There's so much excitement surrounding the postponed Euro 2020 tournament, which finally kicks off this weekend on Friday 11 June.
It's been a long time coming, with some people in Leeds waiting over a year to simply sit down, enjoy a pint and watch the footy in their local.
But, now the time has come, we've put together a list of some of the best places in Leeds to catch the action. After all, you haven't waited all this time just to be stuck with a subpar seat.
Here are some of our top picks for watching the Euro's in Leeds this summer.
The Myrtle Tavern
The landlord at this Meanwood pub is putting on a 'VIP festival of football' this summer, screening every Euro 2020 game in luxury. There's a mega 7 x 3 metre screen and 50 VIP benches here, with tickets costing £100. For that, there's 12 bottles of beer and six packets of crisps included and seats will be reserved after the game.
Dry Dock
With plenty of screens inside and plans to expand outside too, with more seating and screens set to appear ready for the Euros this summer, this characterful pub is a great choice if you want to watch the football. Make sure to book in to avoid disappointment, though.
The Beck and Call
Another Meanwood establishment - operated by the folk behind Belgave Music Hall. Family-run, this boozer has BT Sport and Sky Sports on a huge screen in the Tap Room and on other screens dotted around the venue.
Headingley Taps
This popular student pub has confirmed it will be showing all the Euros games this summer, with bookings being advertised online.
The Royal Armories
The Royal Armouries in Leeds Dock will transform into a football festival for theEuros, with each game preceded by a three-course meal, special guest speakers and live entertainment. The Magnificent 7 event will see all the action beamed onto huge indoor screens alongside match analysis.
Toast
With some tasty beers and grub on offer alongside the football this summer, Toast is a good choice if you're looking for somewhere to spend a few hours before watching the game.
Walkabout
A good stop-off for sports fans in general, this summer Walkabout is going all-out for the Euros with a host of big screens showing all the matches. There'll likely be some special offers closer to the time too.
BOX recently opened a new site in Chapel Allerton / Image: BOX
The Box
A great place to watch the footy, both venues in Chapel Allerton and Headingley will be screening all the Euro action this summer.
Skyrack
This Headingley pub is now taking bookings for those who want to watch the footy. Inside this student favourite you'll find a whopping 12 screens for catching the action, outside a delightful sun terrace.
O'Neills
O'Neills has confirmed it will be showing every Euro game this summer, so if you're stuck for somewhere to watch, you know where to go.
The Brotherhood
Another popular choice for sports fans, all the football matches will be screened here for Euro 2020.
Original Oak
This large pub in Headingley has a big screen in the beer garden and smaller ones dotted around inside too. Arguably the finest sports pub on Otley road, what sets it apart is its lovely beer garden complete with a huge screen.
Brooklyn
This lively Call Lane drinking den will be showing all the Euros matches throughout the summer. With big screens inside, fat burgers and tasty cocktails and you can’t really go wrong here.
Cuckoo
Known for its boozy bottomless brunches, crazy cocktails and free stonebaked pizzas (before 9pm), Cuckoo might not be the first place you’d think of to go watch the footie but we can confirm they’ll be showing all the matches here.
Call Lane Social
This family-run favourite is going to be screening all of the Euros matches. Even better, there’s no need to book - just walk straight in.
Verve
For cold beers and top tequila cocktails, Verve is always a shout. Football fans will want to pull up too, because management have now confirmed they will be showing all the matches for the Euros here.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar
This Merrion Street tiki bar pulls no punches on its cocktails, serving up a mix of signatures and twisted classics alongside tasty pizzas with a variety of toppings. Now taking bookings and walk-ins, you probably want to reserve a table here to make sure you get a good view of the footy action.
Leeds
Plans for Leeds Kirkgate Market ‘container village’, STACK, take huge step forward
A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.
It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.
The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
The best bakeries in Leeds serving everything from crusty loaves to flakey croissants
Clementine Hall
If you're got a sweet tooth, then you're going to want to keep reading.
Oh Leeds, if there's one thing we're good at - it's baking.
Just walking around the city you'll bump into delightful bakeries offering sweet treats galore, and you'll find even better gems when you venture into the suburbs.
We've rounded up a handy little guide for you to make your way through when you're looking to treat yourself to a cheeky baked good, which should be every day if we're being honest.
So, without further ado let's dive into the best bakeries in Leeds.
Bake
Mustard Approach, Mustard Wharf
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Things in Bread and Doh'hut comes this absolutely beautiful bakery by the water.
Led by mastermind Tom, they're serving up great British bakes but with a refined twist. Think ultra cheesy cheese twists, sticky school cake and unbeatable sausage rolls.
Underground Bakery
Call Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after a really great almond croissant, then you've got to get yourself to Underground Bakery. They're serving a whole array of baked goods but doing them all really, really well.
Right in the centre of town, it's a great spot to swing by on your way to work because everyone deserves a midweek croissant every now and again.
Laynes
New Station Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one probably doesn't need any introduction, as Laynes bakery are known amongst the city for their exceptional bakes and it's not hard to see why.
They stock a number of coffee shops across Leeds but for the true experience, pop in and enjoy a bake alongside a cup of their fabulous coffee.
Nova
Leeds Dock
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Nova Bakehouse is a beautiful sun drenched spot that serve up irresistible morning buns, chewy cookies and speciality bread.
They focus on 'flavour forward baking' using seasonal ingredients to create monthly specials that'll have you going back time and time again.
Oh, and they've been named one of the best bakeries in the UK by The Good Food Guide two years running now - so you know it's good.
If cookies are your kryptonite, then Chunk is where you need to be.
From baking inside her student shared house to opening her very first bakery, the last few years have been a whirlwind for owner Amy Bennett- and there's really no stopping her now.
Her gooey NYX-style cookies are out of this world, served with great drinks to match.
The Savvy Baker
Albion Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Again, this one needs absolutely no introduction. A Leeds staple that has been curing sweet toothed brownie-lovers for years, it's The Savvy Baker.
Their new site in the city centre is truly one to behold, baking cookies on site and whipping up speciality matchas from a dedicated matcha bar - you don't want to miss it.
Karpaty Bakery
Leeds Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This traditional Polish bakery inside the market is selling some of the cheapest bakes you can get your hands on. Their authentic donuts are as big as your head and the perfect sweet treat that won't break the bank.
Street Lane Bakery
399 Street Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Hidden away just behind Street Lane, is Street Lane Bakery.
These guys have been baking up a storm in the kitchen for over a decade, from their ever-so-famous home-cooked bagels to the sweetest of treats.
Slow Rise Bakery
Sunnybank Avenue, Horsforth
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Can't get over to New York but craving a proper chewy, stacked bagel with all the trimmings? Slow Rise Bakery is the only answer.
Pick your flavour bagel from sesame to everything and then pick your fillings, we'd recommend going for lashings of cream cheese and layers of smoked salmon. Delicious.
Georgina Pellant -
7th June 2021 
