A pub in north Leeds has been crowned ‘Best Pub Garden’ in the UK at The Great British Pub Awards 2025.
And it's not the first time they've won the award, so you know it must be true.
The Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood won the coveted prize for ‘Best Pub Garden’ at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards this Wednesday 24 September, impressing the judges with its expansive outdoor space.
The awards were held at our very own First Direct Bank Arena.
The Great British Pub Awards celebrates the very best in the pub industry, with hundreds of venues across the country competing in a variety of categories.
Back in 2020, the Myrtle Tavern transformed its outdoor space into a “secret garden” featuring a big screen for films and sport screenings.
And it clearly did the trick, as bookings came flooding in and come rain or shine you’ll see punters flocking to Meanwood to enjoy the space with couple of pints.
The huge space holds up to 400 people and features a huge marquee, heated lodge, pond and play area.
Scott Westlake, publican of The Myrtle Tavern said: "We’re so proud to have been recognised again on a national stage – it’s a testament to our team’s hard work and passion, and especially to my dad Pete, who, since retiring, has devoted countless hours to tending and caring for the garden along with his brother Mick and their friend John.
“It really is a labour of love, and we’re thrilled that our guests and the industry can see that too.”
Known for their delicious Sunday roasts and small plates, it’s a great spot to settle down in after a long walk or while away an afternoon in the sunshine.
To find out more about the Myrtle Tavern and to book a table, take a look at their website.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
26th September 2025 
