word on the str-eat
As the sun gets its hat on and thoughts turn al fresco, our resident lover of all things food and drink Lucy Bostock shares some of her favourite outdoor drinking and dining spots to enjoy in Leeds this summer.
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AMBIENTE
Nothing beats an outdoor drinking spot by the water when the sun’s out, pair that with an ice-cold jug of sangria and some tasty Spanish tapas plates and what more could you wish for.
In addition to their regular menu with the classic tapas dishes we all know and love, Ambiente on The Calls have really taken the time to curate alternative menus for anyone who is veggie or vegan and given how good their food is, no one’s going to judge you if you order a couple more dishes than they recommend per person.
Perched on their south-facing balcony overlooking the River Aire, this is the perfect spot for an overdue catch up whilst watching the world go by.
HEADROW HOUSE
Whilst I’m sure most people don’t need telling, Headrow House is right up there when it comes to some summer partying. The well-known and much-loved rooftop Leeds city centre bar is a wonderfully casual spot where the DJs mix the tunes as skillfully as the staff mix the drinks.
I love to hang out here with friends but be warned, it is so relaxing that before you know it, you’ll have spent the entire day there! With two rooftop spaces and an event space, there’s always a lot happening and that’s even before I get you onto the food! Ox Club – the award-winning contemporary British restaurant serve up their magic here and make sure you get down on a Sunday for one of the most raved about roast dinners in Leeds.
WHITE CLOTH HALL
Since it opened last year, I haven’t stopped raving about just how great this place is and I love how in each corner, there is something different going on. If your group all have different tastes or are simply indecisive and want to try it all, then that’s the beauty of White Cloth Hall. No two vendors are the same but are all equally as impressive and my personal favourites are the pizza, tacos and prawn curry. If you’re after a more intimate catch-up setting, then their wine bar set over two floors is the place to head, while for those chasing the rays, their newly introduced outdoor seating area is the perfect spot for a cold beer and Aperol Spritz. Or two.
FARRANDS BAR
One of my most favourite bars in Leeds has to be Farrands which used to be a real hidden gem until word spread about how good it is!
This bar really has got it all and gets a five-star glowing review from me every time. Their cocktails are all unique and carefully crafted with a new menu regularly dropping and during the warmer months their lovely little raised terrace area has its roof down making it the cutest outdoor drinking spot in town.
Friendly and accommodating, the staff here are out of this world and make you feel incredibly special on every visit, making it the one place I can’t shout about enough.
SHEARS YARD
Just across the road from Ambiente you’ll find Shears Yard where they’ve perfected a fine dining experience with a more relaxed feel. As the only remaining restaurant in Leeds to offer a tasting and drinks pairing menu, this place is high on my must-go-to list. Their cocktail menu offers a selection of incredible drinks that can be enjoyed in their private gated outdoor seating area which is set back from the road and a great little sun trap on those summer days! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a cocktail or two because you deserve it, Shears Yard will hit the spot.
