word on the str-eat
As the nights begin to draw in after a magical summer of al fresco dining, Leeds, foodie and lifestyle influencer Lucy Bostock reveals some of her current favourite dining haunts in the city.
Follow Lucy on instagram @letting.luce
THARAVADU
There is something about the flavour they pack into every dish at Tharavadu that makes their food so special and keeps me returning time after time. It’s warm, comforting and full of those gorgeous spices and ingredients that you don’t get anywhere else in Leeds – apart from at their sister restaurant Uyare of course!
It’s usually booked up and there’s good reason for that because everyone who visits the Mill Hill spot appreciates just how good these guys are at what they do. For me, their food is like a cosy hug in restaurant form and alongside the staff who are absolute angels, it’s almost impossible to leave here without that feeling of pure joy.
SOUS LE NEZ
Every year as the nights draw in, this is where you’ll find me. It’s part of my autumn/ winter tradition now and I genuinely can’t imagine this time of year without a trip to Sous Le Nez. Tucked away underground in Leeds city centre, it has that cosy, old school feeling that makes it perfect for a dinner date, especially when it starts getting colder outside. And can we talk about the steak? Their fillet with peppercorn sauce and fries is honestly the best and is what I order every time. There are plenty of lovely things on the menu, but I’ve found my favourite and I’m sticking with it. Add a bottle of wine and good company and you’ve got my idea of the perfect night out.
THE CHEESY LIVING CO.
I’m going to be completely honest because anything involving cheese already has my attention and I’ve been a fan of
The Cheesy Living Co. since day one. They are always throwing out delicious new specials to try, so keep an eye on their socials for these and I’ve definitely got their special raclette sandwich on my list of things to try. There is something magical about a good melted cheese sandwich that just works when the temperatures drop, and this is exactly the kind of cosy place I love. They also serve up delicious grazing tables and having recently used them for a corporate booking the food went down a storm. It seems there is nothing these guys can’t do when it comes to cheese.
WHITEHALL
I recently discovered Whitehall’s free-flowing fizz lunch and I can confirm it is VERY dangerous in the best possible way. Starting with fizz and somehow ending up three courses deep, it is the perfect spot for a catch-up in a stylish setting and needless to say, I rolled out of there rather than walked. It’s exactly the kind of lunch I love, where you sit down with no plans to rush off and before you know it, the hours have passed. If you’re looking for an excuse for a long lunch with the girls, this is definitely one to add to the list.
THE SAVVY BAKER
The Savvy Baker is in such a handy spot for grabbing a coffee when you’re out and about in Leeds and there’s no shortage of sweet treats to try out.
With lovely, chatty staff, it is always a pleasure to pop in and the reason, alongside their great menu, it’s such a much-loved place.
Their drinks specials are always changing, which means there’s usually something new to try, but my favourite thing has to be the brownies. The cornflake brownie is my go-to nostalgia fix, it’s so gooey and reminds me of the brownies I used to have at school growing up, but so much better!. I’m always going to champion a good independent and
The Savvy Baker is definitely one to have on your Leeds list.
