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.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Clementine Hall -
26th September 2025 
