Hip Brunch Spots, Craft Beer Havens and Pottery Painting – The Best Bits of Oakwood

Everyone’s talking about Oakwood. Hop on the bus to find out why.

There’s plenty to keep you busy in Oakwood. You can enjoy a leisurely brunch, take a walk in the woods or join a pottery painting class – and that’s just for starters. The journey could be cheaper than you think, too, so download the First Bus app, plan your trip in minutes and grab a FirstDay ticket that will get you there, take you back and transport you anywhere else you need to go in West Yorkshire for just £4.50. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.

Woof

What better way to show your four-legged friend you love them than by showering them in treats, gifts and cute little costumes. Woof can help you with all of the above, and then some. This independent pet supplies store was born out of a love of dogs, and only stocks products that are natural, organic or sustainable. Don’t let the name fool you, there’s a Cat Corner in Woof, so you can also kit out your kitty. Feeling left out? Join the Roundhay Woof Pack and bag yourself some pet-themed merch.

Woof, 460 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

The Melbourne

The Melbourne’s owned by the team who run The Brunswick, so you know this little neighbourhood bar has its sights set on big things. Expect craft beer, grilled cheeses and board games in a pared-back environment. Fan of the vino? Get stuck into a great selection of natural wines from local merchant Wayward. Open from 4pm ’til 11pm midweek and 12pm ’til late on weekends, you could easily while away the hours in this new local fave. Bring the dog too – furry friends are just as welcome as their owners.

The Melbourne, 476 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Gipton Wood

Get back to nature with a walk through the sprawling forest at Gipton Wood. Spanning over eight hectares, the woodland is part of the Roundhay conservation area and features ancient trees that are well over 400 years old. There’s something for historians, too – deep within the woods you’ll find an ancient earthwork that’s been linked to the Roman and Bronze ages. With plenty of wide pathways crisscrossing throughout, it’s an ideal place to explore with the family and your four-legged friends.

Gipton Wood, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2RS.

SALT

Award-winning Saltaire brewer SALT has opened up a branch in Oakwood, as it continues to grow its empire. Their eighth taproom to date, it’s a lively affair – expect mood lighting, neons and dark wood flooring, with craft beer and on-tap cocktails served ’til late. If you’re a beer drinker, there are IPAs, DIPAs and pales aplenty to keep you well-oiled – you can’t go wrong with a freshly-pulled pint of Jute. The food is served by Big Buns. Think burgers, wings and fries, matched by equally tasty vegan alternatives.

SALT, 488 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Mr Moustache

Mr Moustache is a laidback shisha lounge, serving a selection of Persian food, desserts and hot drinks alongside a wide array of shisha. The family-run lounge has quickly become a popular haunt thanks to its friendly service and ultra-welcoming atmosphere. Their breakfasts are fantastic – the full Persian will transport you to the Middle East as you enjoy cream and honey, cheese and walnuts and other exotic delicacies. If it’s shisha you’re after, the group packages include drinks and a bite to eat, making things ultra-affordable.

Mr Moustache, 627 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4AR.

New Jade Garden

New Jade Garden is a no-frills takeaway in the heart of Oakwood, serving up hearty portions of classic Chinese fare to hungry locals and visitors alike. An extensive menu offers plenty to choose from – kick things off with sticky honey ribs and deep-fried prawn toast, share a platter of crispy duck and pancakes with all the trimmings, then dig into spicy Szechuan beef, special fried rice or sumptuous sweet and sour tofu. Your order’s not complete without a bumper portion of salt and pepper chips.

New Jade Garden, 631 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4AR.

Punjabi Heaven

If you’re into your Indian food, Punjabi Heaven certainly delivers. This colourful street food spot serves a huge selection of distinctive dishes, packed with flavour and presented impeccably. Kick things off with poppadoms and chutneys, then dig into authentic street bites that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai. Onto the mains, the dal makhani offers a wholesome bowl of creamy black lentils, which you can scoop up with a freshly-cooked roti. A fully licensed bar serves beers, wines, cocktails and spirits.

