From sun traps to roof terraces, we’ve worked our way around Leeds to give you the very best of alfresco dining.
Picture this – you’re sat outside your favourite pub with good food, good friends and, most importantly, good weather. It may sound like a dream, but it can in fact become a reality with the amount of alfresco dining destinations Leeds boasts. From the city centre to the suburbs, we’ve curated a list of utterly delicious outdoor dining options. Check them out.
City Centre
Water Lane Boathouse
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Overlooking the River Aire with a gorgeous beer garden, Water Lane Boathouse is one of the best alfresco dining spots in Leeds. Big benches cover the outside area, and it’s a proper sun trap – don’t worry, though, there’s also parasols and heaters should the weather take a turn for the worse.
If you’re in the market for a lunchtime fix, the fish finger sandwich will do the job. Come evening, the menu splits into Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza, juicy burgers and light salads should you fancy. We can’t get enough of the halloumi burger, stacked high with guacamole, tomato and Sriracha mayo. Thirsty? Be sure to grab yourself a pint of craft beer or a refreshing G&T.
Where? Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS.
When does it get the sun? All day long!
The Midnight Bell
Credit: Jo Ritchie
Looking for a good old-fashioned beer garden in Leeds city centre? Look no further than The Midnight Bell. You’ll find the courtyard round the back of the pub, with a lots of picnic benches to sit upon while you admire the beauty of Holbeck’s industrial surroundings.
The menu is chock full of pub classics, done well. We love the steak and ale pie, piled high with creamy mashed potato and roasted seasonal vegetables before being drizzled with that all-important gravy. Elsewhere, the beer-battered fish goujon sandwich is perfect for lunch – just don’t forget a pint of Leeds Brewery’s finest to wash it all down.
Where? The Midnight Bell, 101 Water Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5QN.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon and early evening.
Nation of Shopkeepers
We just can’t get enough of Nation of Shopkeepers. The pub is one of the very best places to eat outdoors in Leeds, with a huge beer garden boasting a covered terrace, booths and parasol-covered tables. They also have heaters to keep you warm in the colder months – or just typical Leeds summertime.
The menu encapsulates the very best of British, so get ready for elevated burgers, subs and pizzas. Will you grab a couple of sharing plates to mix ’n’ match with your pals (the fried chicken tenders are top notch), or perhaps the moreish brisket fries? Loaded with succulent pulled short rib and brisket alonsgide crispy spiced onions and nacho cheese, it’s an indulgent treat that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Where? Nation of Shopkeepers, 29 Cookridge Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AG.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Banyan
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Looking for an alfresco dining spot in Leeds city centre? Why not head to Banyan? Right outside the train station, you won’t get much more central. In summer, their courtyard is the perfect place to catch some rays, while in the colder months, it transforms into a Winter Garden with a tipi and a fire pit.
Their food offering is stacked, with a menu that’ll take you from a full English and waffles all the way to an 6oz flat iron steak and Thai red chicken curry. We recommend going down on a lunchtime to grab a tasty chicken fajita wrap, teeming with guacamole, sour cream and jalapeños. To wash it all down, it’d be rude to not make use of their 2-4-1 cocktail offers, right?
Where? Banyan, Toronto Square, 2 City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2ES.
When does it get the sun? Gone by early evening.
The Whitehall
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There’s no better spot to enjoy creative cocktails and delicious dishes at The Whitehall than on their recently revamped terrace. Slightly elevated off street level, it’s cosy and intimate, ideal for date nights or those long-awaited catch-ups with your besties. Parasoles and heaters are on-hand ensuring your comfort whatever the weather, though we recommend you go when the sun’s out and soak up those rays.
With an expertly executed menu of contemporary British cuisine, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food. Their lunch menu boasts flavoursome fare like the chicken schnitzel with garlic mash and chipotlé sauce. Evening diners are set to be blown away by their heartier offerings, like the succulent 10oz salt-aged sirloin or the venison wellington served with sunchoak puree, roast heritage carrot and Tokyo turnip. If you’ve any room for dessert, the vanilla creme brulee is divinity in a ramekin!
Where? The Whitehall, West Point, Whitehall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4JY.
When does it get the sun? In the afternoon and early evening.
The Cross Keys
Credit: Jo Ritchie
The Cross Keys may be best known for its stellar craft beer offering, but did you know it’s also one of the best places to eat outside in Leeds? Yep, their beer garden is kitted out with picnic benches, heaters and parasols, should the weather demand it.
And for food? Well, the menu is small, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious. Small plates cover ham hock croquettes and the Cross Keys ploughman, while mains come in the form of all-time favourites, from sausage & mash to fish & chips. Looking to wet your whistle? There’s always room for a pint or two of the good stuff – we love Kirkstall Brewery’s Judicious.
Where? The Cross Keys, 107 Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5WD.
When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest
Restaurant Bar and Grill
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Tucked away on Park Square, Restaurant Bar & Grill is one of the best alfresco dining destinations in Leeds. Recently refurbished, their outside area is large and contemporary, with large wooden tables and parasols should you need to be sheltered from the elements.
