Heading out exploring? Head over to Kirkstall and see what wonders await!
There are loads of adventure-worthy days out in Kirkstall. You could spend the day playing vintage video games, stock up on home brew essentials or tuck into a simply swoon-worthy Turkish breakfast – and that’s just the beginning. We haven’t even mentioned the sensational Kirkstall Bridge Inn pub, run by the famous local brewery, or the iconic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, one of the biggest landmarks in Leeds. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next visit.
Kirkstall Bridge Inn
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From the brewery that shares the suburb’s name, comes the Kirkstall Bridge Inn – a reet-good pub with a reet-good beer garden. It sits on the edge of the River Aire, with views that look out over the water and enough space to fit a small army outside. Needless to say, this is your go-to come summer, but it’s just as good in the colder months, when the cosy interiors invite you in to enjoy a pint of Kirkstall Brewery’s finest alongside a home-cooked roast that will put even grandma’s Sunday special to shame.
Kirkstall Bridge Inn, 12 Bridge Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BW.
Arcade Club
This is gaming paradise. Arcade Club is a multi-floor wonderland of retro and modern games. You pay entry once then get unlimited play, so make a day of it as you battle it out for the high score on Pac-Man, shoot ‘em up on Tekken and race your mates to the finish on Mario Kart. There are over 300 games to be played here, making it the biggest video arcade in Europe, and you can couple your play with craft beer, wine or your favourite spirits, not to mention a menu of American classics.
Arcade Club, Abbey Retail Park, Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3RP.
Dave’s Pies & Ales
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Pies, pints and pretty interiors – what more could you ask for? Dave’s Pies & Ales delivers big on what it promises on the tin, with this welcoming micropub on Kirkstall Road inviting you to settle in and tuck into something hearty and homemade. Think juicy meat-stuffed pies with bold flavours, from chilli to stilton, and topped generously with mushy peas and gravy. Wash it down with a perfectly poured real ale or a craft beer from the taps or the fridge. It’s a small but mighty spot that we can’t help but go back to time and time again.
Dave’s Pies & Ales, 350 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.
Melodie 71
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If you’re after a proper neighbourhood hangout that ticks all the boxes — great drinks, tasty food and live entertainment — Melodie 71 is your kind of spot. This bright, laid-back bar doubles as a European-style café by day and a buzzing cocktail haven by night, pouring everything from well-crafted beers to their speciality Margaritas with personalised heat levels. They’ve teamed up with Hoi Polloi Street Kitchen to bring bold, Asian-inspired small plates and snacks like Korean fried chicken and satay pork belly ribs that pair perfectly with a drink in hand. Plus, there’s a lively events calendar with DJs, music nights and more that always keep the vibe fresh and fun.
Melodie 71, 71 Commercial Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3AT.
Mog’s Cafe
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A hidden gem that demands to be sought out, Mog’s Cafe is a haven of exquisite food and drink. This isn’t fine dining, it’s favourites done so well you’ll wonder what their secret is. You can start your day with a classic Full English, but if you want wow factor, go for the Turkish breakfast – it’s a smorgasbord of delicious delights that will take you from savoury to sweet. Evenings bring burgers in every guise, along with homemade specials like lasagne. And let’s not forget the cocktails!
Mog’s Cafe, 55 Kirkstall Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BE.
Kirkstall Abbey
You’ll find one of the greatest landmarks in the city in Kirkstall. The abbey is a Grade I-listed beauty that demands your attention. It was founded by a group of monks in 1152 and remained their home until the dissolution of the abbey in 1539. Rather than being plundered, as many of its kind were, the abbey was repurposed for agriculture, which might explain why it remains so intact today. It’s now thought to be the one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country.
Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH.
Jodhpur
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Come here for rich Indian flavours and you’ll end up staying for the whole experience — think tender tandoori mix platters, creamy butter chicken, fiery Laal Maas and crisp pani puri that kick off the meal just right. The vibe is vibrant but welcoming, with artful touches inspired by India’s royal heritage and friendly staff who make you feel like part of the family as you sip on a mango lassi or a cheeky glass of wine. Their menu celebrates everything from street-style chaats and biryanis to slow-cooked curries, and because it’s so popular, you’ll want to book.
Jodhpur, 352-354 Kirkstall Roadd, Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2HQ.
Abbey House Museum
Little learners will find hours of fun at Abbey House Museum. You can step inside and go back in time as they transport you into the Victorian era, where a recreated street will invite you to discover the sights and sounds of the time. Stroll down the high street, visit the drinking house or pop into the local pawn brokers, while learning about how people lived all those years ago. Upstairs, the Childhood Gallery promises toys from throughout the ages, with an amazing collection of penny slots in full working order.
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH.
Kirkstall Fisheries
Come on then, who wants a chippy tea? Kirkstall Fisheries is the place to go. Their deep-fried goodness runs from traditional fish & chips to battered sausages and steak pie. The former is a no-brainer. Wonderfully crispy batter gives way to soft flakey haddock. Chips sit on the intersection between floppy and firm to create the perfect chippy chip made even better by an abundance of scraps. Curry sauce? Gravy? Mushy peas? You can pimp your chippy dinner to your heart’s desire.
Kirkstall Fisheries, 6 Morris Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3JT.
Abbey Home Brew
Ever thought about making your own beer? Get yourself down to Abbey Home Brew. It’s a petite store with an enviable collection of beer making goodies. You can get home brewing kits with everything you need to get started – from Brupaks to Black Rock, Buldog to Muntons, they have it all. And if you’re already well on your way to brewing excellence, you can pick up all the equipment and supplies you need. Hops? Yeast? Grains? You need only ask. And the expert advice? That’s free.
Abbey Home Brew, 8 Commercial Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3AQ.
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve
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Outdoor time in Kirkstall comes courtesy of the local nature reserve. Kirkstall Valley sits on the site of the former power station, but what was once an industrial powerhouse is now a natural hideaway. It’s made up of wildflower meadows and young woodlands that invite a medley of wildlife, ranging from copper butterflies to frogs, toads and newts. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a kingfisher among the 65 species of birds that call the reserve home. Worth a walk? You betcha.
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve, Redcote Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2AL.
Queenswood Social Club
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Now for something a bit different. Queenswood Social Club is at the very heart of the community. They put on events throughout the year, and boy are they diverse. From their annual Kids Halloween Party, with family entertainment aplenty, to their gigs and variety nights, there’s something for everyone here. You’ll even find the odd surprise in their line-up. International cabaret? Oh yes! Night with a medium? You got it. Locals may want to become members, but most of their events are open to all.
Queenswood Social Club, 77 Queenswood Drive, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 3LJ.
Kirkstall Leisure Centre
Want something a little more active? Head to Kirkstall Leisure Centre. Not only do they have a 25-metre pool, four squash courts and a medley of indoor sports halls, but they put on a packed calendar of classes and activities to help you get fit. From yoga to pilates, circuits to Zumba and, of course, aqua aerobics, you can create your very own fitness schedule, with all the variety of life. For the parents among you, they also offer children’s parties, complete with bouncy castles and pool time.
Kirkstall Leisure Centre, Kirkstall Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BE.
Hollybush Conservation Centre
Last but certainly not least is Hollybush Conservation Centre. For over 40 years, their volunteers have helped to preserve the city’s green spaces, while offering training and education programmes. There’s loads to get involved with here – you can join their Green Gym for an activity-based session in the great outdoors or sign up for one of their gardening and conservation courses to learn a new skill. Want to ease into it? Grab a cuppa in the cafe and take a walk in the gardens.
Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broad Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BP.
