After years in the making, the tireless work put into restoring one of Leeds' biggest open-air rooftop spaces has paid off in a matter of months.
Awarded a place in the 'Top 50 Rooftop Bars in Europe' according to Big 7 Travel isn't an easy spot to take, but Green Room's spritz's and intimate views across the city has made it only one of two UK rooftop bars to make it onto this list- and with good reason.
The multi-storey bar and vegan-friendly venue has quickly become a popular watering hole, for those in the know that is.
Located on Wellington Street just moments from the train station, the gorgeous exposed brick and plant-covered entrance gives way to a fire pit and cosy industrial-chic food and work space.
This alone is making the new venture a huge success with remote workers, businessman looking for a morning coffee and those in search of an Instagrammable brunch all in one- and that's before you've venture up the concrete steps to the second floor to find the rooftop terrace.
Grön, a local plant-based foodie favourite provides the brunch menu here. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Easily operating as a go-to hangout for post-work drinks, weekend socials and midweek sunbathing sessions, the Green Room rooftop terrace is making quite a statement in the city.
If there's ever been a spot to basking in the sunshine on those infrequent days reaching above 20 degrees, this is it.
Expect barbecues, live DJs and eclectic seating options where guests can unwind with a pint from a local independent brewery in one hand and a delectable choice of plant-based street food in the other, all whilst getting a tan in the summer heat.
Providing the pints, award-winning local breweries like Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock are stocking the fridges and pumping the taps with craft beers and ales aplenty.
Meanwhile, the rooftop bar provides mixology at its finest, showcasing a vast selection of cocktails, ranging from a Watermelon Mojito and Peach Margarita to a North Star Espresso Martini. Plus, plenty of coffee options using ethically sourced coffee beans- there's an option for every preference.
North Star Coffee from Green Room. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The decision to give Green Room this great status came from a combination of aggregate scores from previous social media results, as well as contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team. Here's what they had to say about Green Room: "Not just one of the best rooftop bars in Europe, The Green Room is also one of the newest rooftop bars on the scene.
"Billed as the city’s largest open-air roof terrace, this £3 million venue is set right next to the new Channel 4 HQ and offers a vegan-friendly restaurant, speciality summer spritz menus, and brilliant brewed craft beers."
And we couldn't agree more.
Feature Image- Supplied
Eats
New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
5th August 2022 