Punjabi Heaven, 629 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4AR.

Jackrabbits

Explore your creative side with a trip to Jackrabbits pottery studio, where you can paint your own ceramics within a cosy and welcoming environment. It’s dead simple. Choose a piece of pottery from a wide range of mugs, plates, animals and more, then unleash your imagination with paints and tools to create your very own masterpiece. Once you’re finished, your creation is glazed and fired, and you can pick it up in a week’s time. It’s thirsty work, this pottery lark, so grab a brew and indulge in a homemade cake – you’ve earned it.

Jackrabbits, 633A Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.


Tobias

Tobias is a friendly neighbourhood bar, serving independent artisan food and drink in a cosy environment. The drinks menu features an intriguing selection of cocktails, spirits and beer, both bottled and draught. Foodies will be right at home too – from shareable charcuterie boards loaded with meats, cheeses and chutneys, to Malcolm Michael’s award-winning pork pies (served with peas and mint sauce, naturally), there’s plenty of scoffable treats to write home about. A calendar of live music and comedy provides the evening entertainment.

Tobias, 647 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.

House of Koko

A popular brunch spot in the heart of Oakwood and the second home of this famous independent, House of Koko is perfect when you’re after an all-day breakfast. Cosy and relaxed, they certainly knows how to please a crowd. From hand-poured North Star coffee to an extensive menu of wonderfully presented brunch dishes, it’s joyous from start to finish. The pancakes and Bennies are both Instagrammable highlights, or you can opt for the ultimate comfort food with a melty Kroque monsieur, loaded with gooey Gruyere cheese.

House of Koko, 466 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Grön

Scandi favourite Grön offers a fantastic menu of nutritious food and drink, designed to be both delicious and sustainable. If it’s coffee you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Their home brew is made with North Star beans, and it’s so good that you might want to take a bag home – and you can. Hungry? There’s a wide selection of vegan-friendly dishes on offer, from herby mushrooms on toast to an epic full breakfast, but the French Toast is a must for those with a sweet tooth. Grön’s dog-friendly too, so bring the pooch.

Grön Kafe, 454 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Jon Kinsey Hairdressing

The creative stylists at Jon Kinsey are well-versed in working up modern and exciting looks, all within a relaxed and welcoming environment. With a focus on individuality, the salon tailors its ladies and gents hair services individually, giving each customer a bespoke experience. The attentive staff will wait on you hand and foot, sharing their hair wisdom and knowledge while making you look and feel your best. For the quality of an international salon but at local, affordable prices, look no further.

Jon Kinsey Hairdressing, 452 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Preston

Preston brings a slice of the iconic North Bar to the ‘burbs, and with it, a wide selection of beers, cask ales and freshly-brewed coffees. Alongside brews from North and friends, you’ll find wines, spirits and a small but mighty cocktail menu. Get down early on a weekend – the outside area is a bonafide sun trap – and while away the hours in this popular venue that’s both child and dog-friendly. If you get peckish, you can even place an order with neighbours Pizza Loco, with delivery direct to your table.

Preston, 468 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Rico’s

Combining traditional Italian flavours, friendly service and a welcoming environment, it’s no wonder Rico’s is one of Oakwood’s most popular restaurants. The menu’s massive – from moreish antipasti to traditional style pizzas, gigantic bowls of pasta and some of the best steaks in Leeds, there’s plenty going on to suit all tastes. Round off your authentic experience with a bottle of vino – there are hand-picked red, white and sparkling bottles on offer from a selection of Italian regions.

