Tea Rooms, Nature Reserves & Moravian Settlements – The Best Bits of Pudsey

Hop from pubs to parks as you explore the hidden gems tucked away in Pudsey…

A lovely West Leeds suburb, Pudsey is a market town packed with gems and surprises. Its park is one of the most popular in the city, but there are also indie shops, perfect pubs, a vibrant civic hall and a quintessential market that make it worth a visit. So what are you waiting for? Download the First Bus app, plan your journey in minutes and buy the FirstDay ticket that will get you there, back and anywhere else you need to go in West Yorkshire for just £4.50.

The Bearded Sailor

Flakey fish, perfectly fried chips, a pot of something moist – is there anything better than a chippy tea? The Bearded Sailor is one of Pudsey’s most reliable outposts for all things deep fried, from sustainably sourced haddock to sausages (from Lishman’s of Ilkley, no less) and all the way through to loaded chips and meal deals for all the family. It’s a classy affair – they don’t just do chip shop curry, they offer Chinese curry sauce too.

The Bearded Sailor, 1 Robin Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BN.

Hideout

Three local couples took on the old Rudy’s Bar, renovated the heck out of it and the result is the very lovely Hideout. It’s all pale wood inside, with a vibe that sets it apart from the other pubs in the area, as does the drinks offering. There are craft ales aplenty, Black Sheep on tap – the cans in the fridge tick off local legends such as Northern Monk, Vocation and Wilde Child – and some excellent cocktails to kick off the night in style.

Hideout, 57 Lidget Hill, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7LJ.

Thai Sun

There are few traces of the pub this once was – Thai Sun is all Thai glamour once you’re inside, with the complex scents of the cuisine greeting you at the same time as the very friendly staff do. There are takeaways and set menus, but the best way to set about this restaurant is to go a la carte. Sizzling Weeping Tiger beef, salmon satay skewers with yellow coconut milk and duck in homemade tamarind sauce are winners among the curry and stir-fry classics.

Thai Sun, 153 Town Street, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 6ES.

Olde Booths Tea Rooms

The perfect neighbourhood cafe, Olde Booths is your destination for a solid full English fry up, breakfast sandwich or even a few crafty knick-knacks to take with you. There are sweet treats galore, from brownies to home-made cakes, and their afternoon teas are the ideal way to slow down the pace of life with perfect sarnies and indulgent bakes. In need of a winter warmer on cold days? The deluxe hot chocolate is a mug of goodness that will warm your cockles.

Olde Booths Tea Rooms, 20 Lowtown, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7AA.

The Manor Inn

The Manor is an unpretentious, welcoming pub with a front-room feel. It also happens be one of the best places in Pudsey for live music. Order up a pint of local ale – there’s always a Yorkshire brewery on tap, whether it’s Saltaire or Rooster – or something from the well-stocked spirit range, and settle in for a night of entertainment from up-and-coming artists and tribute acts. From Elvis impersonators to Motown nights, there’s something for everyone at this boozer.

The Manor Inn, 3 Manor House Street, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BJ.

Pudsey Market

You can’t have a market town without a market, and Pudsey’s takes place three days a week – on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Chat to the stallholders and pick up some deals on fresh fruit, vegetables and meat or grab some flowers for that special someone. There’s also a monthly produce and craft market – usually on the first Sunday of the month – which is where you can pick up home baking, pet treats, preserves and antiques.

Pudsey Market, 1 Market Place, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BE.

Viet-Thai Cuisine

It might be small and unassuming, but Viet-Thai is also thoroughly authentic. Owners Huong and Minh hail from Vietnam, but also weave some of their family’s Thai roots into the menu at this bring-your-own-alcohol winner. The fragrant curries and pad Thai are exemplary, and the pho has a freshness about it that lets the herbs sing. Five-spice lamb is one of their finest dishes, but it has tough competition in the form of the Vietnamese caramel pork.

Viet-Thai, 134 Bradford Road, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 6UR.

East Bar, Lounge & Grill

East isn’t your run-of-the-mill Indian restaurant. For starters, they open in the mornings for a delicious Desi breakfast – channa puri or an omelette perked up with spices and fresh green chilli. There’s a lounge bar if you just want a casual drink, or you can pop in for the roast dinner, which is served every day. As for the Indian food, you’ve got all the classics like rogan josh and dopiaza, and comforting dishes like mutton cooked with lentils. It’s all things to all people.

East Bar Lounge and Grill, 7 Richardshaw Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 6BN.

Pudsey Leisure Centre

Pudsey’s very own leisure centre has everything you need if you’re looking to get fit or want a healthy activity – with loads for kids to do as well. There’s a 25-metre pool, with sessions for all ages, and a great 76-station gym with everything from cardio to weights covered. To top it all off, there’s a sports hall that offers badminton, football, netball, table tennis and basketball. Heck, you can even hire it out for a children’s party.

Pudsey Leisure Centre, Market Place, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BE.

The Masons Arms

In a changing world, some things remain steadfastly the same, and The Masons Arms is exactly one of those things. A cheap and very cheerful local pub from the old school – it once boasted darts commentating legend Sid Waddell as a regular – it’s all about well-priced beers, a pool table and having a chinwag. There’s no food, but who needs more than crisps anyway? There’s live sport daily, darts on Mondays and rock and roll bingo on Tuesdays – pub perfection.

