There's nothing quite like a weekend dog walk, but when you've had enough or get too hungry to continue- where can you go that's dog friendlyto grab a coffee, a pint or perhaps even a roast dinner?
Most country pubs will allow well-behaved dogs inside their doors, or at least provide plenty of outdoor seating for passers by to use at their leisure, but in the city centre, there aren't any signposts that say 'dog friendly cafe this way'- and we're either left out in the cold or getting into trouble by guessing the wrong place.
So to avoid any confusion and allow you to take your pup out on your next trip to Leeds with ease, here's a round-up of our favourite dog friendly spots in Leeds.
SALT Craft + Falafel at Granary Wharf is our favourite dog-friendly spot at the moment, and The Hoot Leeds' four legged friends are happy to spend many an hour between the cosy benches here. For humans, there's craft beer, cocktails on tap (and they're 2 for 2, all day everyday) as well as Middle Eastern cuisine from Leeds favourite food truck: Falafel Guys. It's safe to say there's something for man and dog alike here, especially if you manage to grab a seat outside on a warm day: your pooch will love the shelter from the breeze and the view of the Leeds-Liverpool canal too.
All Brewdogs are welcoming little pups and huge dogs alike to their pubs across the country and North Street is no different. There's eco-friendly dog biscuits made from leftover beer in every bar ( the biscuits contain no hops or alcohol, so they’re perfectly safe for your dog to eat, plus they’re full of nutrition) and you can even throw a dog birthday party in store- it's even encouraged.
Nation of Shopkeepers love dogs big and small, so you can bet that your pooch will get far too much attention here. Let your little one bask in the golden hour rays of sunlight that cascade around the bar. Bring your big coat for the beer garden out the back and bask in the wintry sunshine, but be warned, it's still pretty cold outside.
Lamb and Flag are so dog friendly, they actively encourage you to bring your pets down on their social media pages. You're likely to get papped for their Instagram page and you're almost guaranteed plenty of treats and a bowl of water for your table too. There's space inside and out for your dogs to roam, lie and generally take all the attention- not a bad result.
Headrow House
Headrow's balcony is a very dog friendly spot. / Image: Cedric Davey
With four floors covering everything from hot food to a beer hall and live music space, it's a wonder that you can find your way around all four levels of Headrow. The warm and welcoming space offers plenty of space for your dog to stretch out, lie down, make friends or chill on the rooftop balcony with views of Leeds' Victoria Quarter to look at.
So Bloc wins all the points for cutest dog photos, and whilst they're not based in Leeds city centre- we wanted to give you the option to travel further afield with your four-legged friend without hassle. Bloc in Holmfirth is home to an outdoor terrace with all a dog could want: water bowls, dog treat jar and rather messy puppuccinos that seem to be a huge hit with the local dogs so far.
Dogs are so welcome in Belgrave, they can boot any human off the sofa for a nap- bet you never thought you'd see that in a city centre pub? Belgrave are not only dog friendly, but the bar actually encourage dog-owners to bring their pups along. There's free treats available at the bar at all times, as well as water bowls and panoramic views over the city, if you're dogs into that sort of thing. Plus, you're likely to get your dog onto their dedicated 'Dogs of Belgrave' Instagram page- and what's a better claim to fame than that?
The New Conservatory
Pub dog Max is on hand to greet new guests and their pups. / Image: New Con Leeds
This pooch paradise has been kept a secret for far too long. The staff at The New Conservatory are ready to treat your pup like royalty, and even have 'pawsecco' on hand for any dog wagging their tail through their doors. There's also plenty of treats, biscuits and bowls to sniff, as well as the possibility of making friends with the pub dog Max. Failing that, we're sure they'll get a lot of attention from other punters.
Kibble Bakery, Skipton
Dogs have their own menu here. / Image: Kibble Bakery
With an entire food and drink dog menu that serves everything from prosecco for your four-legged friend, Kibble Bakery is a multi award-winning cafe a short drive from Leeds that just so happens to be your dog's heaven- they just don't know it yet. Think dairy-free pupcakes, doggy donuts, fresh bone biscuits or ice cream for mains, followed by a slurp of specially made dog-friendly drinks like pawsecco, pupspressos or, in true Yorkshire fashion, doggy tea.
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Featured Image - Run For All
Leeds
Jane McDonald at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
West Yorkshire's very own Jane McDonald is coming to First Direct Arena in Leeds for a hometown show that's set to be spellbinding.
Making her British TV screen debut nearly 30 years ago on The Cruise, before joining the Loose Women panel and going on to present a whole host of travel shows including Cruising with Jane McDonald, now this Wakefield legend returns to First Direct Arena.
This latest tour titled after her 2026 LP Living The Dream, will see Jane singing hits from both past and present including a couple covers too.
Earlier this year, Jane's Mighty Hoopla performance went viral online after she commanded the stage in a red leather jacket, donning a singular rainbow hair extension while belting out RAYE's 'Where Is My Husband!'
Audio North even got the opportunity to interview this legendary lady when she visited her hometown HMV store in Wakefield for an exclusive album signing - Oh look, it's me!
The Wakefield wonder-woman's latest album Living The Dream was released in March and considering the tour is named after this impressive LP, we're sure fans can expect to hear quite a few tracks from this album.
Living The Dream
I'll Not Be Beaten
You Don't Know What You Got
Don't Mind If I Do
The Hand That Leads Me
Ain't Gonna Beg
I Will Always Love You
Islands in the Stream
Jolene
9 to 5
You're My World
Where Is My Husband!
Let the Light In
Cake by the Ocean
Jai Ho!
APT.
Right Where I Belong
How Do I Move On
Beautiful Soul
All By Myself
You Still Lead Me
Of course, Jane also loves to cover a tune or two, and we'll never forget her renditions of 'Cake By The Ocean', 'Jai Ho' or 'APT.'.
What are the stage times for Jane McDonald in Leeds?
The doors for Jane McDonald's Living The Dream Tour in Leeds are set for 6pm with the event set to start at 7.30pm.
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you have enough time to dash home and eat 'Cake by the (Sofa)' before ringing in the new day.
How to get to First Direct Arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
24th August 2022 
