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
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."
The best rooftop bars in and around Leeds to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine
Clementine Hall
The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.
We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.
To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.
You know, because someone's got to do it.
Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you.
Let's get into it then shall we?
Green Room
36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.
Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?
Headrow House
Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.
A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.
If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.
Azotea
2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.
This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.
IF Rooftop
10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.
Roland's
39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.
This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.
The Woods
5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.
Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.
Headingley Heights
8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.
Clementine Hall -
7th April 2022 
