Is It Time for Wine? Leeds’ Thriving Wine Scene

Trends in food and drink come and go. But while some fads fade, Leeds’ love for wine has always had a strong foundation, built on the back of great independent venues and passionate wine enthusiasts. Over the years, the city’s wine scene has grown from a handful of specialist shops and bars to a dynamic, diverse offering that caters to every kind of wine drinker, from casual sippers to dedicated connoisseurs.

The rise of natural wines, the increasing popularity of wine pairings with food, and a general shift towards more adventurous drinking habits have all shaped Leeds’ current landscape. Whether it’s a relaxed glass of something interesting in a laid-back bar, a deep dive into biodynamic vintages, or a carefully curated selection to enjoy alongside artisanal cheeses and small plates, the city now boasts an impressive variety of wine-led experiences. We will never forget the time Friends of Ham (then just a very small shop) crammed us all in, drinking exciting wines and new craft beer back in 2012. 

For a while now, cities like Berlin, Dublin, and Lisbon have been setting the pace regarding natural wine and small-plate dining. Berlin’s effortlessly cool wine bars have been pushing low-intervention wines for years (Bottega Seppel, Cantine Sant’Ambroeus, Freundschaft), while Dublin’s wine scene has exploded with indie spots championing minimal-intervention bottles alongside inventive small plates (Fish Shop, Loose Canon, Note). Lisbon, too, has long mastered the art of laid-back, wine-led dining, seamlessly blending Portuguese traditions with contemporary European influences (Prado Mercearia, Insaciável, Holy Wine). Now, Leeds is stepping up, bringing its own character to the mix, with a new wave of wine bars and restaurants offering a distinctly Yorkshire take on this growing movement.

While independent wine shops and suburban hotspots have long been at the heart of Leeds’ wine culture, the city centre has caught up with exciting new venues opening alongside well-loved pioneers. From the already mentioned heroes, Friends of Ham, which helped introduce good wine to the hipster crowd, to Rinse Wine Bar, a new natural wine haven arriving in 2025, there’s never been a better time to explore the ever-expanding world of wine in Leeds.

Here’s our guide to the best wine bars, shops, and restaurants serving up top-tier vino across the city.

White Cloth Hall

White Cloth Hall, located at 27 Crown Street in Leeds, is a Grade II-listed building recently transformed into an all-day food and drink destination. Opened in August 2024 by the team behind Whitelock’s Ale House, it offers a variety of culinary experiences under one roof. 

The venue features four independent kitchens:

Lupton’s Chop House: A grill and oyster bar offering premium meats and fresh seafood. Kuala Lumpur Cafe: Serving authentic Malaysian dishes. Morty’s Focacceria: Specialising in Italian-American comfort food, including panuozzi sandwiches and Sicilian-style pizza slices. Salma: A Mexican street food pop-up offering slow-cooked meats and tacos.

In addition to these kitchens, White Cloth Hall houses a main bar with a wide selection of craft beers and classic cocktails, as well as a dedicated wine bar. The wine bar provides a curated selection of organic wines, homemade cocktails, and Yorkshire charcuterie and cheeses. There’s wine to suit all tastes and budgets, from Cab Sauvins from just £4.50 per 125ml glass to Brut rosés at £100 per bottle.

The venue’s design pays homage to its historical roots, blending Victorian and circus-inspired elements to create a welcoming atmosphere. With its diverse offerings and unique ambience, White Cloth Hall has quickly become a go-to in Leeds’ vibrant food and drink scene.

Friends of Ham

An award-winning bar and charcuterie with locations in Leeds City Centre (New Station Street) and Ilkley (Wells Road), Friends of Ham (or Ham as it’s known locally) is renowned for its curated selection of craft beers and fine wines. A popular first or last port of call on the way to or from Leeds train station, Ham offers a relaxed, continental-style café bar atmosphere across two floors. 

It has an extensive wine list, featuring a carefully curated selection of wines to complement its meats and cheeses. Sunday to Friday (excluding Friday evenings) Fram’s Food Pairing Experience – a tutored tasting session at FOH Leeds – pairs 5 x 75ml glasses of wine (or 5 x 125ml/third pints of beer) with selected meats or cheeses and sourdough bread for just £45. Other events, such as jazz evenings and all-day brunches, add to the tasting experience.

