Winter warmers taste just a little better when there's a splash of Baileys inside.
Hot chocolates are the ultimate winter drink. Sipping cocoa by an open fire features in almost every British winter movie scene for good reason.
In and around Leeds there are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants ready to not only satisfy our hot chocolate needs, but take them to the next level with a boozy makeover.
Whether you like yours with Baileys, Amaretto or toasted marshmallows: here are the best boozy hot chocolates in and around the city centre.
Hidden along Roundhay Road, Grön Kafe is the clean-eating, no-nonsense cafe that knows how to spice up the menu. Alongside scandi-inspired dishes, taster platters and brunches with hidden hangover cures, features the only boozy hot chocolate you'll need this winter.
Infused with either Baileys, Whiskey or Raspberry Liquor, hot chocolates from Grön Kafe have the option of a boozy upgrade. If that doesn't take your fancy: white hot chocs, marshmallow melts and batch filter hot chocolates are all on the menu too.
Thor's Tipi
The Ferrero Frosty. / Image: Thor's Tipi
There's just something about a trip to a tipi and sitting by the log-burning fire that makes it feel like Christmas. Using their own 'special blend' imported from Germany, Thor's Tipi have some of the best hot chocolates around: and they're all topped with cream and marshmallows.
The ‘Ferrero Frosty’ is a true speciality, made up of salted caramel vodka, hazelnut liquor and chocolate milk but you can spice up your winter warmer with anything sweet, fruity or naughty- the list of added alcohol is endless. Think Karamel Vodka, Coconut Rum, classic Baileys, Cherry Liquor, MOOSE Alpine Spirit, Amaretto, Hazelnut Liqueur and more.
There's nothing better than taking a walk along Ilkley Moors and watching the sunset before and grabbing a hot drink before heading home where the PJs and central heating are calling- just make sure you take a detour to 39 The Grove. Specifically, to grab a Baileys hot chocolate.
Grab a seat under the tree and unwrap a few layers of hats and scarves before tasting the creamy, booze infused treat. Just make sure you visit Wednesday - Sunday as the cafe is closed every Monday and Tuesday.
The Christmas Markets may not be back this year, but the mini markets at Victoria Gate have given us a glimpse of a pre-Covid christmas in Leeds city centre. All the hot chocolates here comes from an everlasting tap of Nutella.
Add a warming shot of booze based on your preferences to make it go down a little sweeter and get a little gingerbread man, marshmallows, whipped cream and a little candy cane on top.
So technically this hot chocolate doesn't come with a shot of something alcoholic, but it's sweet enough to make it on to our list anyway. From the 'boujee hot chocolate' range comes three Instagram-friendly hot chocolates: Biscoff, Jaffa Orange and S'mores.
The S'mores hot chocolate has a full snack inside. Think belgian hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, digestive biscuit, chocolate sauce and toasted marshmallows; this hot choc will have you transported to a campfire in no time.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
10th December 2021 
