Situated between Leeds and Bradford, the small and charming market town of Pudsey has a lot to offer.
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the weekend? Pudsey, just ten minutes away from Leeds, may be the perfect place for you.
Spend your day exploring the sprawling nature reserves, stopping in for a pint at one of their many quaint, old school pubs, before heading for a lovely meal at an independent restaurant.
There's so much to do in this family friendly, up-and-coming suburb that we have pulled together a list of our favourite spots for you to visit.
Chippy Tea from The Bearded Sailor
Image: The Bearded Sailor
Sometimes all you need is a good fish and chips to celebrate the end of the week, and The Bearded Sailor is an indie takeout that'll sort you right out. Shortlisted as one of the top ten chippys in the country, find an array of deep fried goodness, friendly service and plenty of mushy peas.
Fusing modern with traditional, this cosy bar and restaurant serve a range of locally sourced food alongside a great range of cocktails, beers and wines.
Their menu is small but expertly formed, using only the best quality ingredients from Yorkshire which changes seasonally. Opt for the 'Chef's Experiment', where award-winning chef James Turner will cook up a storm for you using the best produce readily available on the day.
If you're a meat lover then there is an entire grill section for you to choose from, share a perfectly cooked Chateaubriand for 2 or tuck into the 7 Steps Beef Burger which is topped with smoked bacon, black pepper mayo, cheddar and crispy onions.
Pudsey Park
Church Lane, Pudsey.
Image: Leeds City Council
Stretching over 7.5 hectares of beautiful green open space, this park is the perfect spot for a leisurely weekend stroll.
The park has a green flag award for excellence and is one of the most visited parks in Leeds. There's a rose garden, a bedding area, an aquarium, an aviary and a glasshouse for you to explore as well as a bowling green, a playground and a skate park.
Viet-Thai
32/134 Bradford Road, Stanningley, Pudsey.
Image: Viet Thai
This small cafe-style restaurant is the place to go for authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. Run by Minh and Huong, a husband and wife team both originating from Vietnam, they use family recipes passed down through the generations to transport you to South-East Asia from the heart of Pudsey.
There are the favourites like Green Thai Curry and Pad Thai on offer but you can also sample something a bit different like the Crunchy Mango Salad with ground peanuts or the Crispy Catfish marinated in fresh herbs and spices.
No.54 Tearooms and Antiques
54 Fulneck, Pudsey.
Image: No. 54 Tearooms and Antiques.
Travel back in time at this historic tea room and antique shop. Occupying a shop which first opened it's doors in 1766, this historic building still maintains it's charm and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a freshly baked scone whilst gazing at the walls adorned with hundreds of antique photographs.
All of the furniture used is for sale, so each visit will be different every time. Take a fancy to the chair you're sitting on? No problem, you can buy it and take it home! All of the cakes and sweet treats are baked daily on-site and make for the perfect end to their brilliant afternoon tea.
The Fox and Grapes
124 Smalewell Rd, Pudsey.
Image: Fox and Grapes
This charming and cosy pub is the place to go for a delicious Sunday roast which you can wash down with a cold pint of real ale.
This dog-friendly pub boasts a fantastic beer garden and hosts live music events every week. The staff are uber friendly and will make you feel right at home. Enjoy the sunshine on a summer's day and order one of their famous pizzas or get snuggled by the real fire and tuck into a homemade steak pie and chips.
Black Carr Woods
Looking to explore the great outdoors? Head to Black Carr Woods and walk round this beautiful wet woodland and feel at one with nature.
With numerous winding trails, pretty little streams, bluebells in the warmer months and wild mushrooms aplenty, it is a classic English wood which makes for a perfect hike. If you're coming here then make sure to bring your furry friend alongside with you, we can guarantee they will love it too.
The Manor Inn
3 Manor House Street, Pudsey.
Image: Manor Inn
This quirky, independent bar have a passion for fine Yorkshire ales, wines, gins and ciders. Every Sunday they host a live music night which we think sounds like the perfect way to end the week.
An array of gig posters line the walls and wacky, mis-matched furniture fills the room. They have one of the biggest selections of ale and beer in Pudsey including the latest creations from local indie breweries like Eyes and Saltaire.