A big draw, aside from the wine, is Ham’s craft beer selection, which features over 14 taps and 150 bottles available at any given time. Instead of a fixed menu, you’ll find a beer sheet or blackboard that lists current offerings. The lineup changes frequently, with limited availability of beers from local, national, and international microbreweries. It’s a system that encourages exploration, making each visit unique and memorable.

Rinse Natural Wine

Recently open, Rinse Natural Wine is the latest venture by the team behind well-regarded Chapel Allerton wine and beer shop Bottle Chop. Nestled between 92 Degrees and Underground Bakery at 9 Call Lane (on the other side of the Corn Exchange), it offers a fresh perspective on Leeds’ wine scene with a curated selection of natural and biodynamic wines, complemented by a deli featuring cheeses, charcuterie, and local craft beers. 

What else do we know? Not a lot yet. But if Rinse follows in the footsteps of its sister venue, we have high hopes for what’s about to emerge from behind their bold black and mint window film.

NoNo Wine Bar

NoNo Wine Bar opened at Granary Wharf in March this year, promising a laid-back, no-nonsense atmosphere for wine enthusiasts. It doesn’t disappoint.  With over 50 wines by the glass, a dynamic selection of terroir-driven bottles and an interactive menu, Nono is a place for seasoned sippers and total beginners alike. No judgement, just taste, learn and enjoy.

As you walk into NoNo, the first thing you’ll notice is that they’ve rolled out the Persian carpet for your arrival. The carpet and other touches, such as dark green walls, low-level lighting, ornaments, picture frames, and bookshelves, make for a welcoming and informal living room vibe – albeit a chic one. You can order wine from the interactive pad or through the expert staff. It’s impossible not to strike up a discussion about wine here – NoNo is wine-tasting without barriers, and it’s a lot of fun. 

So, what’s on offer? Everything from a £5.50 glass of Vinestral Rioja Crianza 2020, Bodegas Marques de Reinosa, to a £54 (£300 bottle) of I Vinho Imperfetos 2018, Carlos Raposo, not forgetting the Sir Winston Churchill 2015, Pol Roger, Epernay at £350 per bottle. Whet your appetite with the current menu here. One glass won’t be enough. So, if you stick around, NoNo serves food by BaoBros23, a nice twist on the classic charcuterie board.

It’s a table service bar, meaning you’ll need to book one of the low or high tables in advance to avoid disappointment. There’s also limited seating at the bar.

Hoc Loco

Located at 100 New Roadside in Horsforth, Hoc Loco is a newcomer offering artisanal wines, craft beers, and cheese boards. It’s quickly becoming a favourite spot for those seeking a cosy and intimate setting. 

And it’s not hard to see why. The light-filled Scandinavian/Mediterranean-style bar features a rotating list of artisanal wines, including natural and biodynamic options sourced from independent importers such as Wayward, a Leeds-based importer, and Barrique. Hoc Loco is also a bottle shop, offering a selection of artisanal wines, craft beers, and natural ciders.

A menu of Venetian-style small plates, or cicchetti, is designed to pair well with Hoc Loco’s wines. These include seasonal bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and vegetarian-friendly options, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Everything about this place is effortlessly cool, right down to the name. Hoc Loco loosely translates to ‘That Place’ in Latin, and owner Emma mentions it was inspired by people saying ’you know that place…’.

Note: Hoc Loco is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm and Saturday from 2 pm to 10 pm on a walk-in only basis. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Latitude Wine Bar

Latitude has been a staple in Leeds for many years, known for its extensive selection of wines and spirits. Their newer bar location on The Calls continues this tradition, as a haven for both longtime patrons and newcomers.

Latitude has the largest selection of all the wine bars in this list. You can enjoy wine by the glass or choose from around 900 bottles for a small corkage fee. Of course, a vast range like this includes natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic options, featuring both old-world classics and new-world discoveries, such as Château Grand-Pey-Lescours St-Émilion Grand Cru, Henri Bourgeois Sancerre La Vignes Blanches, and Kaiken Ultra Malbec.

It may be the biggest of the bunch, but Latitude still has a laid-back environment, making wine exploration accessible and enjoyable. You’ll find the new bar at the back of the shop, past shelf upon shelf of tempting bottles –  just don’t blame us if you come out with a lighter wallet than when you went in. 

