The annual Rate Good Roasts shortlist is one we can always look forward to in Leeds.
Rate Good Roasts provides us with an annual list of roast dinners that are well worth the type, and the number one recommended is not too far from Leeds.
Last year, it was Shear's Yard that took the hotspot for the nation's best roast dinner, and this year we've seen a solid five entries into the top 15 that are pretty close to the city centre.
Now in its fifth year, the Instagram page reviews roasts across the country and ranks ten different categories, including: meat, veggies, sides, Yorkshire puds, drinks, value, potatoes, gravy, service and sides- so there’s no messing about here.
This year the top slot was given to The Hawthorn in Haworth for its delicious Sunday dinner inside a gorgeous country pub, steeped in history (find out more at the end), before places like long-standing local favourites and Michelin Guide-recommended Ox Club and newcomers Braizin' Squad over in Meanwood snook their way into the top roast list.
Keep reading to find out what to expect from the top roasts from Rate Good Roasts.
The Ox Club
The Headrow, Leeds city centre
Image: The Ox Club
Ox Club was the only Leeds location to make it into the top ten- and given its reputation to be regularly booked up on a Sunday, its really no surprise. The menu changes with the seasons, but with options like roast rump cap of beef, bone marrow and chive gravy or confit fennel, apple and herb porchetta with smoked trotter and and fennel gravy to look forward to, you'll be in for a treat whenever you visit.
The menu spans across far more than just a roast on a Sunday and there's chalk stream trout crudo; aged beef tartare; oysters and Bloody Marys to take advantage of here too.
Taking the 11th spot of the year for Rate Good Roasts, Blackhouse has the three course dinner that gives you a chance to find out exactly why this place has such a reputation for its meats.
Choose from lemon and black pepper half-roasted chicken; sage and garlic rubbed pork loin or roast beef, served pink or well, with steamed greens, beef gravy, rosemary carrots, roasties Cumberland stuffing and, of course, a Yorkshire pud. Those looking for a meat-free selection will be delighted to spot the spiced squash wellington on the menu too, with roasted tiny totes, spinach and porcini gravy.
In joint 13th place with Old Gate in Hebden Bridge, The Tetley's roast dinner is officially one to check out this year, according to Rate Good Roasts.
Using locally-sourced meats, this is a menu that'll have you drooling for sure. Choose from Roast Sykes House Farm silverside of beef; slow-cooked Yorkshire porchetta; pulled Lishman's lamb shoulder; plantbase 'lamb' with pomegranate molasses, with Yorkshire puds, roasted herb potatoes and all the sautéed greens you could wish for. Topped off seasonal root veg, sticky miso glaze, apricot and sage stuffing balls and copious amounts of homemade gravy.
Taking a very respectable 14th place, Braizin' Squad, who took over the kitchen inside Boot & Rally in Meanwood late last year, hasn't been in the Leeds foodie scene for long, but has certainly left an impression.
Every week there's a slightly different menu, but no matter when you pop down you'll be full to the brim- and dreaming about each course long after you've visited. The herb-stuffed porchetta with a slow-braised pig cheek served in jus is an all-round crowdpleaser. Perfectly cooked with a soft yet crispy texture oozing with flavour, between this and the gorgeous served-pink grilled beef rump cap, any meat eater will agree that this roast really is a feast for the senses. Although each roast comes with a huge Yorkshire pud, grilled seasonal veggies and roast potatoes, the sides are well worth adding for those looking to add extra flavours to the classic weekend treat.
Taking the top spot was The Hawthorn in Haworth. Located an hour from Leeds in Brontë country, this gorgeous country pub has had quite some limelight, featuring in the likes of Time Out after Rate Good Roasts crowned it as the best of 2022.
The former home of a clock-makers, The Hawthorn serves up a selection of meats every single Sunday, including dry-aged Heritage breed beef topside; slow roasted braised shoulder of Swaledale lamb; Chicken Supreme; market fish; a veggie Goulash Crumble and a Chateaubriand for two, all of which include garlic-roasted potatoes, tenderstem broccoli, green beans, carrots, bacon and chestnut winter greens, cauliflower cheese, a Yorkshire pudding and some pan juice gravy.
As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The Adelphi
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’s
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR
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Leeds
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Sophie Smith -
20th January 2023 
