The Best Bits of Chapel Allerton

The ever popular Chapel Allerton is one of the most varied and interesting suburbs in Leeds. Tick off all the best bits.

Just beyond the city centre, Chapel Allerton manages to feel like a completely different place from the rest of Leeds. This stylish suburb has green space, brill boozers, a range of excellent restaurants and superb shopping to boot. So, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to Chapel Allerton and make the most of a day out working your way through this list.

De Baga

Home of what is arguably the best Goan cuisine in the city, De Baga’s second restaurant – after their Headingley one proved a hit – has a menu that reads like a dream. The only difficulty is narrowing down the options. Salmon tikka? Konkan chilli prawns? The classic Daal Bukhara, cooked low and slow? It’s knockout flavours all the way. Sides are brilliant, and a roasted garlic cheese naan proves they don’t do things by numbers.

De Baga, 8b Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

The Little Bookshop

A child with their head in a book at The Little Bookshop

Not just petite in terms of size, The Little Bookshop caters to the littlest of people too. It’s a treasure trove of children’s books, although it has added an adults section too. They’ve got all the classics, but lots of books you won’t have heard of as well. There are picture books for kids all the way up to young adult fiction, and lots of events to book in for. Readings and book signings are held regularly, as are story times for children.

The Little Bookshop, 47 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PD.

Hern

Credit: Sam Binstead

What might like unfussy and simple on the outside, reveals culinary genius once you step inside. This is Hern, a petite restaurant in the heart of Chapel Allerton where creative cuisine and culinary wizardry thrive. They build their oft-changing menus by thinking about seasonal produce and how to minimise waste. Dishes like pork with black pudding, celeriac and chicory followed by sea trout with white Beans, January king & mussel sauce champion familiar ingredients.

Hern, 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 2EY.

Caspar’s Bottle Shop

The king of craft beer in Chapel Allerton, Caspar’s Bottle Shop is a great little indie to nip into for a can or five of the good stuff. They’re constantly updating their stock, so you can find the latest brews from a global array of craft breweries, and there’s plenty of local beer on the shelves too. You can stay in for a beer and a chat, and they’ve just started to add meet the brewer events to their calendar too. Beer heroes, that’s what they are.

Caspar’s Bottle Shop, 65 Potternewton Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3LW.

Chirpy

A combination of gift shop and workshop, Chirpy is the place to go for design-led presents as well as some true one-offs. Cards and candles, diaries and planters, they’ve got it all, but it’s the workshop events that really set it apart. You can book in for everything from arm knitting to kids rainbow weaving, coaster making to Christmas decorations. You can even book it out for creative parties, ideal for birthdays, led by skilled makers.

Chirpy, 148 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NZ.

Pinche Pinche

One of the standout Mexican restaurants in Leeds, Pinche Pinche has a mouthwatering menu that never misses. Sit among a vibrant, Mexican-themed decor and munch on al pastor pork tacos, chicken wings in a spicy tamarind and chipotle salsa and freshly-made guacamole. Burritos and tacos are generously stuffed to overflowing, meaning it might be hard to leave a little room for churros with a dulche de leche dip or a margarita – if you’re in the mood!

Pinche Pinche, 116 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NY.

Rasoi Stories

Pilau rice in a metal bowl at Rasoi Stories, an Indian restaurant in Leeds

Based inside a converted police station, Rasoi Stories might not be home to the old bill any more, but you’ll want to run up a bill at this delicious Indian eatery. They’ve got all the curry house classics, but the menu is also studded with lots of treats that smack of authenticity. Monkfish Malabar is fragrant with tamarind, mustard seed and coconut milk, the Chicken Madras is amazingly aromatic and there’s a very good range of vegetarian and vegan options.

Rasoi Stories, The Old Police Station, 106a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4LZ.

Wayward Wines

Credit: Reece Leung

One of the city’s finest wine shops, Wayward stocks an eclectic range of bottles, and it’s particularly strong on orange and natural wines. Pop in to pick up a bottle, stock up for the next few weekends or just spend a little while trying one of the wines by the glass they have open in their petite, charming store. It’s a far cry from mass-produced big-brand wines, and all the better for it because this is where you get to try new and interesting labels.