Book a table here and keep an eye out for wine tastings and evening events, such as pub quizzes, vegan charcuterie tasters, and Serbian food and wine tasters, on Latitude’s Instagram page.

Wayward Wines

Wayward Wines, located on Regent Street in Chapel Allerton, has been a standout destination for natural wine enthusiasts since it opened in 2017. Founded by Steve Nuttall, Becs Winlow, and Joss Ainsworth, formerly of The Reliance, the shop and bar quickly became a hub for organic, low-intervention wines from regions such as France, Italy, and Spain.

Wayward offers a chance to discover lesser-known varieties, such as Pét-Nat, not generally found in mainstream retailers. Within the intimate venue (just 3×6 metres!), there’s room for up to 10 to sample wine by the glass alongside small cheese and charcuterie plates from local providers like George and Joseph between Thursday and Saturday. 

Wayward’s Warehouse Sessions are a series of al-fresco events held at its railway arch warehouse in Leeds City Centre. These gatherings, typically held on Saturdays from April to September, offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy natural wines, delicious food, and lively music.

Eat Your Greens

An organic grocery store by day, and a restaurant and wine bar by night, Eat Your Greens (EYG) is located at 42 New York Street, just across from Kirkgate Market and Leeds Bus Station. A collaborative venture founded by Daniel Palmer and Shaun Read, along with the team behind The Grub & Grog Shop and Outlaws Yacht Club, EYG is renowned for its zero-waste philosophy and pioneering food fermentation techniques.

EYG stocks an extensive selection of organic, natural and low-intervention wines, including whites, reds, pinks, and sparkling varieties. It also offers organic ciders, craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and homemade cordials. The venue, open Tuesday through Saturday, is super casual with seating arranged around a central bar. 

DJs perform on Friday and Saturday nights, contributing to EYG’s laid-back atmosphere, and regular events include wine tastings and food pairings with regional dishes.

Sarto

​Sarto is a pasta bar and restaurant in Leeds, renowned for its fresh, handmade pasta and curated drinks menu. A collaboration between Laynes Espresso and The Brunswick, Sarto offers a modern and relaxed dining experience in a beautifully restored former mill at Munro House, on Duke Street.

As the menu evolves regularly, reflecting the best of local and Italian ingredients, so does the wine list, which rotates between a list of natural and organic wines from Latitude and Wayward Wines. Sarto is a collaborative effort, featuring a cocktail menu from the Brunswick team, beers from North Brewing Co., and post-meal coffees by Laynes Espresso.

It’s also a good shout if you’re heading to the theatre. Sarto runs a two-course pre-theatre menu from Monday to Thursday, between 5 and 6 pm. Make sure you book, though; it’s rare to get a pre-show table without.

Ox Club

​Ox Club is a celebrated contemporary British grill restaurant located in Leeds’ Headrow House, a repurposed 20th-century textile mill. Since its opening in December 2016, it has garnered acclaim for its live-fire cooking, seasonal menus, and commitment to showcasing the best of Yorkshire produce. Ox Clu has featured in both the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide from 2017 to 2023.

The restaurant is renowned for its bold flavours and inventive dishes, all prepared using a solid-fuel grill imported from the U.S. The team complements the menu with a carefully curated wine list, mainly featuring organic wines from diverse regions, including Greece and Australia.

And, while this is a wine-focused write-up, we can’t help but mention Ox Club’s delicious pre- and post-dinner cocktails. Smoked Espresso Martini, anyone? 

Laynes

Laynes is a cornerstone of Leeds’ independent café scene. Its proximity to the train station on New Station Street makes a stop off for its signature earthy blend pretty much irresistible. And now, it’s also a tempting wine stop in the early evenings, too, serving a curated selection of wines, beers and coffee cocktails from Monday to Saturday until 7 pm and 4 pm on Sundays.

Whether you’re heading into the city for a night out or on your way home after a busy workday, sipping while perched against its sunny yellow exterior gives off unbeatable European summer café culture vibes. It’s also next to Friends of Ham – an easy bar hop takes you from one to the other before you’re past the first street.

The Decanter

Situated at 17 Park Row, The Decanter is one of Leeds’ original independent wine bars. It has an impressive selection of wines – over 70 by the glass – making it a must-visit for enthusiasts. Similar to others on this list, The Decanter pairs its wines with locally sourced cheese and meat boards, including tempting morsels like Yorkshire chorizo and Wensleydale cheese. 

