Opening from Saturday 1 October 2022, Meanwood Tavern is the new venture from Whitelock's Ale House hidden in the leafy suburbs of its namesake. The former East of Arcadia building has been transformed into an intimate watering hole, with gorgeous deep greens and wood features everywhere you look.
Since the acquisition from the team behind Whitelock's Ale House and The Turk's Head in the city centre, the new owners have invested a six-figure sum into the building to complete a full refurb and rebrand before the highly anticipated reopening this weekend.
The pub has undergone a huge transformation since the acquisition. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside the new pub, expect moody lighting and dimly lit corners to pass the hours in a cosy setting, perfect for a post-autumn walk or a post to unwind after the day's graft.
Those first through the door (the first fifty at 12pm and 5pm) can expect a free Red Top XXXL Slice from Well Oiled, the team behind the new kitchen takeover. If that’s not enough, those that sign up to the mailing list can grab a free drink on the opening day too.
Choosing the name The Meanwood Tavern, the pub has taken inspiration from traditional British pubs, but offering a contemporary twist that will see a refreshed new site with all-new bar and seating areas, and capacity for up to 160 guests.
Effortlessly fusing the taste of Yorkshire that Whitelock's are known and loved for, the tavern has a particular focus on locality, bringing together a plentiful drinks menu with craft beers from Yorkshire and well-kept real ales, as well as a full selection of wines, spritz and a dedicated cocktail menu.
There's a range of IPAs, craft beers and lagers to choose from. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Meanwhile, foodie options are served by the slice from Well Oiled, the new deep dish pizzas specialists serving everything from slices to snack on to giant sharing pizza that serves up to four at a time.
Inspired by the unique American style of cooking pizzas in rectangular steel pans, Well Oiled also focuses on championing locals without compromising on quality. The menu is full of artisan-made slices topped with meats, veggies and flavours from local British producers and housemade fermented and pickled ingredients.
There's plenty of tasty options to choose from. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
We really can't think of a better spot to stop to bunker down in the winter and while away the evenings, pint in hand and slice in the other.
Meanwood Tavern opens on Saturday 1 October 2022 and can be found at 607 Meanwood Road, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4HQ.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
News
Leeds’ first sauna and ice bath cafe is coming to the city centre this spring
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept is on its way.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast is gearing up to bring its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds will combine saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space will feature two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: Supplied
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
To suit different moods and preferences, Kontrast Leeds will include both a social sauna and a silent sauna, giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
Image: Supplied
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
The Leeds site builds on everything the team has learned from Kontrast in Manchester.
Alongside the core sauna, Ice, cafe offering, the new site will include improved facilities, more spacious sauna provision and additional ice baths meaning more room for people to get involved.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Sophie Smith -
30th September 2022 
