One of Leeds’ most prestigious postcodes comes with endless things to do at the weekend.
Horsforth was voted one of the top ten ‘Most Desirable Postcodes in the UK’, according to a survey by the Centre for Economic and Business Research in 2017 and it’s easy to see why the LS18 postcode made it onto the prestigious list.
The charming village is just five miles north from Leeds city centre and seems to have taken all of our favourite things about living in Yorkshire and brought them to its population of 19,000 residents.
Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat in a quirky little cafe; a pub to chill with the locals or ways to spend your weekends in true bliss, Horsforth has some of the best activities to offer in Leeds.
Get lunch at Truly scrummy
Need an afternoon pick me up? This local cafe and delicatessen located on Town Street, serve up delicious coffee, light deli-style lunches and sweet treats galore. All the dishes are made fresh on site using local ingredients, giving you the real taste of Yorkshire in the heart of Horsforth.
Share the Truly Scrummy Deli Platter consisting of local meats, cheeses and homemade bread or opt for something sweet with a warm baked scone served with Rodda’s clotted cream and jam. They also do a fantastic afternoon tea for 2 for just £25. On details on how to book, check out their website.
This neighbourhood Italian is a firm favourite with the locals. They serve freshly cooked pizzas which are definitely big enough to share in a cozy, intimate setting. The staff are uber friendly and make you feel right at home.
Their menu has every pizza you can think of including all the classics, and if you’re a meat lover you have to try their Pizza alle Polpette which is topped with homemade beef meatballs, bell peppers and jalapeños. You can order a small or a large which is a whopping 20 inches and if you’re feeling indecisive, you can choose two different toppings to have on your large pizza, it’s a win win.
Find out more here.
Go plant based at The Greenhouse
Fancy some vegan food? Well The Greenhouse is the place to go. This cafe and bakery serve 100% plant-based food which is 100% delicious. We can’t wait to try the Carrot Lux, a pillowy bagel topped with vegan cream cheese and carrot lux which is basically a carrot substitute for salmon, cool right?
We’ve also got our eye on the Love Raw Bubble Waffles which are topped with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate, as well as the vegan pie of the day which is doused in vegan custard. All of the food looks almost too good to eat (emphasis on almost).
Find out more here.
Finish off with a drink at The Malt Brewhouse
There’s nothing quite like sipping a pint that’s created in-house. The Malt Brewhouse provide 16 lines of beer, including cask ales supplied by their onsite microbrewery, making it the ideal stop for a large party. Browse from their plentiful menu and then get your team down to the shuffleboard area: the first in Horsforth and unwind with a game or two.
The brewhouse also show live sports on Sundays and run offers throughout the week, including £2.50 cask ales on a Wednesday and fizz Fridays, where a bottle of prosecco is knocked down to just £15. Grab a pizza from their kitchen and you’ll be sorted for the evening.
Read more: 10 of the best things to do in Burley at the weekend.
Grab some breakfast from Woodlawn Coffee Co.
Fuel yourself for the day with a proper good ol’ English breakfast. Woodlawn are locally known for their sausages and poached eggs that will have you set to take on anything the day will throw at you. Perfectly-cooked pancakes with a latte or hot chocolate are a winner for anyone with a sweet tooth too.
The independent cafe hosts prints and small gifts, designed by local artists underneath their intimately-lit fairy lights that illuminate the small cafe. Feel at home on a cold wintry morning here and slump into one of their cosy chairs and let the morning pass you by.
Find out more here.
Feed the animals at None Go Bye Farm
Nothing says quaint urban-country village like a trip to the farm. None Go Bye Farm have got you covered for locally-sourced meat and groceries. This family-friendly spot is perfect for all ages as in true farm-to-table style, you can visit the animals in the barns.
Think scratching the belly of a pig, whilst rabbit hop towards your feet: you’ll be ready for a day on the farm in no time. There are also donkeys, goats, geese, rhea and prairie dogs that can be fed using the special animal feed available from inside the farm shop.
Find out more here.
Take a stroll around Horsforth Hall Park
Horsforth Hall Park is a particular favourite with locals. As an accessible and inclusive space, the children’s play area has been recently upgraded include disabled play equipment and disabled parking is also available in the main car park. There is also a skate park, trim trail and huge spider’s web for all ages to enjoy.
The true beauty of Horsforth Hall Park has to be their stunning Japanese garden. The tranquil space is inspired by traditional Asian landscapes and is complete with brightly coloured bridges across the little streams and ponds filled with local wildlife.
Find out more here.
Make a stop for brunch at Residence 74
As well as serving a true English breakfast until 4pm, Residence 74 know exactly the way to our hearts, and stomachs. Their slogan ‘eat what makes you happy’ exactly what a welcoming space this is and with their food rated the best in Horsforth, it’s definitely worth stopping for a brew and a bite to eat.
Seasonal dishes like freshly made soup of the day, tuna melt grilled sandwich with homemade red onion chutney and a vegan SLT (that’s vegan sausages, lettuce and tomato with houmous) are just some of the flavours available.
Find out more here.
Pick a bottle at Once Upon a Vine
This quaint little shop is the perfect place to sample a few different wines before settling on one, buying it and taking it home to enjoy whilst watching the telly. It’s also a great place to sample an extensive selection of craft beer and devour some cheese and charcuterie because what is wine without cheese, right?
With the fairy tale name comes a fairy tale experience for wine lovers, you should definitely pop in and see for yourself to find your happy ending.
Find out more here.
Get behind the pottery wheel at Firefly Pottery
If your attempts at creating art over lockdown didn’t quite go to plan, why not have another go in the company of professionals at Firefly Pottery. Create with clay on the potter’s wheel or learn hand-building techniques to make a sculpture of your own.
If painting sounds more therapeutic then there are still plenty of options available for you. Either paint your own pot or dive into a selection of pre-made dishes, mugs and more and channel your inner Picasso.
Find out more here.
Feature Image- Woodlawn Coffee Co.