Feed by Sushi
163 Richardshaw Lane, Pudsey.
Image: Feed by Sushi
After some authentic Japanese food? Then Feed by Sushi is the place for you. Whether it's fresh tuna sashimi, traditional sliced pork ramen or a wagyu beef burger you're craving, the chefs at Feed can provide all this and more.
Available for both eat in and take-out, the fish used is incredibly high quality and the prices are very reasonable.
Pudsey Market
1 Market Pl, Pudsey.
Image: Pudsey Market
Being a Victorian market town, Pudsey Market is about as traditional as you'll get and well worth a visit if you're there on a Friday or Saturday. Open from 9am til 2pm, you can find anything and everything from fresh produce to homemade candles to tasty sweets and baked goods.
There's also a craft market that takes place on the first Sunday of every month and sees traders of all different types visit the town to sell their handmade goods and food.
It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As Easter bank holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best bar or pub to enjoy a tipple in this spring.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
How to spend a weekend in Chapel Allerton – one of Leeds’ most loved suburbs
Clementine Hall
As one of the top ten places to live, as voted for by The Sunday Times, Chapel Allerton is a hive of community-spirit withlots to explore.
Back in 2021, The Sunday Times judges said that Chapel Allerton is: “a well supported independent high street – with a fishmonger, bookshop, cheese shop and much more – and an inspiring and imaginative community group, CA Spaces, make this urban village our favourite corner of Leeds.”
They’re not wrong. One of our favourite points about Chapel Allerton is its strong focus on supporting local businesses- there aren’t many places in Leeds, or indeed the UK, that you can visit a separate butchers, greengrocers, cheese mongers, wine store and more to complete your food shop with all locally grown and sold produce.
That’s not all that Chapel Allerton has to offer: there’s a host of indie cafes, plenty of green space and even a posh Aldi (whatever that means) that keeps this a family favourite place to visit.
Keep reading to find out what The Hoot recommends for a weekend in the leafy suburb…
House of Koko
62 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4LA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The overwhelming success of the cafe is well-known about Leeds- and it comes with a whole host of raving reviews.
Bringing fine-dining to a laid back setting is a winning combination that House of Koko have got down to a tee in Chapel Allerton. The menu here comprises beautifully presented dishes like pancakes drenched in syrup and you can't leave without trying their famous hash browns...if you know, you know.
George and Joseph, an incredible Cheesemongers on Chapel Allerton high street, is the place to go for everything squeaky and delicious.
You can grab everything from truffle brie to charcuterie essentials like cooked meats, fresh sourdough and local low-batch bottles of booze to accompany your dishes. This truly is the place to shop local and experience some brand new tastes you’d never pick up in the supermarket.
Originally a bike clothing brand, Paria has grown from an online side hustle to a full time business online and in Chapel Allerton. There’s coffee from local roasters Hard Lines and sweet treats from Laynes Bakery to choose from, all whilst you browse the cool collabs on the wall.
Name a better duo than a nice cold pint and a fluffy bao bun...we'll wait. Because that's exactly what you'll find at Brew + Bao, Chapel Allerton's newest watering hole offering banging drinks alongside asian street food. A real match made in heaven.
Yoga Kula
114 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 4NY
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to feel zen? Then look no further than Yoga Kula, Chapel Allerton's newest Yoga studio helping you to feel your absolute best.
The space is absolutely. beautiful and they offer classes for all abilities with lovely staff by your side every step of the way.
The Woods might be in the running for our favourite beer garden in Leeds, and since coming under new ownership by the legends at Roland's last year it's only gotten better and better.
It's the perfect spot for a sunny pint with mates whilst tucking into a couple of pizzas, a great oasis outside of the city centre that still has a lively feel about it.
Bloc Studios
31 Well Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven't heard, Reformer Pilates is all the rage at the moment. And luckily for us, there's a fantastic little studio in Chapel Allerton where you can do it.
Bloc Studios is a gorgeous boutique space offering the very best reformer pilates classes. Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a class for you at Bloc to get your workout in.
Clementine Hall -
28th December 2022 
