The Best Bits of Headingley

This is every reason you need to visit Headingley, all in one handy list.

Long a thriving part of our great city, Headingley is a suburb with so much to offer both residents and visitors. Just minutes from the city centre, it’s a buzzing area packed with great restaurants, independent cafes and bars, shops and culture galore. It’s also home to the city’s most legendary pub crawl – you know the one. It doesn’t stand still either, with plenty of new faces and places since you last went, so get looking and get planning your next visit to this popular suburb.

Cottage Road Cinema

Leeds’ oldest cinema has been packing them in since it opened as Headingley Picture House back in 1912. As a result, it has been a key cultural offering of many lives in this part of Leeds, and is fondly regarded by those who’ve been there, whether as children, students or grown-ups. It’s a family friendly place, with a repertoire of blockbusters, indies and children’s movies. Buy a ticket, grab an ice cream and sit back in a throwback piece Headingley history.

Cottage Road Cinema, Cottage Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4DD.

Salvo’s

Credit: Salvo’s Restaurant

40+ years strong, Salvo’s is still turning tables and delighting diners with superior Italian food. This family-run gem excels in just delivering the Italian trattoria classics, but they take care to change up their menu, offering regular regional menus. Meanwhile, the ingredients are all carefully sourced and wholly authentic. Come for pasta, pizza or something a little more ambitious and you’ll go home feeling full and happy.

Salvo’s Restaurant, 111-115 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PX.

The Vinyl Whistle

The inside of Vinyl Whistle, an indie shop in Leeds

Former Premier League referee Jon Moss traded blowing whistles for flipping vinyl at this Headingley record shop. Now under new management, you’ll find a brilliant mixture of new and second-hand releases, and it’s a great place to pick up all the Record Store Day releases every year. It’s more than a shop though – they host in-store events and performances, as well as serving beer, coffee and cake so you can fill your tummy and your ears with some goodness here.

The Vinyl Whistle, 12 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AB.

The Otley Run

A group of people in fancy dress ordering from the bar on the Otley Run

The legendary Otley Run goes nowhere near the town it shares a name with. Instead, it’s based on Otley Road in Headingley, leading you from Woodie’s Ale House down to The Dry Dock in Leeds city centre. On the way, you’ll have to grab a drink in over a dozen pubs and bars to truly complete the run, ideally in fancy dress. It’s also a great spectator sport – go out in Headingley on a Saturday night and you’ll spot dozens of runners who couldn’t handle the pace.

The Otley Run begins at Woodie’s Ale House, 104 Otley Road, Far Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 5JG.

Headingley Stadium

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

While some sporting grounds are in the middle of nowhere, Headingley Stadium feels like a real part of the community. Walk the streets of the suburb and, if there’s sport on at either the cricket or rugby ground, you’ll be able to hear the cheers and spot the fans. Whether you want to see the Leeds Rhinos playing rugby league, Yorkshire CC playing cricket or if England are in town for a test or one-dayer, a day at Headingley is a rite of passage for all sports lovers.

Headingley Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3BR.

The Swine Bistro

Three dishes of food on white plates at The Swine that Dines

When The Swine That Dines announced they were moving, it was a huge win for Headingley. This beloved Leeds bistro dishes up an exquisite, unfussy fare in a relaxed setting, with ever-changing menus that will tantalise your tastebuds. Their weekday menu is served from Wednesday to Saturday, with a spectacular Sunday lunch that will take you to foodie heaven. Their produce is locally sourced and crafted to perfection, including the likes of flavourful Cornish sardines and wild mushrooms with polenta, paired wonderfully with carefully selected wines and cocktails.

The Swine Bistro, 77A Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PS.

A wealth of charity shops

The interior of the Oxfam Charity Shop in Headingley

Bargain hunters rejoice – Headingley is home to a raft of excellent charity shops. Whether you’re in the market for some pre-loved clobber, vintage records or CDs, knick-knacks, homeware, furniture or books, you’ll find it all at Mind, MBritish Heart Foundation and two branches of Oxfam. You’ll be able to grab a bargain while doing good for local causes, and if you’re having a clear-out, they’re all happy to take your donations as well.

Oxfam, 13-15 and 45-47 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AB; The Mind Shop, 10B St Michael’s Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AW & British Heart Foundation, 28 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UE.

