Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, UK
This place truly stole my heart, tucked away in Northern Quarter, this electric venue is a haven for food lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a good time. The first bite at Belgrave was life changing. The combination of wood-fired pizza from Dough boys, burgers and street food from indie vendors was a revelation. Quickly became my go-to spot for a causal meal with friends.
Call Lane
Call Lane, Leeds, UK
Call lane is where Leeds really comes alive after dark. This bustling street is packed with some of the city’s best bars, each with its own unique character. Among them, Roland’s Bar stands out as my absolute favourite. Known for its quality cocktails and cosy, laid-back atmosphere, whether it was a classic old fashioned or something more adventurous, Roland’s never disappointed and with a rotating kitchen they bring brilliant food, recently Homeboy Pizza and currently Kerbside burgers.
Another gem on Call Lane is IF- a go to spot for breakfast/brunch. With a hearty menu, it’s the perfect place to kickstart your day. The pancakes are simply to die for, making IF a must visit for anyone in Leeds.They also have a nice little coffee retails section with their own coffee blends.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park, Leeds, UK
Hyde Park will always hold a special place in my heart. It was here that I spent the best three years of my university life, making memories that will last a lifetime. The park itself is a vibrant green space, perfect for lazy afternoons with friends, impromptu picnics, and soaking up the sun (whenever it decided to make an appearance!). Beyond the park, Hyde Park Book Club became my sanctuary. This quirky venue is known for its cheap drinks, intimate gigs, and an atmosphere that just screams student life. Hyde Park Book Club is also known for its vibrant jazz scene and its eclectic art club, both of which add to the venue's unique charm. The jazz nights, often filled with local talent, create an intimate and soulful atmosphere that draws in music lovers from all over the city. The art club, on the other hand, serves as a creative hub where students and locals alike can express themselves, share ideas, and be part of a community that values creativity and culture.
Headingley
Headingley, Leeds, UK
Headingley is the epicentre of student life in Leeds, and it’s where I first encountered the legendary Otley Run. This pub crawl is a rite of passage for anyone studying in Leeds, and the Sunday dress-up culture associated with it always intrigued me. Whether it was superheroes, animals, or something completely random, the creativity and camaraderie of the Otley Run participants never failed to bring a smile to my face. But Headingley is more than just the Otley Run. It’s a neighbourhood filled with cool bars and thrift stores that give it a unique, bohemian vibe. When it’s match day at either the Cricket or the Rugby, it brings even more to this brilliant area.
Get Baked
GET BAKED, North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, UK
No list of my favourite places in Leeds would be complete without a shoutout to Get Baked. This bakery and dessert haven deserves all the praise in the world for its incredible creations, especially the tiktok famous “Bertha” formerly known as “Bruce”. If you plan to stop by here, 3 things I’d recommend would be the Armadillo pie (a beautiful dark chocolate ganache filling), the Salted chocolate brownie and lastly the half and half cookie (50% salted chocolate goodness and the rest 50% is a triple chocolate). Get Baked was my go-to spot whenever I needed a pick-me-up or wanted to celebrate a small victory, and it never let me down.
Aarti’s Restaurant:
Aarti Indian Restaurant Leeds, Swinegate, Leeds, UK
This place truly felt like a home away from home. The flavours are rich, the portions generous, and the warmth of the place made every meal feel like it was cooked with love. If you’re looking for authentic, homestyle Indian cuisine, Aarti’s is the spot. I couldn’t stop raving about the Vada Pav from the starter’s menu, warm and fluffy potatoes stuffed in bread (bread is ‘pav’ in Mumbai) that’s where the dish stems from. As a vegetarian, the Veg Thali, was just amazing, consisting of warm and perfectly spiced Dal Makhani and the best Paneer Masala I’ve ever had.
Homeboy Pizza Co
Homeboy Pizza Co., Burley Road, Burley, Leeds, UK
This place has stolen my heart with its delicious, perfectly crafted pizzas. Whether it’s a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, Homeboy never misses. It’s become a staple in my food routine, and if I’m recommending pizza, it would be the ‘new school marg’ and the ‘Ace Ventura’ topped with a delicious pesto enjoying it with some hip-hop tunes. From Street Food parties where they do neapolitan style pizza to their own shop in Burley which is more New York Style.
Doh'hut
Doh'hut, Trevelyan Square, Leeds, UK
The best fluffy donuts ever—period. I can’t describe the joy of biting into one of their donuts, but let’s just say it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth or a savoury one. They do their take on a Bagel, it’s like if a donut and a bagel had a love child known as the famous “Dagel”, coated in everything bagel seasoning and filled with cream cheese and chive filling. Don’t miss out on their weekly specials, they’ve been doing some real special ones, such as Black Forest Gateau and Tiramisu.
