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.
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2023 