The Original Oak

The Original Oak is a landmark pub in Headingley. Inside, there’s a two-sided bar with a warren of little nooks to set up your stall in. But it’s what’s outside that really draws the crowds. The huge beer garden is more like a mini park, and it’s heaving with people on sunny days, or when England are playing cricket at Headingley. Grab a pint of Sharp’s Doom Bar or Beavertown Gamma Ray, order up a stone-baked pizza and grab a bench in the sunshine.

The Original Oak, 2 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2DG.

Fika North

Take life at a more relaxed pace by spending some time at Fika North in Far Headingley. They’ve taken a page out of the Scandi-cafe manual here, so you can take a pause from the stresses of life with world-class coffee, perhaps a cocktail, even a craft beer. There’s fresh patisserie and truly wonderful bagels. Smoked salmon & cream cheese is a classic done perfectly, but how about nduja & cheese or spicy sriracha prawns?

Fika North, 94 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4BA.

Heaney & Mill

A bowl of food at Heaney & Mill, a brunch restaurant in Headingley, Leeds

It’s worth a visit to Headingley just to dine at Heaney & Mill, the quintessential neighbourhood eatery. They do brilliant breakfasts – the Eggs Benedict are exemplary, and the loaded pancakes a thing of joy. There’s also a superb Sunday lunch and, every evening, dinners that are ideal for date night, a treat or a casual evening with friends. The steaks are served how you like, with rich sauces you’ll want to dredge your crispy fries through. It’s a real culinary delight!

Heaney and Mill, 48 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.

Headingley Community Orchard

Apples in Orchard

The Headingley Community Orchard was set up by local residents in 2012 to create a number of orchards to benefit the people of Headingley. There are sites at St. Chad’s, Woodhouse Ridge and Shire Oak Primary School, with volunteers tending to the site, pruning the trees and organising events such as ‘Apple Day’, where the harvest is juiced. They’ve recently helped to plant Japanese cherry trees to add cherry blossom and fruit near the War Memorial.

You’ll find Headingley Community Orchard sites across the area.

De Baga

De Baga’s Headingley outpost has a different menu to their Chapel Allerton branch, but it’s equally delicious – elevated Indian fare that’ll have you coming back time and time again. Arrive hungry, as you’ll want to order up a whole heap of fragrant joy. You can start with the Mankios Fry, squid golden fried, seasoned with chaat masala and utterly delicious. The Lamb Xacuti is the the pick of the mains, but there’s not a duff dish to be found on the menu, with plenty of veggie options too.

De Baga, 9 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA.

Montgomery House

The outside of The Old Police Station in Headingley

Want to extend your visit to Headingley to discover all the area’s delights? There are few better places than Montgomery House. The Old Police Station building has been transformed into a collection of five individual apartments, each finished to the highest standard of luxury. Super king beds, a complimentary mini bar and exquisite touches give you that high-end hotel feel with the privacy of apartment living, handily located near some of Headingley’s top spots. It’s bliss!

Montgomery House, The Old Police Station, North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HG.

The Cat’s Pyjamas

Credit: Joe Outterside

The home of Indian street food in Headingley, The Cat’s Pyjamas has a deceptively simple combo – fresh, well-spiced food along with craft beer. Grab a pint of something craft to quench your thirst as you work your way through Mushroom Pakora in a crisp chickpea batter, warming Railway Potato Curry and plenty of great tandoori meat. The peshwari naan is a must-have side, while the relaxed, sociable vibe makes the evening fly by.

The Cat’s Pyjamas, 53 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AB.

HEART Centre

Credit: Sun Cliff Media

The Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre is a community-focused organisation that has taken an old, disused primary school and turned it into a hub for local people. There’s a cafe inside, groups and classes, film screenings – including film and food events – as well as art exhibitions and The Green Yard, an independent plant shop. It has an affordable shared workspace called Pulse, plus room hire, all within an eco-friendly community building.

HEART Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, West Yorkshire, Leeds, LS6 3HN.

Jino’s Thai Cafe

Two plates of Thai food on the table at Jinos Thai

Jino’s Thai Cafe has got better and better since it moved to its North Lane home, although the basics of the menu haven’t really changed for years. Start off with crispy spring rolls or tiger prawns encased in batter, perfect for dipping. There are Thai salads with real zing, curries full of aromatic notes and truly addictive chicken wings. You can bring your own drinks, although they do have a wine list and Thai beers on hand if you don’t want to.

Jino’s Thai Cafe, 38 North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HU.