Rico’s, 450 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds. West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Kiren’s Hair & Beauty

Kiren’s is a luxurious salon and day spa, offering a space for some serious R&R in the heart of Oakwood. Kiren’s ultimate goal is to make you look and feel fabulous after your visit to its glamorous salon. On top of an impressive array of hair services – they’re balayage and extension specialists, too – a full list of beauty treatments offers everything from deep tissue massage to vitamin C facials. With Goldwell and Kevin Murphy products in their arsenal, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.

Kiren’s Hair & Beauty, 649 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.

Bengal Brasserie

The Oakwood branch of Bengal Brasserie blends authentic Indian cuisine with modern surrounds and exemplary service. The massive menu will keep you busy – why not mix it up and try one of their house specials? The Afghani chicken is a complex dish. Flavoured with saffron and spring onion, it’s fit for royalty. If you’d prefer to choose from one of the more well-known curries, the likes of korma, bhuna and madras are all here too, and can be ordered to suit your own desired spice levels.

Bengal Brasserie, 633A Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.

The Pantry

For freshly brewed coffee and hot, tasty pastries, escape to The Pantry. Headed up by family-run Blue Pepper Catering, The Pantry is so much more than just a cafe. It’s a foodie haven for all things indie, sustainable and local – they stock a range of fruit, veg and groceries, and their in-house deli is stocked full with treats and delicacies from a wide array of Yorkshire makers. Peckish? Of course you are. Grab a homemade cake or light bite before you head off for more Oakwood adventures.

The Pantry, 478 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Pizza Loco

Warm, cosy and inviting, Pizza Loco slings its popular wood-fired pizzas to hungry punters, and has grown itself quite the reputation. Once a humble pizza trailer, it’s now become an Oakwood institution. It’s all impressively authentic. Get your tastebuds going with a plate of tangy Sicilian anchovies, then deliver the goods with a hot honey pizza – salami and scamorza layered onto a Margherita base, sprinkled with rosemary, then doused in tabasco and drizzled in honey. Wash it all down with a selection of local and Italian craft beers.

Pizza Loco, 484 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Oakwood Fisheries

Nothing’s more comforting than a massive portion of fish and chips. Crisp batter, flaky white fish, a sea of mushy peas and thick cut chips doused in malt vinegar – it’s the perfect way to cap off a day out in Yorkshire. Head to Oakwood Fisheries and you won’t be disappointed. This staple local takeaway slings a selection of battered delights – from haddock to chicken – served up in handy takeout boxes making it oh-so-easy to scran as you go. Only one question remains – gravy or curry sauce?

Oakwood Fisheries, 492 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Hair Associates

Hair Associates is a lovely yet unassuming local salon in the heart of Oakwood, with a glowing reputation for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Their close-knit team offers everything from cut and finishes, colours and treatments, to blow dries, wedding hair and updos. Honesty is paramount – your stylist will tell you what works, and what doesn’t, and will be more than happy to help you find your next style. Don’t hesitate to bring the kids, either, the salon is family-friendly and the faces are familiar, visit after visit.

Hair Associates, 651 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4BA.

Bab Tooma

Bab Tooma brings a taste of Syria to the heart of Yorkshire. Serving freshly cooked Middle Eastern cuisine in gorgeous surroundings, the Bab Tooma experience is one you’ll want to try over and over. Expect a wide range of hot and cold mezze, chargrilled meats and freshly baked Arabic breads. The flavours are as big as the portions – this place is larger than life. For a truly authentic experience, share a pot of tea. There’s no alcohol licence, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Bab Tooma, 496 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2HU.

Soosi

Soosi serves up brimming plates of flavourful Persian and Mediterranean fare in a contemporary setting. Think lush greenery and neon lights, backed up by delicious cuisine and friendly service. Kick things off with the usual suspects – falafel, hummus and olives never go amiss – then take your pick from a selection of chargrilled kebabs and marvel at how the meat simply melts in your mouth. There’s a variety of beers, cocktails and wines to enjoy, too. One thing’s for sure, you won’t leave hungry.

Soosi, 613 Roundhay Road, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 4AR.