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Where to go to impress your folks in Leeds
Chapter 81
The uni term might be stretching on, but good news is on the horizon. Your folks are coming up for the weekend, and with that comes a prime opportunity to fill your boots with some decent scran. Whether the bill’s falling to you, your student loan or the bank of mum and dad, our venue picks will help you choose the perfect place to eat.
Their Treat
Blowout spots for when your purse strings are firmly out of the equation.
The Owl
It’s the first pub to grace the hallowed ground of Kirkgate Market for 150 years, and although its menu (featuring oysters, poussin and quail eggs to name just a few) stands in sharp contrast to other Butcher’s Row residents, The Owl’s cosy atmosphere and masterful cuisine makes it a top dining spot for the whole family. The dinner menu is £47 for five courses, served from 5pm on Friday and Saturday.
Address:Kirkgate Market, Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7JL
Iberica
Head down to East Parade to sit in the stunning world of Ibérica, one of the UK’s most authentic Spanish restaurants. Under the watchful eye of head chef, Nacho Manzano, this place has been serving up small pockets of deliciousness – think traditional paella, seafood, cured meats and more – since 2016. Expect to get what you pay for, with top quality ingredients and a towering wine list to boot.
Address:Hepper House, 17a E Parade, Leeds LS1 2BH
Vice and Virtue
If you fancy taking your folks on a never-ending tasting menu journey featuring curry sauce, ants and caviar (yes, you read right) for £70 a head, look no further than Masterchef star Jono Hawthorne’s feast at Vice and Virtue. Expect a fine dining experience with several less than expected twists. The cocktails aren’t bad either.
Address: 68 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NUCheaper Eats
Cheaper eats for when the buck stops (and starts) with you.
Thai Aroy Dee
This one needs no introduction. It’s the queen of Leeds’ Thai food scene and it’s ready to welcome you and yours with festive streamers (all year round), well-priced Chang and absolute buckets of flavour. Prepare for cheerful if slightly chaotic service and the most authentic Thai dishes for miles.
Address:120-122 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL
Manjit's Kitchen
If you’re in the Kirkgate area and don’t fancy forking out for a multi-course spectacular at The Owl, look no further than the market kitchen for a smorgasbord of street food favourites. Head to Manjit’s for a selection of Indian classics – from onion bhajis to paneer wraps, tali plates to mango lassis.
Address:Leeds Kirkgate Market, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Charco’s
Choose from a range of meat and vegetarian options at this cheap and cheerful chicken joint right opposite the Parkinson Building. Think wraps, burgers, wings, rice and more, all with your choice of spice level and a selection of dips to choose from.
Address:162a Woodhouse Ln., Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9HBA little bit different
Cultural adventures to get you out and about and exploring the best of Leeds.
Catch a game
It’s all happening for sport in Leeds right now, so why not grab tickets to see Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United (good luck!) or a game at the iconic Headingley stadium? You’ll be guaranteed an iconic day of collective competitive spirit and friendly local enthusiasm – come rain or come shine.
Leeds United:Elland Rd, Beeston, Leeds LS11 0ESLeeds Rhinos:Headingley Stadium, St Michael's Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BR
Yorkshire County Cricket:Headingley Stadium, St Michael's Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BR
Take in a spot of art
Call in at Leeds Gallery for a browse of their contemporary British art collection, rounded off with a slice of cake in the stunning Tiled Hall Café. The Henry Moore Institute is right next door, where you’ll find an ever changing line up of intriguing exhibitions. Fancy going further afield? The Hepworth Gallery is just a short train ride away in Wakefield, and currently features the largest exhibitions of Barbara Hepworth’s work since her death in 1975.
Leeds Art Gallery:The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AAThe Henry Moore Institute:74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH
The Hepworth Gallery:Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW
A walk in the park
Did you know Leeds is home to one of Europe’s largest urban parks? Roundhay Park covers more than 700 acres of woodland, lakes and gardens, making it the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. Other beauty spots within reach of the city centre include Otley’s vibrant Golden Acre Park, and Wakefield’s open air gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Roundhay Park:Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HHGolden Acre Park:Otley Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
Yorkshire Sculpture Park:West Bretton Wakefield WF4 4LG
Book a brewery tour
What better excuse for a tipple or two than an educational tour of one of the city’s best breweries? Northern Monk’s run every Saturday lunchtime, cost £10 and include three samples of some of the freshest beer going.
Leeds Beer Tours:leedsbeertours.co.uk/Northern Monk:Marshalls Mill, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds LS11 9YJ
North Brew Co:Springwell Works, Buslingthorpe Ln, Leeds LS7 2DF