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.
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Six of our favourite cosy pubs in Leeds City Centre to hide away from the rain
Clementine Hall
When the weather is rubbish, there’s nothing better than tucking away in the corner of a cosy pub with a good pint and a bowl of chips.
Thankfully, Leeds is blessed with many.
Roaring fires add extra comfort, as do old-fashioned characteristics like low-slung wooden beams and wood panelling, whilst big windows serve to let in a bit of light on the darker days.
To help you pick where to go, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below.
The Victoria & Commercial
Great George Street, LS1 3DL
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Newest and maybe the most festive is The Victoria, originally opened in 1865 this historic pub has recently been reborn courtesy of Kirkstall Brewery and Whitelock's Ale House.
The interior here is absolutely beautiful, even without the decorations it feels festive. So if you're looking for that Christmas feeling all year round, this is the place to be.
Whitelock’s Ale House
Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course it wouldn't be a cosy pub guide without the iconic Whitelock's Ale House. The oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock’s is easy to miss – tucked away down a side alley off the main high street, but once you find it it's well worth the hunt.
A former marketman’s pub, inside you’ll find historic features like an old wooden bar and stained glass windows as well as good selection of beers, ales and traditional British dishes.
Crowd of Favours
4-12 Harper Street, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7EA
This laid back spot in Leeds is the perfect spot to get nestled in, enjoy a few pints and escape the dreary weather.
Food-wise, think lemon and thyme chicken wings, braised beef cheek and hearty stews. As for the drinks, there’s a solid wine and cocktail menu as well as a good selection of beers on draught.
The Highland Laddie
38 Cavendish Street, LS3 1LY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Empire Cafe, The Highland Laddie is one of Leeds' newest pubs but it's as cosy as it gets.
Fabulous traditional interiors with a proper homely feel to it, and of course the food is absolutely banging. Think oysters, ham and chips and belting sausage rolls.
The Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, The Lamb and Flag boast a locally-sourced menu and a strong selection of local ales. A stone’s throw from Leeds Minster, there are two bars – one upstairs and one down. Between them, you’ll find ten different hand pulls pouring some of the best beer in Leeds..
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem at the top of town has everything you could ever want in a pub. Great drinks, a warming atmosphere, a pool table and brilliant food.
The staff are always lovely and there's usually an adorable dog knocking about too.
Clementine Hall -
11th September 2023 