The Masons Arms, 64 Lowtown, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7AA.

7 Steps

With its hushed lighting, beer from local brewers – the likes of Rudgate, Ossett and Ilkley are all on tap – and top notch food, 7 Steps might be the best hangout in all of Pudsey. They serve a mean cocktail at a keen price, host gigs in their cellar bar and can do you a Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Food-wise, you’re talking wild boar Scotch egg with Yorkshire rhubarb, sous vide lamb saddle and their very special take on a baked Alaska.

7 Steps, 9 Chapeltown, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 7RZ.

Pudsey Civic Hall

When it comes to arts and events, Pudsey Civic Hall is the place to go in this neck of the woods. It’s where you’ll find fairs and gigs, from the Annual Transport Collectors’ Fair through to Elton John tribute acts, vintage fashion sales through to wrestling shows. One day it’s all lace and crafts, the next there’s someone belting out Cher songs. In other words, all human life is here, and its programme is curated to offer something to all ages and interests.

Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5TA.

The Wetherby Whaler

This Yorkshire icon always serves up crisp and fabulously fresh fish and chips, and their Pudsey outpost is no different. Open seven days a week, you can take away or, if you fancy a sit-down meal, head to the 90-capacity restaurant where you can expect all the chippy classics. There’s a menu for the little ones, while grown-ups can enjoy the likes of haddock, plaice, salmon and scampi. Want to make a meal of it? There are starters, desserts, beer, wine and even fizz.

Wetherby Whaler, 32 Lowtown, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7AA.

Growlers Pies & Pasties

Peerless pies – and yes, pasties – are always on offer at Growlers, who have mastered the art of wrapping crumbly pastry around an array of delicious fillings. The ever-popular pork pies are some of the best you’ll find in the city, and come in a multitude of sizes, but the steak pies are great too if you’re looking for an on-the-go snack. There are also sandwiches, sausage rolls and sweet treats on offer, while the stand pies (a bigger, cured pork pie) are ideal for taking home.

Growlers, 161 Richardshaw Lane, Pudsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6AA.

Fulneck Moravian Settlement

First built by Moravian settlers in 1744 – descendants of a Czech/Bohemian church forced to seek refuge elsewhere – this little village is a fascinating slice of history. There’s a museum where you can find out about the history of the settlement and the people who came here, while the unique chapel is a Grade I-listed building. Take a stroll along the footpaths, get a cuppa in the cafe and discover a piece of Leeds most don’t know exists.

Fulneck Moravian Settlement, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8NT.

No. 54 Tearooms & Antiques

This charming vintage cafe is at the heart of the Moravian settlement in Pudsey, in a building that first opened way back in 1762. Today, it’s a comfortable and welcoming spot that has frequently rotated antiques for sale – as well as Frenchic paint – and it’s not too shabby as a cafe either! Admire their hand-chosen goods while you tuck into a hearty breakfast or take tea with sweet treats to fuel your explorations of the area.

No. 54 Tearoom and Antiques, 54 Fulneck, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8NT.

Pudsey Park

With 7.5 hectares of greenery for you to wander through, you’ll soon see why Pudsey Park is so popular with both locals and visitors. The trees are beautiful in all seasons, from the russets of autumns to the stark splendour of the winter branches. You’ll also discover an aquarium, glasshouse, rose garden and even the Grade II-listed Church of St. Lawrence within it. Got kids who love to skate? Drop them at the skate park while you find a quiet corner to take five in.

Pudsey Park, Church Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7RR.

Gigi’s

There’s a real buzz about Gigi’s on a busy night, and the happy murmur of diners tucking into perfect pizzas and Italian classics. Calamari or bruschetta are good choices to kick things off with, before homely pasta arrives steaming from the kitchen. Push the boat out with lobster ravioli or head for specials such as a fish mixed grill or Saltimbocca Amalfi – veal escalopes with parma ham, cream, mozzarella and mushroom. Pizzas and puds never disappoint.

Gigi’s, 63 Lidget Hill, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7LJ.

Black Carr Woods

Fringed by Tyersal Beck at one end, which then links up with Pudsey Beck, Black Carr Woods is one of Pudsey’s scenic highlights. Take your four-legged friend along for a gentle stroll along the numerous footpaths and trails – you can let them off the lead here – or bomb around on your bike if you’re inclined toward two-wheeled adventures. Willow and alder trees, quiet corners for contemplations – it’s a pastoral beauty.

Black Carr Woods, Scholebroke Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8DZ.

Tomlinson’s Farm Shop

Tomlinson’s Farm Shop fill their shelves with really good stuff from local suppliers, so you can support your neighbourhood farmers and produce providers. Grab gorgeous meats from nearby butchers, luscious cheeses and an array of fruit and veg that make getting your 5-a-day in easy peasy. Pies and pasties come courtesy of Bentley’s Butchers, bread and oven bottom cakes from Ortons and there are jams and honeys galore to fill your basket with.

Tomlinson’s Farm Shop, 89 Roker Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 9NB.