Once the nights turn dark, there's not much 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.
It's fair to say we're pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy pubs in Leeds. To help you pick where to go, we've put together some of our favourites below.
Keep reading to discover more.
Whitelock's Ale House
Turk's Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB
Image: Whitelock's Ale House
One of the oldest pubs in Leeds, Whitelock's is easy to miss - tucked away down a side alley off the main high street. 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.
This laid back spot in Leeds offers classic modern European dishes, alongside regular live music and cinema nights. 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 Lamb and Flag
1 Church Row, Leeds City Centre, LS2 7HD
Image: The Lamb and Flag
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.
With cosy alcoves and roaring open fire, The Cross Keys is an excellent place to while away a few dark winter hours. It also has an interesting connection to Leeds' history as the place that engineer Matthew Murray developed the first locomotive. One of the city's last true freehouses, it is at the heart of its community and a popular choice for locals.
This Georgian-style pub in Chapel Allerton is the epitome of country-chic, with blazing open-fires interiors, a large garden, an excellent Sunday roast menu, and more. Its award-winning food menu is not to be missed, covering everything from hearty sandwiches to posh mains, with a decent wine list and some lovely casks on the bar.
Out at Tadcaster, the Rockingham Arms blends modern with traditional. Built back in the 18th Century as a traditional country inn, it still retains many of its features today - giving it a charming, old-world appeal. Its menu, however, introduces some more contemporary themes - with dishes like greek-style super bowls, Morrocan vegetable tagine, and slow-roasted belly pork.
The Timble Inn
North Lane, Timble, Otley LS21 2NN
Image: The TImble Inn
Out in Otley, this charming inn has a beautiful bar, restaurant and b&b rooms upstairs for those who want to make a proper night of it. Close to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it makes a perfect post-walk stop off if you're looking to warm up with a nice drink and some traditional food.
Feature image - Whitelock's Ale House
Eats
A Parisian-inspired bistro serving steak and bottomless fries has just opened in Leeds
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
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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
Image: The Hoot Leeds
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.
The Hoot -
3rd October 2023 
