Located a mere few minutes’ drive from Leeds city centre, Kirkstall and Burley are both unsung heroes of the suburbs.
With easy access to the city centre, Burley or Kirkstall are just one stop on the train from Leeds- but by no means does it mean the tiny suburb is short on things to do.
With plenty of residential areas, retail park, shopping areas and adrenaline activities, it’s more a question of ‘what next’ than ‘what to do’.
Packing so much into such a small area isn’t easy and often the areas are confused with areas of Hyde Park, Headingley and even sometimes Armley can be muddled- but this truly area does deserve a guide in its own right given the vast number of things to do, eat, drink and play within Burley and Kirkstall themselves.
Keep reading to find out where The Hoot believes to be some of the hidden gems, including plant shops, donuts aplenty and a weekend full of adrenaline-fuelled activities…
Grab a pint inside a tiny micro bar
Dave’s Pies and Ale, Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open from 3pm
This micro pub has just six tables and three cask ales lines, but it’s a true hidden gem when it comes to finding spots outside the city centre for a pint on a budget. Adorned with beautiful old pub signage and mirrors, grab a stool, a homemade pie, pint and mushy peas for £6 – now how many other places offer that?
Find out more here.
Live like a Victorian at Abbey House Museum
Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall | Open from 10am (closed Mondays)
Abbey House Museum is dedicated to all things Victorian- and all ages can travel back in time and wander the cobbled streets of the museum to learn about time gone by in Leeds. Whether you fancy checking out the local pub in the 1800s or learning about the difference between social classes, and their homes, during this period- the knowledgable staff will help you find out just about anything you’d like to know about the Victorian era. Plus, there’s lots of costumes, galleries and interactive spaces – so it’s good fun.
Find out more here.
Catch a gig at Brudenell Social Club
Queens Road, Burley | Open from 12pm
Surprisingly, the Brudenell Social Club falls under the brackets of Burley (though we would argue it’s just as much a Hyde Park staple), but no one is complaining. An iconic Leeds venue that offers so much more than meets the eye.Packing out two intimate, cosy venues almost every night, Brudenell Social Club is a rite-of-passage for students and up-and-coming artists alike.
With a small capacity of just 400 (in both the main room and the community room), the umbrella of musical artists that play here folds no restrictions. On Sunday 8 May, there’s an Independent Label Market with free entry celebrating all things indie music. From 11am to 4pm, the markets will be selling limited edition stock like vinyl rarities and test pressings as well as exclusive label and band merchandise from some of the UK’s best up-and-coming artists.
Find out more here.
Eat authentic Italian street food from Poco
Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open from 10.30am
Whilst the pizza slices and lasagna are stand-out favourites at Poco, we’re obsessed with the sweet treats available from the original home of much-loved Italian eatery on Kirkstall Road.
The dessert cabinet is just as full, and stacked with tasty sweet desserts. Expect regular and gluten-free cannelloni in irresistible flavours like salted caramel and pistachio, as well as morning goods like Nutella and vanilla stuffed croissants.
Oven-baked bombolones are a standout favourite here, and it’s not difficult to see why. Topped with fruit, cream and icing sugar, these are perfectly paired with thick Italian hot chocolate- the recipe is thick and creamy that you might need a spoon to eat this, rather than drink it too.
Find out more here.
Head for a climb at Burley’s independent bouldering centre
The Climbing Lab, Kirkstall Industrial Park | Open from 6am (10am on weekends)
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For a weekend activity that’s truly gripping, Climbing Lab is home to huge climbing walls reserved for those that dare to climb. Featuring a one-of-a-kind top-out boulder, dedication competition room, overhangings, slabs and vertical walls: both beginners and confident rock climbers are equally welcomed to take on the Climbing Lab trails around the room.
A family pass costs just £10 for an adult and child, plus if you purchase a membership card at £6, you’ll receive year-long discounts.
Find out more here.
Sunday Roast from The Cardigan Arms
Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open from 12pm
If the endless raving reviews and giant Yorkshire puddings are anything to go by, the Cardigan Arms is a standout choice for pub grub on the weekend.
