Located along the bank of the scenic River Wharfe lies the charming village of Boston Spa.
Just three miles south of Wetherby and 16 miles north of Leeds, this quaint town is the perfect place to explore on the weekend if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Renowned for it's elegant Georgian architecture, Boston Spa was originally established in 1974 as a spa town and til this day charms with it's natural beauty, ambience and vibrant community.
Bursting with independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, there's so much to do in this lovely village that you'll be spoilt for choice.
Here's a list of our favourite spots in the area for you to choose from and visit this weekend.
CORA
Image: CORA
CORA is an innovative fine dining room and bakehouse, brought to you by renowned chef Elizabeth Cottam. Having just opened in Spring 2021, they have quickly made a name for themselves amongst the locals and is a must visit when in Boston Spa.
Pop by for a loaf of their legendary truffle sourdough to enjoy over the weekend or sample an indulgent, twice baked hazelnut croissant alongside your morning coffee. Stick around til the evening and enjoy the chef's tasting menu which changes seasonally and is guaranteed to be a meal you won't forget.
For more information including how to book, take a look at their website.
162 High Street, Boston Spa, Leeds.
Pudding Lab
Image: The Pudding Lab
This bakery and patisserie does in fact live up to it's name and serves up the most fantastic puddings. Their offerings are creative and unique, with flavours that will blow your socks off and show-stopping creations that almost look too good to eat.
From Blackberry, White Chocolate and Pistachio Tarts to Chocolate and Hazelnut Eclairs, there really is something for everyone at this delightful little cafe. There's also an extensive savoury menu so you can pop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. If you've got a sweet tooth then this really is the place to be.
154 Boston Spa High Street.
SALT
Image: SALT
Award-winning Yorkshire craft brewery SALT Beer Factory have been expanding across Leeds over the past year and later this month, the brand will be fusing craft beer and a casual dining experience at the former Stew & Oyster venue in Boston Spa.
Jamie Lawson, Founder, has commented on the opening: “We want to continue extending the retail presence of SALT, through our branded taprooms. SALT Boston Spa will be our second rebranded site after the acquisition of the Stew & Oyster Group. Our goal is to brew the best beer and serve it in the best environment, for us that’s beer perfection”.
Looking for a nice cosy pub to settle down in after a glorious walk along the river bank? Then The Crown is the place for you. This beautiful Grade II listed building has been transformed into a contemporary country pub which boasts a modern dining area, conservatory restaurant and landscaped garden terrace.
Here you can find more than just your average pub grub, the menu is curated seasonally and features produce from local and regional Yorkshire suppliers. Expect the likes of beer battered haddock and chips, freshly handmade pizzas, along with a traditional Sunday Roast served with proper gravy and all the trimmings.
128 High St, Boston Spa.
La Casita
Image: La Casita
There's no better weekend activity than sharing some delicious Spanish tapas alongside a jug of sangria amongst friends, right? Head to La Casita where you can sample a taste of Spain in a glorious setting for a reasonable price.
Choose from your tapas classics such as Patatas Bravas, Pimientos de Padrón and Calamares. Or opt for something a little different like their fried halloumi popcorn which is drizzled with honey and served with a harissa aioli. They also host a Bottomless Brunch every weekend where you can enjoy 3 tapas and an unlimited drink of your choice for just £28.95 per person.
This quaint coffee house and delicatessen is a foodie's paradise. Passionate about homemade food and Yorkshire produce, here you can find vibrant salads, freshly baked scotch eggs and delicious sweet treats to be enjoyed in their charming cafe adorned with hanging baskets and flowers.
They also have a lovely outdoor terrace which is the perfect sun trap and a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
High St, Boston Spa.
Kate Mell Flowers
Image: Kate Mell.
This beautiful boutique florist is the place to go for a carefully curated, one-of-a-kind bouquet of flowers.
