word on the str-eat
As the festive season approaches, Leeds foodie and lifestyle influencer Lucy Bostock gives us a few of her favourite places to wine and dine this Christmas.
Follow Lucy on instagram @letting.luce
RINZE
This year I found my new favourite bar in Leeds and it’s proving to be an all-year-round kind of love. After spending a lot of my summer days popping in here for a glass or three of their finest natural wine, it’s lost none of its appeal as the cosy season approaches.
It’s the perfect place to snuggle up at a candle-lit table for two and escape the cold outside while tucking into a lovely glass of wine and enjoying their amazing menu that is full of delicious cheese and charcuterie options and small plates to die for.
Located between Victoria Gate and The Corn Exchange, it’s the perfect spot to unwind if you need a little break from all that festive shopping and with a special lunchtime menu offering coffee and a sandwich for just £10, this place just gets better and better.
SMOKE STACK
This is one for the dancers, the shakers and the jazz music lovers who like to party into the early hours of the morning and so inevitably it’s become one of our go-to spots in Leeds.
There comes a point in the night where you need that combination of guaranteed good music, cool vibes and a space where everyone is dancing and The Smokeshack on Lower Briggate never disappoints.
With a great menu of cocktails, wines, shots and shooters expect this to be rocking over the festive period and the place to head if you want to keep the party going.
CROWDED HOUSE
One of the biggest new openings of the year has to be Crowded House, they’ve got two big open floors with a huge bar, restaurant space and a rooftop overlooking the city. They quite literally have every hour and every occasion covered here and located in Trinity it’s perfectly located to escape to for some of their delicious small plates and a glass of fizz after doing your festive shopping.
And make sure you check out their Christmas menu featuring festive favourites with a contemporary twist alongside handcrafted cocktails, 90s inspired decorations and a spectacular city backdrop.
TABULA RASA
There’s a reason Tabula Rasa is one of Leeds’ most well-known and best loved bars and once experienced you’ll realise why.
Famous for its amazing cocktails and high-end spirits this is the place I always head to when friends are in town and it always delivers with its friendly staff and intimate setting.
Having opened four years ago, it’s easy to see why Tabula Rasa, located on Eastgate, has become such a popular spot so to guarantee a table make sure to reserve because while they do take walk-ins, it’s not worth the disappointment of missing out on a place you’ll fall in love with.
@tabularasa_bar
THE BRUNSWICK
When I close my eyes and imagine a proper traditional pub with a great festive atmosphere, The Brunswick on North Street in Leeds always comes to mind and it’s easy to see why this place is such a favourite in the city.
I first fell in love with The Brunswick after sampling one of their famous roast dinners and I’ve never looked back since. Very tasty and hearty portions are what you can expect and the perfect choice for when the temperatures are dropping outside. Pair that with one of the many keg beers or cask ales they have on offer and this gem of a boozer is the perfect bolthole to settle into on a winter’s day.
