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.
If you're a fan of all-things chicken, then this is the spot for you.
Introducing The Rotisserie Club, that's doing exactly what it says on the tin...rotisserie chicken.
Taking over the former Shokupan site at 27 Wellington Street, the new restaurant aims to bring a new go-to lunch spot to that area of town.
And we've got a very strong feeling it's going to go down an absolute storm amongst gym bunnies and office dwellers alike.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brought to the city by Norman of Spuds n Bros fame and Luigi from Habitum and La Bottega Milanese, you just know you're in good hands.
The idea is to split the day between the two businesses, with Habitum taking care of the morning coffee crowd before The Rotisserie Club takes over from lunchtime. Sounds like a match made in heaven if you ask us.
That means early birds can get their caffeine fix before the focus shifts to a menu centred around rotisserie-cooked chicken.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Expect chicken-filled Caesar wraps, bowls, salads, wings and stuffed pittas, as well as half and whole chickens served with their signature house dripping potatoes.
You can dip or drench your chicken in their range of sauces, and then you’ve got yourself something worth licking your fingers over.
Not only that, but in the future they'll be opening in the evenings so you can have your chicken fix alongside a tipple or two.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's great to see two independent businesses team together to create something completely new in the city, and we can't wait to see how well it's received by food lovers in the city centre.
Move over Nando's, The Rotisserie Club is officially in town.
An authentic hand-pulled noodle restaurant is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If you're a fan of thick, chewy noodles, then you're going to like this one.
And that's because The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to welcome Lano Noodles, an authentic hand-pulled noodle spot.
Specialising in freshly made noodles, authentic Lanzhou-style beef noodle soup and traditional Chinese snacks, the independent restaurant will be unlike anything you can currently find in Leeds city centre.
The new restaurant will occupy approximately 2,150 sq ft across two floors, and will create between seven and ten jobs.
You'll be able to grab your food to-go as well as eat-in.
Charles Newman, Associate Director of Estates at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, commented: "We're delighted to welcome Lano Noodles to the Merrion Centre, particularly as the team has chosen Leeds for its very first restaurant.
"Its location on Merrion Way, directly opposite the first direct bank arena, is perfectly positioned to attract a diverse mix of customers, from students and city centre workers to shoppers and eventgoers.
"The combination of freshly prepared, authentic food, convenient grab-and-go options and relaxed dining is a great fit for this busy part of the city. It's fantastic to see another independent operator investing in Leeds, creating new jobs and adding to our growing international food offering."
A spokesperson for Lano Noodles Ltd added: "We're really excited to be opening our first restaurant at the Merrion Centre and introducing our freshly made hand-pulled noodles to Leeds.
"We chose the location because of its strong footfall and diverse customer base. We want to create a welcoming, informal space where people can enjoy authentic Chinese food, whether they're grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a relaxed meal with friends.
"We can't wait to welcome our first customers and share the flavours of Lanzhou with the Leeds community."
Clementine Hall -
29th February 2024 
