a whopping 400 years ago and was originally used as a coach house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
In 1673, the pub was founded by Walter and Francis Calverley in 1673 and it's been serving the good people of Leeds ever since.
Just stepping inside this charming pub will whisk you back to time's gone by, with many of the building’s original features having been retained.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's a beautiful stone archway with W.C and F.C carved into it from the pub's opening, and it is even rumoured that there are secret tunnels running from the pub’s cellar down to Kirkstall Abbey.
Fast forward three centuries (and a bit more), and owners Jamie and Sally Hanson have proudly owned The Thornhill for almost 15 years and although undergoing a refurbishment last year, they are committed to retaining the pub's old-school charm.
And they've done exactly that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A perfect haven to settle down with friends and enjoy a pint or two, and we can guarantee you'll spark a conversation with the joyful locals whilst you're there.
But it's got to be the food that really excites us, because you can't have a proper pub without some cosy pub grub can you?
The menu, created by Jamie and head chef James Carpenter, combines both traditional dishes with more laid-back plates to snack on with a few drinks, making The Thornhill a great spot to visit no matter what time of day.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From juicy burgers and zingy tacos to your classic roast dinner with all the trimmings (just look at that cauli cheese), there’s a dish for everyone to enjoy in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
So next time you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy a proper bit of pub grub, you can't go wrong with The Thornhill at Calverley.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
29th February 2024 
