Halfway between Leeds and Ilkley lies Otley, an unsung hero of a suburb with whole a lot to offer.
This bustling market town just a stone's throw away from Leeds is well worth a visit if you want to escape the city for the weekend.
Otley is full of quirky independents, traditional pubs and a range of eateries to choose from. It's the perfect place for a leisurely mooch around the cobbled streets, stopping and cheers'ing a pint with the lovely locals as you go.
Keep reading to find out our top ten things to do in Otley at the weekend.
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It's the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
The Curious Hop
Image: The Curious Hop
This isn't just your average off-licence, The Curious Hop is a speciality beer shop selling an extensive selection of craft and world beers, real ales as well as an amazing range of ciders. Pop by to sample some of the local brewing talent or pick something new and exciting from further afield.
18 New Market Street, Otley.
Buon Apps
Image: Buon Apps
Located on the edge of the River Wharfe, enjoy tranquil views at this beautiful restaurant alongside traditional Italian hospitality and authentic cuisine. Enjoy one of their crisp, light "pinsa" pizzas with a caprese salad on the side or opt for the fresh ravioli filled with lobster, crab and ricotta.
They have a delicatessen next to the restaurant where you can find all imported Italian ingredients to cook your own Italian feast at home. Find cured meats, fresh cheeses and olives to pasta sauces, biscotti and wine.
Hartley House, 50 Mill Way.
Sift
Image: Sift
This fully vegetarian café and and bakery is located in a bright green, Grade II listed former bank, complete with their very own vault. They serve fresh food all day including a breakfast staple of avocado toast and indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches made with Great Yorkshire Chutney. There's also an irresistible selection of sweet treats on display for you to enjoy in house or to take home. We have our eye on the Mini Egg tiffin and Kinder bueno millionaire shortbread.
Everything is made in house by their small but passionate team using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Got a birthday coming up? They also offer a celebration cake service where the gorgeous creations are most certain to be the life of the party.
This traditional, award winning, independent butcher's has been an Otley landmark since 1869. They sell only the best quality, locally sourced meat and freshly made steak pies, sausage rolls and much more. It's a family run butchers and the staff could not be more helpful, as soon as you walk through the doors and are embraced with the enticing aroma of sausage rolls you will feel right at home.
Their pork pies are absolutely top notch but might I recommend you pop in at lunchtime for a hot, pork sandwich with apple sauce and crackling. Your mouth will be watering as you watch them freshly carve the succulent pork which is roasted in house every single day.
4-6 Market Place, Otley.
North Bar Social
Image: North Bar Social
This delightful craft beer bar is part of the beloved Leeds North Brewing Co. Here they have a simple but successful formula; great beer, great atmosphere and great people. Stop by for a pint of their own famous brews, whether it's a traditional ale you like, a hoppy IPA or a fruity sour, they have something for everyone and the friendly staff are more than happy to help you find your favourite.
Their small but perfectly small bar welcomes cyclists, dogs, walkers and has regulars from 18 to 80! There's a large outdoor seating area where you can basque in the sunshine on a lovely summer's day.
We always have to include our pick for the perfect Sunday Roast and the Roebuck provides just that. First opening it's doors in 1852, this pub is drenched in history and definitely know how to pull a good pint.
Their food menu changes with the seasons and they only use fresh, locally sourced produce. We'd recommend going for one of their famous pies, which they even have a section in their menu dedicated to. Whether it's slow cooked steak and ale pie or creamy herb chicken, mushroom and leek, you definitely won't be going home hungry.
Roebuck Terrace, Otley.
Groove Pad
Image: Groove Pad Otley
Looking for a bit of live entertainment? The Groove Pad in Orchard Gate offer live music, vinyl and great drinks all under one roof. They also host open-mic nights if you're feeling confident and want to show off your skills.
On tap they have a wide range of real ales from the nearby Saltaire Brewery for you to try. So if your a music lover, grab a seat and get your groove on at this quirky hidden gem.
9 Orchard Gate, Otley.
The Art Works
Image: The Art Works
The Art Works is a lovely little gallery in a grade II listed building which showcases some fantastic local artists including Paula Dunn and Yorkshire-born Ian Middleton. It's the perfect place to have a mooch around and marvel at some fantastic art. The gallery is constantly being updated with new pieces and they also offer a framing service if you're after some new wall candy.
Courthouse Street, Otley.
Feature Image- Sift Otley
News
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
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 -
13th April 2022 
