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Inside the new Leeds waterfront bar made entirely from shipping containers
The Canary bar is a brand new addition to Leeds Dock. Housed inside striking yellow shipping containers, you'll find some gorgeous local produce inside
Complete with waterside views, live music and mulled wine, this new Mediterranean bar on Leeds Docks is a must-visit.
One of the latest bars to enter the Leeds foodie scene, The Canary is described as a 'welcoming social hub serving up locally brewed beers and spirits'.
Its name and bright yellow exterior, meanwhile, nods to Yorkshire's mining history and the birds' special place in it.
The shipping container venue comes complete with a fully stocked bar, all-day Mediterranean menu and stunning waterside views.
Split across two floors, an intimate, cosy space leaves ample room for guests to unwind from a cold wintry day in the city.
The Canary prides itself on serving locally brewed beers, including this one from Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk / Image: The Canary Leeds Open just in time for Christmas. / Image: The Canary Leeds
Being the new kid on the block usually means it takes some time to gain regular punters but The Canary has quickly settled into life in Leeds, and even started to bring the evenings alive with pub quizzes and live music since its official opening on Friday 3 December.
Locally brewed beers, spirits, and signature cocktails are all part of the experience here- and the management is proud of their ability to support other local businesses, whilst providing excellent hospitality.
There are two bars to serve drinkers, whilst the all-day menu focuses on combining healthy eating with comfort treats.
Think Greek salads, wraps, burgers and mezze, all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives.
Wraps, burgers, hummus and more are all available with sides of halloumi fries and Greek olives. / Image: The Canary Leeds You'll find Greek salads, mezze and more on the menu / Image: The Canary Bar Leeds
For those looking to escape the mundanity of the office or are in need of flexible workspace, the Canary has got you covered. Serving coffee throughout the day and local brews all night, there's USB plugs aplenty, free WiFi and a warm atmosphere that can provide that creative light bulb moment you've been searching for.
If you'd rather bring the whole team, in or out of working hours, indoor booths for between six and eight guests are available to book online.
This private dining experience can also be booked for family and friends wanting their own intimate space, situated just moments away from the main bar.
The upstairs dining area can be booked for events, along with a private balcony. / Image: The Canary Bar LeedsIt looks just as charming at night, lit up across the water / Image: The Canary leeds
Speaking on the new opening, Chris Delaney, Manager of The Canary, shared his excitement around the opening of the new project and its Leeds Docks location.
He said: "Leeds Dock is such a great area of the city and we believe a venue like this will be a fantastic addition to it. Over the past few months we have been talking with local businesses, residents and workforces to make sure that the offering reflects their preferences.
"[I] hope that we'll become the go to spot for food, drink and socialising year round".
For more information, visit the Canary website or head over to Leeds Dock and find the new bar for yourself, in its canary yellow, we doubt you'll struggle to find it.
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.
Sophie Smith -
15th December 2021 