This floral emporium bursts with the freshest flowers and foliage, seasonal plants, a range of their own handmade candles, British wool throws and gifts from artisan & small businesses. Whether you're looking to celebrate, congratulate or commemorate, you'll find the perfect gift in this wonderful shop.
160 High St, Boston Spa.
Kanyu
Image: Kanyu
Kanyu is one of the most innovative escape rooms in Yorkshire and is well worth the trip out to Boston Spa. You'll find this puzzle haven in a Grade II listed Georgian Gatehouse in the middle of a roundabout just off the A1.
The historic space has been transformed into a suite of escape rooms, all designed by a group of film set designers. Choose from the spooky abandoned laboratory, the oak-panelled study room or their outdoor poacher’s camp. The question is, will you manage to escape within 60 minutes?
South Lodge, Moor End, Boston Spa.
Ali's Kitchen
Image: Ali's Kitchen
This family run restaurant and takeaway serve up the freshest and most delicious Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine.
All their dishes are cooked fresh to order and are bursting with flavour. Opt for their homemade king prawns marinated in lemon and garlic butter or go for the staff special which features tender lamb cooked on the bone for five hours with lentils, yoghurt and chilli.
Farsley is one of Leeds' most beloved suburbs, and it's not hard to see why.
Drenched in history and industrial heritage, Farsley has a lot to say for itself and is overflowing with things to see and do.
It has a real community feel to it which you can feel almost instantly, and it's filled with loads of independent businesses which makes Farsley the perfect spot to explore at the weekend.
Here are our top picks of what to do in this this up-and-coming suburb of Leeds this weekend.
Westroyd Park is a beautiful green gem situated in the heart of Farsley. A sprawling expanse of greenery featuring free tennis courts and colourful gardens with the lovely West Royd House at its centre.
Thanks to the brass band that play every weekend, the park really comes alive throughout the summer making it the perfect place to bring a picnic, relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Sunny Bank Mills
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational commercial and cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley. Founded in 1829, these beautifully restored mills are now home to a range of independent organisations both large and small.
Visit their 3,000 square foot art gallery and view the work of local artists, designers and makers. You can buy many of the pieces on display or have a go yourself at one of their many workshops and creative courses.
Grumpy's
2 Old Combing, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tucked away inside Sunny Bank Mills, Grumpy’s has built a huge reputation for its incredible wood-fired pizzas, laid-back atmosphere, that more or less has a proper community feel at the forefront.
Created by sisters Alex and Cassie, the family-run restaurant was even named after their dad, 'Grumpy' himself, and that personal touch runs through everything they do.
'Community, friendship and good beer' are Amity's ethos. Opening in December 2020 they have quickly become a Farsley favourite. Located in the Sunny Bank Mills, the brewpub serves limited batch beer on-site to their local community, focusing on modernised takes on classic beer styles.
La Grassa
Inside Amity Brew Co.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
La Grassa is a new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Silver's Bakehouse
62 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5LF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste. Expect focaccia sandwiches, gooey brownies, chewy cookies and loads more.
Pardon Me
Unit 12, The Twisting, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Tucked away in the beautiful Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is a record bar built around 'music, atmosphere, and detail'.
It's been launched by Scott Rapson, who grew up in the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with music around the time of the arrival of hip hop in the early 80s. Bartenders here create a small but perfectly formed menu of cocktails and pour natural wines from Wayward Wines in front of a wall of vinyl, while a collection of Scott's records play as a soundtrack to your evening.
Cargo Wines
Sunny Bank Mills
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after a proper nice wine bar then this is the spot for you. They've got a wine for everyone in a gorgeous, chilled out atmosphere. If you need us, we're probably here.
St Jude's
69 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5HX
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after some lovely brunch and a cup of coffee, then look no further than St Jude's. This fabulous all-day dining spot serve up a really varied menu so everything that can get something they fancy.
Feature Image- Grumpy's
Suburb Guides
Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Clementine Hall -
5th July 2022 
