word on the str-eat
As 2025 kicks off, our favourite Leeds foodie and lifestyle influencer Lucy Bostock reveals some of her top dining haunts and takes a look at some of the new kids on the block.
Follow Lucy on instagram @letting.luce
THE PENNY BUN
There’s no better combination than the north Yorkshire countryside and top quality, refined dining, and The Penny Bun on the outskirts of Ilkley has got it just right.
The gorgeous historic Yorkshire inn which opened last year is making a big noise on the food scene with its delicious menu and cool interiors and I’m a huge fan.
With their seasonal changing menus, you’re able to get a real taste of what Yorkshire can produce as they’re very big on sustainability and celebrating everything local. Whether you’re looking to dine in the main restaurant, nestle yourself into a snug candlelit corner or make a night of it and stay in one of their stylish rooms, The Penny Bun really is the perfect place to escape and unwind.
GREEN ROOM
This already much loved and popular city centre outdoor drinking spot has recently undergone a glow up and after opening its doors last month, it’s become the talk of the town. Expect lots of disco balls, a delicious brunch, lunch and dinner menu, live music and apparently the best toilets in Leeds! As a regular visitor and knowing what a fun place this is, I’m very excited about this new launch, because there ain’t no party like a Green Room party.
UYARE
2025 is the year of exciting new openings and I’m delighted to hear Tharavadu, a name we all know and love, have a new rooftop venture coming soon with incredible views over the city.
Located inside Victoria Gate, the imminent arrival of Uyare is one I can’t wait to see and experience as I’m a sucker for a beautiful rooftop space to enjoy dinner and cocktails.
The team have managed to successfully keep things a secret, so as not to ruin the surprise, but I’ve heard we can expect an elevated Keralan dining experience and if the food from Tharavadu is anything to go by, then I see this being a huge success.
insta: uyare.leeds
FERN MODERN SUSHI
When people ask me where to eat in Leeds, this is always one of my top recommendations. Located inside the Central Arcade, this modern Japanese restaurant serves up some of the best sushi in the city. Owned and run by the wonderful Fern, they also have a hot menu with a range of dishes like katsu ramen and soft-shell crab which are two of my person favourites.
It’s a very intimate setting with low lighting and once inside you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Japan itself – just make sure you bag a seat on the sushi bar where you can sit back and watch the magic unfold. You’ll love it.
BAKE
Leeds can’t have enough bakeries in my opinion, and who doesn’t love going on a weekend walk to treat yourself to a coffee and some baked goodies. From the geniuses behind Doh’hut and Things in Bread comes this exciting new addition to Mustard Wharf. Perfectly located on the river with open, bright interiors where you can watch the busy bees preparing the next fresh batch of treats, Bake is my new favourite haunt. Be quick though, because the firm favourites, like the delicious sausage rolls sell out fast.
insta:bake_leeds