Every single Sunday you’ll find a whole host of options on the menu (besides the showstopper of a Yorkshire), you’ll find the likes of slow roast belly pork stuffed with pork loin, fennel seeds, herbs and garlic; beef topside served pink or Mushroom Wellington for those looking for a meat-free alternative.Served 12-5pm, make sure to book in advance for this one- we reckon it’ll be a sellout option.
Find out more here.
Find a leafy housemate inside Leeds biggest dedicated plant shop
Poppy’s Potting Shed, Burley Place, Burley | Open Thursday – Monday from 11am
Poppy’s Potting Shed is an immersive plant shop that truly embodies the meaning of an indoor urban jungle. Since opening in November 2021, the huge Leeds plant shop has become far more than your standard garden centre: it’s 1000 sq ft of green goodness.
Like many innovative stores popping up in Leeds recently; the idea stemmed from the first lockdown in April 2020, when many of us were sent home and had time to reflect on their personal careers and spot gaps in the wider market. As lockdown eased, Anna began to hold a series of plant pop-ups at her partner’s gym, Implexus, and this led to her first opening in Armley.
With personalised choices of indoor plants and a friendly face to answer any questions, this is the no-judgement indoor plant shop that you’ve been looking for. The store is designed for the ‘gram and visitors will be obsessed with its indoor jungle design and truly immersive experience.
Find out more here.
Bounce at Gravity Active Trampoline Park
Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Burley | Open from 10am (9am on weekends)
Adrenaline-junkies will be queuing at the door for this one- and it’s one that all the family can get involved in. Enter the room and find trampolines as far as the eye’s can see, a dodgeball court, battle beams, airbags and even basketballs.
With hour-long sessions beginning every half hour, Open Jump sessions are for all, whilst dedicated parent and toddler sessions or the Friday Night parties are designed for audiences that may appreciate smaller groups or wilder soundtracks.
Find out more here.
Try some Jamaican food from Ryan’s Kitchen
Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open Wednesday – Sunday from 5pm
Ranked in the top 25 per cent for food in Leeds and a page of glowing five-star reviews on TripAdvisor only demonstrates the variety of cuisine available.
Founder Ryan Simpson has a long history of cooking delicious Caribbean food for family and friends before starting his venture. Growing up, the ex-Army chef cooked a three course dinner every week with his siblings and was inspired by his parent’s cooking style to perfect his recipes.
Vegans agree that it can be particularly difficult to find meat substitutes that are still flavoursome, but reviewers on vegan critic site Happy Cow, say that these dishes are perfect for anyone looking for authentic Jamaican food at a reasonable price.
Find out more here.
Visit one of Leeds’ oldest monestries Kirkstall Abbey
Founded over 800 years ago, Kirkstall Abbey is a feat of historic architecture set amid a haven of wildlife and greenery. The church still stands to roof level and can be hired out for wedding ceremonies or vow renewals, which as you can imagine makes for the most spectacular and romantic setting- it also just makes a great day trip to wonder around to learn more about the fascinating history before watching the world go by from the River Aire.
Find out more here.
Grab a sweet treat from Doboy Donuts
Cardigan Mills, Lennox Road, Burley | Open from 10.30am
This hidden gem is tucked around the corners of Cardigan Fields but as popularity grows, Doboy Donuts is fastly becoming the worst-kept secret in Burley. Offering a mouth-watering selection of donuts, muffins and even milkshakes from a small counter in front of the bakery, this is the place to get your sweet fix in Leeds.
If you need any recommendations, the vegan Biscoff donut is a classic favourite for good reason: stuffed with a Biscoff-cream inside the centre and topped with even more Biscoff. The donuts are light, fluffy but dense with flavour so we’re certain you’ll find yourself a favourite.
Find out more here.
Find a new hobby at TimberJacks Axe Throwing
Burley Hill Trading Estate, Unit B2, Flexspace | Open from 12pm (10am on weekends)
Whether you fancy yourself as a big of a lumberjack or just want to try out a unique activity that combines adrenaline and skill, Timber Jacks Club is the Burley-based axe throwing company offering groups big and small a chance to test their skills in their dedicated axe throwing centtre.
Rented out in 45, 60 or 75 minute intervals, each session is ideally suited to couples and allowing for plenty of competitive scoring games, but extra time should be allowed for large groups to smash apples, grab a target poster or even play axe roulette whilst chucking the axes onto the target ring.
Find out more here.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
