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The Italian Aperitivo Terrace hidden in the Leeds suburbs
If you've ever dined at Culto, you'll be able to imagine the fresh smell of cheese, meats and bruschetta across the veranda as you while away the evening, Limoncello cocktail in hand.
"Our @verandaleeds is back for another summer season! #Meanwood, we have some big news! Don’t make any plans for this weekend. The weather looks promising so we’ve decided not to wait any longer and open for a trial run this weekend!
"Come join us at our beautiful Italian Aperitivo Terrace from 12PM until 9PM this Saturday and Sunday - no bookings needed. Expect all sorts of fancy Italian cocktails (if you haven’t tried our frozen Limoncello granita last year - it’s a must!!! ), antipasti, sharing platters, lots of new specials and good vibes only".
Inspired by the bold colours and seaside of the Amalfi coast, Veranda is the summer pop-up from Culto Meanwood, perfect to soak up all of the summer sun.
Image: Veranda
Last year, the sun trap was open weekdays from 5pm and midday at the weekend, with post-work drinks and light bites both available until until 10pm as long as the sun is shining - but this weekend is just a trial run, open Come join us at our beautiful Italian Aperitivo Terrace from 12PM until 9PM this Saturday and Sunday.
If you've ever dined at Culto, you'll be able to imagine the fresh smell of cheese, meats and bruschetta across the veranda as you while away the evening, Limoncello cocktail in hand.
Feast your eyes on sharing platters and graze on homemade focaccia. We're guessing based on last year's options, expect Burrata cheese balls, cherry tomatoes, Parma ham and a selection of Italian antipasti, designed for either two or four at a time, with vegan alternatives for those dining on a plant-based diet.
Image: Veranda
Cocktail-wise you're spoilt for choice. There's frozen cocktails perfect for a hot summers afternoon in both Italian favourite flavours: Limoncello and Aperol Spritz.
There's Italian-inspired drinks aplenty, like the La Dolce Vita Spritz is a concoction of Malfy Gin con Arancia, prosecco and limonata, Limoncello Martinis and staples like Garibaldis and Campari Spritz ready to transport the senses to the coastline.
Naturally Peroni and Birra Moretti make it on to the drinks list alongside a considered wine menu and proper coffee choices too.
Whitelock’s Ale House has announced the return of its annual Beer Festival - hoorah!
There’s nothing quite like a nice fresh pint, and we all know Whitelock’s Ale House know how to pour a good one.
So it's with great glee that we can fill you in on their upcoming Beer Festival which will be returning to the iconic festival from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026.
The four-day festival will celebrate the best of independent brewing in Leeds, with beers sourced exclusively from local breweries.
Featured breweries will include Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology, Amity Brew Co. and more.
Known as the oldest pub in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House has long championed independent beers and local brewing culture.
Image: Supplied
This year’s festival aims to spotlight the strength and diversity of the city’s brewing scene, with the tagline 'Beer tastes better up north!'
Beer will be pouring throughout the weekend across Whitelock's Ale House and The Turk's Head, with further brewery announcements and festival details set to be shared in the coming weeks via their Instagram.
The best part? Entry to the festival is completely free.
Talking about this year’s festival, General Manager Beth said: “Beer has always been at the heart of Whitelock’s, so this felt like the right year to celebrate both the breweries on our doorstep and the city we’ve called home for more than 300 years.
"Leeds has a brilliantly strong independent beer scene right now, and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the best breweries the city has to offer across the weekend.”
You can find out more about Whitelock's Ale House and their fabulous Beer Festival here via their website. Cheers to that!
Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch
Clementine Hall
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept has landed in the city centre.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds combines saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space features two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is absolutely gorgeous, complete with trendy tin ceilings, fairy lights and soft furnishings.
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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The same goes for the saunas, with one silent and one 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.
There's a fab little cafe too offering all sorts from electrolyte slushes to ginger shots and a range of coffees and matcha.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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.
Officially opening their doors this Friday 29 May, Kontrast are offering free sessions over the weekend so you can try before you buy. Book your spot here.
Sophie Smith -
19th May 2023 
