This leafy suburb has far more to it than meet the eye.
Just ten minutes away from Leeds city centre lies Meanwood, a bustling leafy suburb full of fantastic independent shops, bars and restaurants.
Fancy a trip out of Leeds this weekend? Here are our top picks of what to see, where to eat and where to go in the up-and-coming town of Meanwood.
Terminus Tap Room& Bottle Shop
Image: Terminus Tap Room & Bottle Shop
Established in 2017 by brothers Baz and Graeme Philips, The Terminus Taproom otherwise known as The Meanwood Brewery, offers customers the finest craft beers, wine and cocktails from the best local producers and beyond.
Pop in and try one of their own hoppy creations which take inspiration from different styles and flavours from around the world. Or try one of their fabulous, salted caramel espresso martinis which are two for £10 during their happy hour at 3-6pm on Monday to Friday.
Stonegate Rd, Meanwood.
Number 8 Cocktail Bar
Image: Number 8 Cocktails
Previously located over in Manchester at the independent urban village Hatch, Number 8 Bar has made quite a name for itself with its fun takes on classic cocktails.
The building certainly isn't hard to miss with a multicoloured, floral mural painted on the outside. Inside you are met with trendy, industrial inspired interior with cosy leather sofas to nestle down in. Enjoy any of the classic cocktails which are perfectly executed or sample one from their ever changing, seasonal menu items to spice up your Friday night.
10-14 Stonegate Rd, Meanwood.
Tandem Gallery and Shop
Image: Tandem
Tandem opened in 2017 by owners Hannah and Hetty who created the shop of their dreams with their shared passion for homeware.
The store is a beautiful space and is full of gifts, homeware, plants and much more. Locally sourced artists' work line the carefully curated shelves and there is also a refill station where you can fill up on all your kitchen and cleaning essentials. Their in-house coffee shop makes it a relaxing, creative hub for everyone to enjoy any, including your dog.
574 Meanwood Road, Meanwood, Leeds.
Humbl Coffee
Image: Humbl
From an up-cycled horse trailer to a coffee shop, Humbl is the UK’s first battery powered mobile coffee shop with a lockdown success story that started off, and continues to be, an entirely self-funded small business. Their location around Meanwood varies but you can track them down by following their socials or visiting their website.
Owners and coffee enthusiasts, Matt and Georgia, are now hoping to give the suburb that has taken in Humbl for the past twelve months, a permanent home in the form of a coffee shop. Having just received the keys for their brand-new digs, watch this space to find out about their upcoming opening.
Opening soon, Meanwood.
Zucco
Image: Zucco
This small-plate, Italian restaurant is one of Meanwood's longest standing independent businesses. Their menu changes according to the seasons and always uses fresh, quality ingredients.
Think chargrilled octopus with saffron potatoes or braised beef pappardelle with gran padano cheese. The menu has lots of options so there is definitely something for everyone to indulge in and enjoy. The restaurant has a lovely, light and family friendly atmosphere where the staff are bound to make you feel right at home.
603 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, Leeds.
Alfred
Image: Alfred
Slap bang in the middle of Meanwood, minutes from Meanwood Park, Alfred is the perfect local hang out for fans of great beer, wine and spirits. An extension of the beloved Leeds favourite, North Brewing Co. Alfred is home to knowledgeable and friendly staff who are happy to take you through their huge range of drinks.
Stop by after a walk round the park for a well-deserved beer surrounded by stylish decor with a 1950's twist.
Take a stroll around this beautiful park which includes woodland, meadows, a flowing stream and stretches of mown grass. Not only is there a gorgeous nature trail to discover, there's a children's play area and two public tennis courts which are free to play on throughout the year.
There's a cafe serving hot and cold refreshments to keep you going and the park is doggy friendly making it the perfect place for a family day out.
Hana Matsuri
Image: Hana Matsuri
This intimate, Japanese restaurant is widely acclaimed and holds a well earned place on the Michelin Guide. Seating only 7 guests, chef Kaoru Nakamura serves up an Omakase tasting menu of authentic, fresh sushi made from good quality, imported seafood.
Japanese memorabilia and sake line the walls of the restaurant making you feel as though you're in the heart of Tokyo, in Leeds. The price point isn't cheap, however it is the place to go to celebrate a very special occasion and is certain to be a night to remember.
580 Meanwood Road, Meanwood.
Myrtle Tavern
Image: Myrtle Tavern
This pub was crowned pub of the year in the British Pub Awards 2021, so, if you're in Meanwood, you should definitely check it out. Stop by for a cosy Sunday Roast or bask in the sunshine with a cold pint in their extensive garden and sun terrace.
