Food
Zaap Thai Street Food Leeds, Grand Arcade, Leeds, UK
Emma: I'm a massive foodie, but also veggie, so it has got to be Bundobust for tasty veggie Indian street food. Manjit’s Kitchen is another winner. I love Zapp Thai, their green tofu curry is a fave! For a fancy pants meal The Man Behind the Curtain is as bonkers as it is brilliant and feels like a real experience. My favourite place to while away the hours is Fint up by the LGI for great coffee and food.
Dixie: If I need a fish fix, Catch Headingley is my number one choice. Not only do they have a proper chip shop takeaway next door, you can dine inside with some amazing dishes such as the Monk Fish 'wings' and the Oysters are always beautiful. Bart and Hirman are creating great authentic Malaysian dishes at Kuala Lumpur Cafe, you have to try the Nasi Lemsk. For me, My Spice and Grill is the best takeaway in Leeds without a doubt. Their 'Ultimate Donner' is amazing - get it served in their home-made sesame bread. And it’s always a treat to visit Wenns Chinese. So many options, but make sure the Soft Shell Crab Tempura and Pork Belly with Chilli is on your table.
Drinks
Chow Down, Holbeck, Leeds, UK
Emma: I’m loving having drinks at Chow Down and a wander round the old beautiful Victorian arcades in the city centre, followed by a brouse down Victoria Gate and a coffee at Laines by the train station.
Dixie: Whenever we go out, we always end up at Headrow House, this is the place to go in summer with cocktails and great DJ's playing on the roof. I love the vibe here. Also, check out the Town Hall Tavern, with it being the closest pub to work, I've spent quite a bit of time here over the years. Worth noting as well if you like your ale, ALL the Timothy Taylors are on!
Where to Relax
Kirkgate Market, Leeds, UK
Emma: I love to wander around Kirkgate Market. There are some brilliant and well-hidden places to eat in the food court and you can grab a bargain as well. Roundhay Park is well worth a visit and the Royal Armouries is a brilliant day out with the kids! In the week, I like to head to Park Square for green space and chill, it’s just round the corner from our studio so it’s ideal.
Dixie: I've been spending more time at Leeds Dock this year as I've been appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 which is broadcast live from there. I've realised it’s the perfect place to chill, grab a coffee from North Star and have sit by the water and have a think!
Live Performance
First Direct Arena, Arena Way, Leeds, UK
Emma: First Direct Arena has all the mainstream Artists, but there are some other brilliant lesser known venues - the O2 Academy, Brudenell Social Club and Belgrave Music Hall also are worth checking out.
Dixie: If there's one thing I've really missed out on due to lockdown it’s a trip to the theatre. The Grand Theatre always feels special, we have been very lucky to have the best productions pass through. and in some cases, start their life on the stage. I remember the premier of The Girls where Gary Barlow appeared on stage for an encore with the original Calendar Girls. I was also lucky enough to take a backstage tour of Wicked when it was last at The Grand, and got to have a go with Elphaba's broom.... life made.
Emma: I came to Leeds via the M62 from the wrong side of the Pennines. I moved to Chapel Allerton after I met a lovely North Leeds boy who is now my husband.
Dixie: I’ve been working in Leeds since 2007, I came here to do a show on Galaxy, since then I worked at Real Radio and now Heart. Since I’ve been here I’ve had the best times going out for drinks with my friends, I still think it’s one of the best nights out in the North.
Food
Emma: I'm a massive foodie, but also veggie, so it has got to be Bundobust for tasty veggie Indian street food. Manjit’s Kitchen is another winner. I love Zapp Thai, their green tofu curry is a fave! For a fancy pants meal The Man Behind the Curtain is as bonkers as it is brilliant and feels like a real experience. My favourite place to while away the hours is Fint up by the LGI for great coffee and food.
Dixie: If I need a fish fix, Catch Headingley is my number one choice. Not only do they have a proper chip shop takeaway next door, you can dine inside with some amazing dishes such as the Monk Fish 'wings' and the Oysters are always beautiful. Bart and Hirman are creating great authentic Malaysian dishes at Kuala Lumpur Cafe, you have to try the Nasi Lemsk. For me, My Spice and Grill is the best takeaway in Leeds without a doubt. Their 'Ultimate Donner' is amazing - get it served in their home-made sesame bread. And it’s always a treat to visit Wenns Chinese. So many options, but make sure the Soft Shell Crab Tempura and Pork Belly with Chilli is on your table.
Drinks
Emma: I’m loving having drinks at Chow Down and a wander round the old beautiful Victorian arcades in the city centre, followed by a brouse down Victoria Gate and a coffee at Laines by the train station.
Dixie: Whenever we go out, we always end up at Headrow House, this is the place to go in summer with cocktails and great DJ's playing on the roof. I love the vibe here. Also, check out the Town Hall Tavern, with it being the closest pub to work, I've spent quite a bit of time here over the years. Worth noting as well if you like your ale, ALL the Timothy Taylors are on!
Where to Relax
Emma: I love to wander around Kirkgate Market. There are some brilliant and well-hidden places to eat in the food court and you can grab a bargain as well. Roundhay Park is well worth a visit and the Royal Armouries is a brilliant day out with the kids! In the week, I like to head to Park Square for green space and chill, it’s just round the corner from our studio so it’s ideal.
Dixie: I've been spending more time at Leeds Dock this year as I've been appearing on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 which is broadcast live from there. I've realised it’s the perfect place to chill, grab a coffee from North Star and have sit by the water and have a think!
Live Performance
Emma: First Direct Arena has all the mainstream Artists, but there are some other brilliant lesser known venues - the O2 Academy, Brudenell Social Club and Belgrave Music Hall also are worth checking out.
Dixie: If there's one thing I've really missed out on due to lockdown it’s a trip to the theatre. The Grand Theatre always feels special, we have been very lucky to have the best productions pass through. and in some cases, start their life on the stage. I remember the premier of The Girls where Gary Barlow appeared on stage for an encore with the original Calendar Girls. I was also lucky enough to take a backstage tour of Wicked when it was last at The Grand, and got to have a go with Elphaba's broom.... life made.