When I first arrived in Leeds as a student, I had no idea that this vibrant city would quickly become a place I’d call home. Leeds has a unique blend of culture, history and community that made my first few years here unforgettable. From discovering hidden food gems to experiencing the lively student life, this city has given me countless memories that I’ll cherish forever. The city has a way of making you feel like you belong. These five places are just a glimpse into the community that welcomed me with open arms and made university years some of the best of my life.
Belgrave Music Hall
This place truly stole my heart, tucked away in Northern Quarter, this electric venue is a haven for food lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a good time. The first bite at Belgrave was life changing. The combination of wood-fired pizza from Dough boys, burgers and street food from indie vendors was a revelation. Quickly became my go-to spot for a causal meal with friends.
Call Lane
Call lane is where Leeds really comes alive after dark. This bustling street is packed with some of the city’s best bars, each with its own unique character. Among them, Roland’s Bar stands out as my absolute favourite. Known for its quality cocktails and cosy, laid-back atmosphere, whether it was a classic old fashioned or something more adventurous, Roland’s never disappointed and with a rotating kitchen they bring brilliant food, recently Homeboy Pizza and currently Kerbside burgers.
Another gem on Call Lane is IF- a go to spot for breakfast/brunch. With a hearty menu, it’s the perfect place to kickstart your day. The pancakes are simply to die for, making IF a must visit for anyone in Leeds.They also have a nice little coffee retails section with their own coffee blends.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park will always hold a special place in my heart. It was here that I spent the best three years of my university life, making memories that will last a lifetime. The park itself is a vibrant green space, perfect for lazy afternoons with friends, impromptu picnics, and soaking up the sun (whenever it decided to make an appearance!). Beyond the park, Hyde Park Book Club became my sanctuary. This quirky venue is known for its cheap drinks, intimate gigs, and an atmosphere that just screams student life. Hyde Park Book Club is also known for its vibrant jazz scene and its eclectic art club, both of which add to the venue's unique charm. The jazz nights, often filled with local talent, create an intimate and soulful atmosphere that draws in music lovers from all over the city. The art club, on the other hand, serves as a creative hub where students and locals alike can express themselves, share ideas, and be part of a community that values creativity and culture.
Headingley
Headingley is the epicentre of student life in Leeds, and it’s where I first encountered the legendary Otley Run. This pub crawl is a rite of passage for anyone studying in Leeds, and the Sunday dress-up culture associated with it always intrigued me. Whether it was superheroes, animals, or something completely random, the creativity and camaraderie of the Otley Run participants never failed to bring a smile to my face. But Headingley is more than just the Otley Run. It’s a neighbourhood filled with cool bars and thrift stores that give it a unique, bohemian vibe. When it’s match day at either the Cricket or the Rugby, it brings even more to this brilliant area.
Get Baked
No list of my favourite places in Leeds would be complete without a shoutout to Get Baked. This bakery and dessert haven deserves all the praise in the world for its incredible creations, especially the tiktok famous “Bertha” formerly known as “Bruce”. If you plan to stop by here, 3 things I’d recommend would be the Armadillo pie (a beautiful dark chocolate ganache filling), the Salted chocolate brownie and lastly the half and half cookie (50% salted chocolate goodness and the rest 50% is a triple chocolate). Get Baked was my go-to spot whenever I needed a pick-me-up or wanted to celebrate a small victory, and it never let me down.
Aarti’s Restaurant:
This place truly felt like a home away from home. The flavours are rich, the portions generous, and the warmth of the place made every meal feel like it was cooked with love. If you’re looking for authentic, homestyle Indian cuisine, Aarti’s is the spot. I couldn’t stop raving about the Vada Pav from the starter’s menu, warm and fluffy potatoes stuffed in bread (bread is ‘pav’ in Mumbai) that’s where the dish stems from. As a vegetarian, the Veg Thali, was just amazing, consisting of warm and perfectly spiced Dal Makhani and the best Paneer Masala I’ve ever had.
Homeboy Pizza Co
This place has stolen my heart with its delicious, perfectly crafted pizzas. Whether it’s a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, Homeboy never misses. It’s become a staple in my food routine, and if I’m recommending pizza, it would be the ‘new school marg’ and the ‘Ace Ventura’ topped with a delicious pesto enjoying it with some hip-hop tunes. From Street Food parties where they do neapolitan style pizza to their own shop in Burley which is more New York Style.
Doh'hut
The best fluffy donuts ever—period. I can’t describe the joy of biting into one of their donuts, but let’s just say it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth or a savoury one. They do their take on a Bagel, it’s like if a donut and a bagel had a love child known as the famous “Dagel”, coated in everything bagel seasoning and filled with cream cheese and chive filling. Don’t miss out on their weekly specials, they’ve been doing some real special ones, such as Black Forest Gateau and Tiramisu.