If you don't fancy a full Sunday roast then why not sample some of their tapas dishes, including southern fried popcorn chicken and wild mushroom arancini balls. They also have a menu solely dedicated to gin, featuring lots of fantastic local gins from Leeds and the surrounding areas.
Parkside Road, Meanwood.
Culto
Image: Culto
Culto is an authentic Italian kitchen and takeout based on Stainbeck Road. Their aim is to showcase how fantastic Italian cuisine can be by using only the best ingredients delivered directly from Italy. There is a relaxed dining area where you can enjoy their delights or you can take the food away to enjoy at home, all at an affordable price.
Whether it's a toasted panini sandwich made with homemade focaccia that you fancy or a creamy burrata and tomato salad to enjoy alongside a cold glass of Italian white wine. If it's something sweet you're after then why not make a pit stop at Poco, their sister cafe on Kirkstall Road, who serve homemade Sicilian cannolis filled with fresh cream.
97 Steinbeck Rd, Meanwood.
Read More: The best things to do in Meanwood this weekend
Yorkshire interior design specialist Design Tonic has completed a major series of projects for Leeds United Football Club.
A new era for Leeds United is on the horizon, and we're catching a first glimpse of it already.
Design Tonic is a long-standing design and build partner of the football club that has delivered approximately 30,000 sq ft of new and refurbished space, completed to coincide with the start of the new premier league season.
The latest work has been designed to support the club’s continued development of plans for Elland Road, including the new West Stand.
Image: Supplied (Pink Gorilla)
The main element of the programme has been the full design and build of a new 20,000 sq ft temporary hospitality marquee at Elland Road, providing high-quality hospitality facilities while the West Stand is redeveloped.
The facility incorporates four individual hospitality suites with capacity for approximately 1,000 guests with interiors carefully considered to deliver a high-end experience.
Images: Supplied (Pink Gorilla)
Alongside the temporary hospitality facility, Design Tonic has delivered a series of significant upgrades throughout Elland Road including the creation of a new Presidents Lounge transforming a previous back-of-house area into a premium hospitality environment, a new Chairman’s Guest Lounge, and refurbishment of the club’s reception and boardroom.
Head of IT and facilities at Leeds United Football Club, Mark Broadley, said: “Design Tonic has become a trusted partner to Leeds United. They understand both the operational requirements of a football club and the importance of ensuring every environment feels unmistakably Leeds United.
Images: Supplied (Pink Gorilla)
“This has been a particularly important project for us, supporting the next stage of development at Elland Road while ensuring our hospitality guests continue to receive a high- quality experience. At the same time, the improvements at Thorp Arch enhance the everyday environments available to our players and Academy.
“The completed spaces look fantastic and provide an excellent platform as the club starts the new Premier League season.”
Five of the best new restaurants and cafes to open in Leeds recently
Clementine Hall
Leeds has welcomed a whole host of new places to eat and drink recently, and there’s a lot to get excited about.
We all love our food, and it's safe to say we love writing about it.
So please, allow us to indulge by telling you all about five of our favourite new foodie openings that have popped up in and around Leeds over the past few months.
But fair warning, continuing to read on may cause extreme hunger...
Moods
98 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just over a month ago, one of Leeds' most historic buildings was transformed into an all-day cafe, bar, restaurant and events space.
Moods is the brainchild of husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo.
They do it all, whether you're popping in for a coffee and a spot of brunch or swinging by for a few carefully curated cocktails and some small plates to share with friends. With a kitchen led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, you know you're in good hands.
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful and has been in the pipeline for quite some time.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows. They've really thought of every little detail, even down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
If you order anything - let it be the lamb chops (thank us later).
Rizia's Bottega, on Bolling Road on the outskirts of Ilkley, officially opened at the end of August following a soft launch, serving authentic schiacciata sandwiches, colourful salads, and light Sicilian breakfasts.
The new neighbourhood spot comes from the team behind Ilkley favourite Emporio Italia and has been created as somewhere locals can pop in for their morning coffee, sit down for a bite to eat, or pick up some high-quality Italian treats to enjoy at home.
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last.
Bruncho has opened on The Headrow, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre.
Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C. We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
Domo is an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, you could do a lot worse than plonking yourself on the terrace with mates, ordering a selection of their cocktails and tucking into a heaping plate of fried calamari and prawns or a carefully curated plate of Sardinian cured meats and cheeses.
Clementine Hall -
7th April 2022 