Wayward Wines, 1c Regent Street, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4PE.

Oakwood Vintage

In the market for some vintage furniture? This is the place to go. Oakwood Vintage has an ever-changing range of mid-century classics, curious discoveries and those things that you didn’t know you wanted until you saw it in their shop. It’s all curated, with everything from lamp stands to Danish dining sets, bookcases to bureaus. The hottest pieces get snapped up very quickly, so it pays to pop back frequently.

Oakwood Vintage, 45 Gledhow Park Avenue, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4JL.

Further North

A bartender pouring a pint of beer at Further North

With its wide window carved into a building of Yorkshire stone, Further North looks like a house that has thrown itself open to the neighbourhood, albeit with a brilliant bar inside. It’s a North Brewing Co outpost, so you can look forward to their excellent beers, along with a host of guest craft ales with a focus on respected indies and local brewers. There’s a dog and family-friendly vibe, and once the convivial ground floor bar fills up, you can spill upstairs.

Further North, 194 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NZ.

George & Joseph Cheesemongers

True cheese experts, George & Joseph’s shop is a homage to fromage, with a selection that will have you oohing and aahing. From ripe Baron Bigod Brie to unpasteurised Stichelton, they have the good stuff, along with all the crackers and condiments you could possibly want. Beyond that, they sell hand-picked wine, beer and spirits, and can sort out celebration and wedding cheese for you. They also run tastings and a school for all things cheesy!

George and Joseph, 140 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NZ.

House of Koko

Brunch dishes at House of Koko

House of Koko are masters of brunch. This bright, airy space is the perfect canvas for masterpieces of late brekkie/early lunch, whether you’re meeting a mate for a catch-up or nursing a hangover. Get a stack of American-style pancakes topped with sweet delights, or wake your tastebuds up with a Hot Honey Habibti, flavourful triple-cooked potatoes drizzled with hot honey with a poached egg and tahini-orange slaw on the side. The takes on eggs Benedict are all winners too.

House of Koko, 62 Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4LA.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai Pad Thai topped with crispy prawns

There are a few Sukhothai restaurants dotted around Leeds, but this is the original. It has glamour to burn inside, with trickling water features, ravishing flowers and buddha statues, but the menu is where this place really shines. Their curries and pad Thai hit all the right spots, but the adventurous diner is also rewarded. Laab combines chicken or pork with chilli, lime juice, spring onion, fresh mint and coriander – delicate and delicious.

Sukhothai, 8 Regent Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4PE.

Seven Arts

This independent arts space in Chapel Allerton has a restless and creative spirit, with a diverse calendar of events taking place from Wednesday through to Sunday. Seven Arts may have world music on one night, local bands the next and then a tribute to the music of Cilla Black on the third. There are regular quiz, poetry and comedy nights, resident artists and a cafe bar where you can tuck into cakes, pastries and pizza while sipping on coffee or a local ale.

Seven Arts, 31a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PD.

The Mustard Pot

Two plates of roast dinner

Handsome, almost country-like on the outside, The Mustard Pot is a pub that’s equally cosy within. During winter, the open fire casts flickering shadows over the exposed brick, while in summer you can grab a bench in the extensive beer garden. Ales are on rotation, while there are classic lagers and bitters on tap, along with wines, spirits and a rollicking gin selection. Pub grub is comforting, from pies to burgers by way of crisp fish and chips.

The Mustard Pot, 20 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

Bricklebank’s Cafe and Bar

Credit: Bricklebank’s Cafe & Bar

What was once The Mad Greek is now one of the coolest cafes and bars in Chapel Allerton. Bricklebank’s is a dream come true for owner Adam Bricklebank, who opened this cool little spot after working in the hospitality industry since he was 14. But what can you expect? An all-day affair, that’s what. They serve breakfast all day, alongside salads and sandwiches in the afternoon. In the evenings, it becomes the place to be for a couple of glasses, whether you fancy beer, wine or cocktails.

Bricklebank’s Cafe and Bar, 14 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op

As the name suggests, this company was born in Edinburgh, but has been selling bikes and everything you need to ride them to the denizens of Chapel Allerton for a while now. It’s a cornucopia of all things two-wheeled, with the latest models of bike for both adults and children, amateur and pro. They’ve got e-bikes, mountain, road and hybrid models, and their expert staff can advise on what’s best for you. They run safety checks on everything they sell too.

Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op, 140 Woodland Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4QG.

Crust & Crumb

This comforting cafe wraps you in a warm hug of homemade treats and locally-sourced produce. The stellar sausage rolls, brownies and chocolate orange tiffin are all made in-house, while bread is from Otley’s Bondgate Bakery and meat comes from Lishmans of Ilkley. The coffee is barista quality, the full English the stuff of local legend, and you can get treats wrapped up to take away too. If you fancy something heartier, they have a seasonal menu of main courses.

Crust & Crumb, 110b Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4NY.

Canteen

Beer pouring into a glass

Canteen is the Chapel Allerton outpost of legendary city centre joint Sela Bar. Here, they bring everything they’re famous for at Sela under a suburban roof. The beers promise the finest craft brews from favourites like Kirkstall, Lervig and Thornbridge, while cocktail lovers are not left behind, whether you fancy margaritas or palomas. Got hunger pangs to fix? Don’t leave without trying one of their sourdough pizzas, topped with the likes of truffle mushroom or chorizo.

Canteen, 86A Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4LZ.

Gledhow Valley Woods

You’ll find Gledhow Valley Woods on the eastern side of Chapel Allerton, a route of ancient woods that skirts Gledhow Beck. It’s the perfect place for a stroll or a dog walk, and there are blankets of seasonal flowers, from bluebells through to poppies. Look out for local wildlife, with around 115 different species of birds to spot, plus almost 200 types of plants. There are bins, but no other facilities, so they ask you to take back what you bring with you.

Gledhow Valley Woods, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8.

The Woods

If you cut The Woods, it bleeds independent brilliance. Lots of outdoor seating, regular DJs and live performances, wood-fired pizza and eclectic drinks are just the beginning. Grab a seat by the roaring fire and scoff a spiced lamb keema and spinach pizza, one highlight of a hugely tempting array. There are also imaginative sandwiches and salads, a vegan platter, small plates and even a wagyu beef burger. Heck, they’ve even got daytime work spaces.

The Woods, Stainbeck Corner, 5 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.

El Bareto

Credit: Bevan Cockerill

When it comes to neighbourhood tapas restaurants, El Bareto is among the finest. In fact, it might just be one of the best in the whole of Leeds. The glowing lights and festooned plants invite you in, the authentic dishes with a few rarely seen treats keep you there. Patatas bravas you expect, but how about the Canary Islands specialty of potatoes with spicy Mojo Picon sauce? The addictive chorizo croquetas will be in your dreams forevermore.

El Bareto, 120 Gledhow Valley Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 6LX.

Mythos

Sausages and chips at Mythos

If delicious and authentic Greek food is what you’re looking for, you have to take a trip to Mythos’ Chapel Allerton restaurant. Their menu includes salads, souvlaki boxes and gyros galore – the latter is the real winner, though. Choose between halloumi, wild boar sausage and more, with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pomegranate seeds and oregano chips engulfed inside of a hot pita. Make sure you get a side of Mythos sauce too and get ready for a tastebud explosion.

Mythos, 5 Steinbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PJ.

Rudy’s Pizza

A woodfired pizza

Rudy’s Chapel Allerton branch is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. The former Casa Mia now pays homage to glorious Neapolitan pizza, which has earned an army of hungry fans for its perfectly thin crust and delicately bubbled edges. They key is in the 24-hour fermented dough they prepare on-site daily, but it’s all nothing without a tasty combo of toppings, like the Cinghiale’s mix of wild boar sausage, ‘nduja, chilli, salame and roquito peppers.

Rudy’s Pizza, 10-12 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.

Andrew Porter-Emery Senior Writer

Andrew joined the Leeds-List team in 2021, bringing with him 20+ years of experience and a thorough knowledge of Yorkshire. He’s a regular at the city’s gigs, a foodie by nature and an all-round sociable kind of guy who loves nothing more than catching up with friends or even just reading a book in the pub.

Tapas, Jazz & Children’s Bookshops – The Best Bits of Chapel Allerton