It also hosts special events designed to improve wine lovers’ knowledge. Think guided wine-tasting sessions and Wine Down Wednesdays, offering a free charcuterie board with the purchase of any bottle of wine. Most wines on the menu (excluding champagne) are under £50, making The Decanter a consistently affordable option for wine enthusiasts.

Bottle Chop

​Bottle Chop in Headingley is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, eco-conscious experience. This pastel-pink gem, located at 14 Weetwood Lane, is a wine bar, bottle shop, and deli, all centred around natural, low-intervention wines.​

Bottle Chop is nothing if not flexible. It offers a rotating selection of biodynamic, organic, and vegan wines by the glass, carafe, or refillable bottle, featuring everything from crisp whites to funky pet nats and chilled reds. Plus, a refillable wine program that encourages patrons to purchase a reusable glass bottle for £5, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.

And for a monthly subscription, you could get two or four wines delivered to your door as a member of the Bottle Chop Booze Crew.

Recognised by the Sunday Times as one of Britain’s best bottle shops, Bottle Chop favours a community-centric approach that blends quality wines with sustainable practices and a welcoming environment.

Once Upon a Vine

Situated in Horsforth, Once Upon a Vine is a shop and tasting room that sells and serves wines from around the world. The shop’s qualified staff are well-versed in styles, grape varieties, and pairings from around the globe, also advising patrons on locally sourced, sustainable produce. 

Once Upon a Vine’s tasting events are well worth trying. Including six wines (sometimes more) that follow a theme with brilliantly unassuming titles like “What to drink in front of the telly”, costing from £37 per person. Book through Eventbrite, call or pop in – the team will be happy to accommodate you.

Veeno

Fancy pairing your wine with something other than a charcuterie board? Veeno is an Italian wine bar chain, with a presence at Wellington Place in Leeds, serving authentic Sicilian wines and Italian ‘spuntini’ – small plates perfect for sharing. Veeno sources its wines directly from Caruso and Minini, a family-owned vineyard in Sicily. 

Veeno’s warm and friendly staff are on hand to help you make the right choice, while structured wine tasting experiences offer the chance to try different varietals with complementary bites. £3.50 per glass mid-week specials are also ideal for those hoping to try a range of Italian wines. You can also sign up to celebrate your birthday at Veeno with a complimentary wine tasting on them!

Wine menus can often be overwhelming. Veeno is a place to savour the flavours of Sicily without leaving the city. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday and is dog-friendly, too.

Bavette Bistro

At Bavette in Horsforth, wine isn’t just a beverage; it’s a narrative. Co-owner and sommelier Clément Cousin brings a unique dimension to the wine list by featuring selections from his family’s organic vineyard in the Loire Valley. This personal connection ensures that each bottle tells a story, offering patrons a taste of traditional French winemaking. Complementing these are low-intervention wines sourced from across Europe, providing a diverse and thoughtfully curated selection.

In testament to its exceptional offerings, Bavette was named the UK’s Best Local Restaurant for 2024 by The Good Food Guide and Time Out’s Best Restaurant in Leeds 2025. It has also received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025.

Farrands

Known for its regular Wine Club nights, Farrands at 18 Swinegate offers enthusiasts an opportunity to explore and discuss various wines in a communal setting. Wine Club is on the first Wednesday of every month in collaboration with Barrique Fine Wines. Each session features a curated selection of three fine wines, complemented by bar nibbles.

Farrands’ stylish interior, featuring exposed brickwork and pendant lighting, boasts a terrace area with a retractable roof that provides a comfortable space to enjoy your wine, regardless of the weather.

Galleria 

Galleria, located in the dynamic arts and events venue Project House in Armley, collaborates with Wayward Wines to present a thoughtfully curated selection of natural and low-intervention wines. The selection includes unique options like Austrian Grüner Veltliner, French Carignan-Grenache blends, and Italian Malvasia-Falanghina, all of which are vegan-friendly.

Under the guidance of head chef Andy Castle, formerly of Ox Club, Galleria’s menu features inventive dishes cooked over a wood-fire grill. Signature items like pulled lamb flatbreads with kalamata olives and barbecued carrots with roast pepper hummus are designed to complement the wine selection.

Galleria hosts Supper Club DJs on the last Friday of each month, and also wine tasting events. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead is recommended during peak times.