The warmer weather has got us all craving an Aperol Spritz, so we've cherry picked five of the best spots in Leeds where you can sip one in the sunshine.
The Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitif cocktails in Italy and over the past couple of years it's been cropping up in the UK and has become a firm beer garden favourite.
There's just something about that neon orange, sparkling nectar which just hits the spot on every level.
A divine combination of Aperol, prosecco and soda, topped with a juicy slice of orange and sometimes (if you're lucky) an olive - this glorious drink is the ultimate summer beverage.
We've hand picked five places in Leeds where you can get yourself a brilliant Aperol Spritz, keep reading to find out and prepare to feel a little bit thirsty...
Green Room
36 Wellington Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' best sun traps and rooftops Green Room really know how to do a good spritz. Maybe the idyllic setting has something to do with it, but the spritzes here are utter perfection.
With a dedicated summer spritz menu, you can start off with an Aperol and then make your way down the list. We're a huge fan of the Elderflower Spritz which features fresh mint to really refresh you on a hot summer's day.
Roland's
39 Call Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know that Roland's make world class drinks, but we absolutely love their aperol for one huge reason - the olive. Not only do they have the ratios of the ingredients down to an absolute T, but the addition of an olive on top of the orange slice just really takes it up a notch.
Take your spritz upstairs to their secret rooftop and sip away whilst watching the sun go down. And if you need a pick me up, we also recommend their Espresso Martini. Or any other drink to be honest, because Roland's know exactly what they're doing.
Friends of Ham
4 New Station Street Leeds, Wells Road Ilkley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know and love Friends of Ham for their brilliant charcuterie, delicious cheese and impressive beer selection. But their Aperol Spritz is one we keep going back for time and time again. They get the ratio absolutely bang on, every single time.
Granted the Leeds location doesn't have an outdoor area but the Ilkley location has a stunning courtyard which basks in the afternoon sun and is the perfect spritz spot. What's better is that you can order a delicious bowl of Perello olives to go alongside it, can you think of anything better? We definitely can't.
Livin' Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Italians of course know how to make an Aperol Spritz, so Livin' Italy is the obvious choice and they certainly do not disappoint. With branded glasses and Aperol decor surrounding you in it's sun-filled terrace, you immediately know it's going to be a cracker before the tipple has even arrived at your table.
Enjoy yours alongside a delicious pizza or pasta for the ultimate Italian experience, you'll soon be cancelling your trip to Rome and booking a table here instead.
Headrow House
19 The Headrow
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Headrow House is undeniably one of Leeds' best rooftop bars, the drinks are fantastic, the music is great and the terrace offers an ultimate party atmosphere.
Not only do they make great Aperols but all day every day, they serve them for 2 for £12. You probably won't find an Aperol Spritz cheaper than this anywhere in the city but for the views you get at the same time, it's almost like they're giving them away.
British comedy legend Jack Whitehall is making a triumphant return to Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena.
He'll be bringing his brand-new stand-up tour Jack Whitehall: Bad Influence to Leeds on Saturday 6 February 2027.
The award-winning comedian is heading back on the road for a huge national arena tour that promises bigger laughs than ever before, so get ready to laugh your socks off.
Fresh from starring in crime thrilller Malice on Prime Video and stepping into the spotlight as host of The BRIT Awards, Jack Whitehall is returning to what he does best - live comedy.
Audiences can expect classic Whitehall awkward storytelling, and quick witted observations that has made him one of the UK’s most loved stand-up comedians.
Bad Influence will showcase brand-new material that has been specifically written for 2027.
Jack Whitehall Bad Influence tour dates:
January 2027
Thursday 7 January – Utilita Arena, Newcastle Saturday 9 January – Co-op Live, Manchester Sunday 10 January – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Tuesday 12 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh Wednesday 13 January – Playhouse, Edinburgh Thursday 14 January – OVO Hydro, Glasgow Saturday 16 January – Utilita Arena, Birmingham Sunday 17 January – Swansea Building Society Arena Wednesday 20 January – Plymouth Arena Thursday 21 January – Plymouth Arena Friday 22 January – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Saturday 23 January – Utilita Arena, Cardiff Thursday 28 January – Brighton Centre Friday 29 January – Brighton Centre Saturday 30 January – The O2, London
Feburary 2027
Tuesday 2 February – BIC, Bournemouth Wednesday 3 February – Utilita Arena, Sheffield Thursday 4 February – Connexin Live, Hull Saturday 6 February – First Direct Arena, Leeds Sunday 7 Feburary – Vaillant Live, Derby
Jack Whitehall tickets at Leeds' First Direct Bank Arena are available on general sale on this Friday 20 February at 10am. You can get your tickets HERE.
Female-founded independent jewellery brand to open in Leeds’ Victoria Gate
Clementine Hall
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2023 