I Am Doner

A vegan kebab on a table at I Am Doner

The Berlin kebabs at I Am Doner are far from filthy. They’ve won awards for their fresh wraps – sink your teeth into a classic and you’ll taste why. Doner meat is combined with coriander, pickled red cabbage, feta, tomato, red onion, carrot, chilli sauce and garlic mayo for a veg-packed sensation. There are chicken, halloumi, seitan and falafel options, so all diets are catered for. Don’t want it in a wrap? You can have your choice of topping in a refreshing rice or salad box.

I Am Doner, 23 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3AA.

Loaf Far Headingley

A rustic beans on toast dish at Loaf Headingley

An oasis of calm in Far Headingley, this charming independent cafe is the perfect marriage of Dark Woods Coffee and homemade cakes. It’s in the former Sebby’s and is a welcoming, family-run affair. Grab a seat on the plush velvet sofa and make the most of the indulgent pleasures of a French toast smothered in spiced rum caramel. At lunchtime, the Loaf burger is perfection – served on toasted brioche with balsamic grilled onions, dill pickles and special Loaf sauce.

Loaf Far Headingley, 90-92 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 4BA.

Woodies Craft Ale House

There’s rarely a dull moment at this buzzy Headingley watering hole. For starters, it’s where the Otley runners are put under starting orders, so expect fancy-dressed patrons galore on a Saturday lunchtime. But it’s more than that, as it’s heaving when there’s big-game on, it boasts a lovely beer garden with outdoor screens, and the ale range is top-notch. They’ve upped their food game too, with burgers, chicken wings and a selection of fries providing session fodder.

Woodies Craft Ale House, 104 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 5JG.

Bottle Chop

For those who want to broaden their wine palate, look no further than Bottle Chop. Occupying a corner spot on Weetwood Lane, it comes from the same people who brought us Fika North, and they specialise in natural wine from small producers. Take your pick from an eclectic range that includes plenty of orange wines. Sample some along with a deli board (and world-class Torres crisps), then grab some to take away. They also sell craft beer from local brewers.

Bottle Chop, 14 Weetwood Lane, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 5LX.

Ecco Pizzeria

It’s authentic Neapolitan pizza all the way at the much-loved Ecco Pizzeria, probably the best place for a slice – or a whole pie – in Headingley. The crusts are a thing of joy, and while you can get your classic Marinara or Margherita, they also go a bit off-piste with their signature creations. These include the original and delightful Figs & Goat’s Cheese, with it combination of caramelised onions, succulent figs and creamy goat’s cheese topped with rocket. Pizza is never boring at Ecco.

Ecco Pizzeria, 93 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3PS.

The Bowery

Credit: Vicky Matthers Photography

The Bowery is a coffee shop and gallery space that has injected real life into Headingley’s creative community. Pop in for Allpress coffee, accompanied by their home-baked pastries, savouries and cakes, or go for a sandwich or salad bowl. The gallery showcases emerging local talent, with a lively calendar of exhibitions. There are also workshops for you to join, ranging from drink and draw through to coffee school, life drawing and even arm knitting.

The Bowery, 54 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.

Beckett Park

A view across the Leeds Beckett Park University lawn

This community park is part of the Leeds Beckett University’s Headingley campus, but it’s free and open for everyone to visit 24/7. The views over the Kirkstall Valley are to be treasured, and it’s a great place for a picnic, a wander or even cycling. Take a hike into Queen’s Wood in search of the Victoria Arch, and admire the shifting colours of the seasons – bluebells in the spring, the russet colours of autumn.

Beckett Park, Churchwood Avenue, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 5LF.

Kuala Lumpur Cafe

Malaysian dishes on a table at Kuala Lumpur Cafe

Since it opened in 2019, Kuala Lumpur has become a cheap eats staple in Headingley, serving up Malaysian food in a relaxed space with a bring-your-own-drinks policy. The Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s national dish – is the star of the show, but with everything on the menu coming in at a reasonable price, you can affordably work your way through a menu studded with highlights like Nyonya Lime Curry and the sweet and sour flavours of a Masak Merah curry.

Kuala Lumpur Cafe, 2-4 Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3HN.

Andrew Porter-Emery Senior Writer

Andrew Porter-Emery is a Senior Writer at Leeds-List with more than 20 years' experience writing about food, drink and culture across Yorkshire. An author of three books and former contributor to the Guardian, Observer, NME and The Face, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Leeds – its restaurants, bars, live music venues and everything in between – and knows what separates good from great. When he's not writing, you'll find him at a city gig, at a table somewhere new or, ideally, reading a book in a pub with something interesting in his glass.

Indies, Unexpected Finds & an Old School Cinema – The Best Bits of Headingley