The warmer weather and the longer nights have got us all craving an ice cold glass of sangria, so here's five of the best places to grab one in Leeds.
Sangria - the perfect fruity beverage which just screams lazy summer afternoons in the sun with friends.
Originating in Spain, the delicious punch usually consists of wine, chopped fruit and brandy or vermouth and is the ultimate shareable thirst-quencher.
Even the satisfying sound of the wooden spoon mixing the ice and fresh fruit together is enough to get our mouths watering, so we've cherry picked a few of our favourite spots in the city where you can enjoy a glass, or a jug, or jugs.
Bomba Paella
1 Saw Mill St, Holbeck
Image: Bomba Paella
Bomba Paella is an independent Spanish restaurant and tapas bar located in Holbeck, Leeds.
They’re known for serving up authentic paella and a range of classic tapas dishes so you can get your Spanish fix right here in Leeds – and of course with that comes amazing sangria, right?
They serve up sangria by the glass or by the jug, in white, red or rose. Laden with fresh fruit and served ice cold, it's the perfect tipple to share amongst friends on their gorgeous outdoor terrace. Oh, and they also host a bottomless brunch with bottomless sangria, weekend plans sorted? We think so.
Everyone's favourite taproom have launched a new summer menu and yes, you guessed it, there's a jug of sangria on there with your name on it.
Labelled as 'summer in a jug', the North Bar rosé sangria features rosé wine, cranberry, lime and lemonade. Grab a glass or a jug, take a pew in their beer garden and why not order some food from Little Bao Boy whilst you're at it.
Ambiente Leeds
36-38 The Calls
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: Ambiente Tapas
Tapas and sangria is a match made in heaven, add to that a glorious sun terrace overlooking the Calls and you're practically winning at life.
Known for serving some of the best Spanish cuisine in the city since 2007, Ambiente know their way around a good jug of Sangria. White, red or rosé - they do it all, even a Rebujito version which features Manzanilla sherry and lemonade.
El Gato Negro
35 Park Row
Image: El Gato Negro Image: The Hoot Leeds
El Gato Negro is a fantastic little neighbourhood tapas spot located on Park Row. Not only do they serve up brilliant sangria but they have fantastic deals on tapas dishes throughout the week.
So if you fancy a casual, Spanish-inspired lunch then this is the place to be. We recommend the Cava Sangria, a sparkling wine concoction topped with fresh fruit, limoncello and lemonade - we challenge you to find a more refreshing drink in all of Leeds.
Ibérica Leeds
Hepper House, 17a E Parade
Image: Ibérica Image: The Hoot Leeds
Ibérica Leeds is known for it's absolutely stunning interior, authentic food and lovely atmosphere. This is the place to go if you're celebrating or simply just treating yourself.
They only serve one style of sangria, but boy oh boy do they do it well. The Classic Sangria is jam packed with seasonal fresh fruit, orange juice, cinnamon, red wine and lemonade. A special drink for a special occasion.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
20th June 2023 
