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.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
29th February 2024 