The exemplary menu is sure to demand your attention, with sirloin steaks, halloumi burgers and miso black cod just a taste of the delights on offer. If you visit on a warm day, we recommend the Lebanese fattoush salad – light and simple, it takes halloumi, crispy khubz bread, heirloom tomatoes, radish and cucumber, wrapping it up in a buttermilk and parsley dressing. Delicious.
Where? Restaurant Bar & Grill, The Old Post Office, 3 City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2AN.
When does it get the sun? Gone by early evening.
Parkside Tavern
Credit: Kristina Harrison
Parkside Tavern’s beer garden is the perfect spot to soak up the sun. There’s not one, not two, but rather three outdoor areas to choose from, including an upstairs terrace. You can bask in the sunshine on a summer’s day, or snuggle up under a parasol and a heat lamp should the weather prove worse for wear.
They have a menu full of hand-stretched pizzas, including the tasty Pulled Pork Blonde and the hot & spicy Tandoori. You and a couple of friends could also catch up over a sharing platter – the meat version is a delight, loaded with chicken, chorizo sausages, panko breaded onion rings and more. Finish it all off with a pint of local ale or craft beer.
Where? Parkside Tavern, St Johns House, Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8JE.
When does it get the sun? All day long, depending on where you’re sat.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
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Think of the best beer garden in Leeds and it’s likely that Belgrave will spring to mind. Their rooftop gem is a favourite among Leeds residents, and with brilliant views of the city, covered seating and those oh-so-important heaters, it’s not difficult to see why.
It’s also a great place to enjoy the grub Belgrave has to offer. In-house pizza slingers Dough Boys are sure to feed your belly and soul, with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients – we can’t get enough of the epic Queen Brie. Elsewhere, you’ll find Patty’s flipping burgers, with five lip-smacking options of burgers and fries to choose from, each as equally delicious as the last.
Where? Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Lamb & Flag
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Lamb & Flag has one of the nicest alfresco dining areas in Leeds city centre. The courtyard sits in the shadow of Leeds Minster and is made up of a series of covered seating areas. Fairy lights and heaters add to the ambience, making it the perfect place to hanker down with some good grub and a pint.
So, what will you be digging your knife and fork into? The lunch menu features the likes of falafel & hummus flatbreads and beer battered haddock sandwiches, while the main menu boasts larger dishes. You can expect everything from a comforting spiced vegetable & spinach pie to a juicy spiced lamb rump served with celeriac puree, new potatoes and feta.
Where? Lamb & Flag, 1 Church Row, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7HD.
When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest.
Whitelock’s
Credit: Daniel Johnson
Whitelock’s may not have the biggest beer garden in Leeds, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in character. You’ll find it tucked away in an initially undisguised alley off Briggate, where picnic benches line the long courtyard – there’s also a retractable canopy and heaters should you need them.
You’ll be chowing down on some classic home-cooked food, from beef & ale pie with chunky chips to an 8oz flat iron steak smothered in Chimichurri. For something a bit more exotic, you can’t go wrong with the za’atar roasted cauliflower, drizzled with green tahini sauce and served with kale, pomegranate and red pepper hummus. Be sure to enjoy a pint of craft beer or two to top it all off.
Where? Whitelock’s, Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HB.
When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest.
Chaophraya
You may know Chaophraya as one of the best places to get Thai food in Leeds, but did you know it’s also a great spot for alfresco dining? Their outdoor terrace is somewhat of a hidden gem – wrapping around the penthouse, it offers great views of the city.
Classics like pad Thai and massaman sit alongside more adventurous offerings like crispy tamarind seabass and king prawn pineapple fried rice. We recommend kicking off with the signature Thai tacos (so good), before moving onto the southern chicken skewers – a favourite in southern Thailand, they’re coated in a rich and vibrant curry sauce for extra deliciousness.
Where? Chaophraya, 20A Blayds Court, Swinegate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AG.
When does it get the sun? In the afternoon and early evening.
Tattu
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Combine elevated Chinese cuisine with an idyllic terrace and what do you get? Tattu. The restaurant has made a name for itself with its flavours and exquisite presentation, but the opening of its terrace is when it really comes into its own. Complete with flowers and a retractable roof, it’s ready-made for enjoying the sun.
Here, you can dive head-first into a menu filled with inventive twists on Chinese classics. Pork dumplings seared straight off the pan, crispy kung po tofu and indulgent pear sticky toffee pudding. Can’t decide? The set menu serves up a taste of everything, so grab your chopsticks and tuck into the likes of aromatic duck spring rolls, white miso salmon and crispy shredded chilli beef.
Where? Tattu, 29 East Parade, Minerva House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 5PS.
When does it get the sun? When the sun is at its highest.
Wellington Place
Credit: Bevan Cockerill
Looking for somewhere to dine outside this summer? Head to Wellington Place. Not only can you choose from a number of independent restaurants and bars, there’s also plenty of space to settle in with your own packed lunch, if you prefer. It’s a haven for nearby office workers, so expect the area to come alive at lunchtime and after work on sunny days – they also host food vans, so you might be able to pick up something tasty.
As for the restaurants, there’s plenty to choose from. Visit Madre for alfresco tacos and tequila, while Veeno is a must if you want to spend the afternoon over wine and charcuterie. The terrace outside Hoist House quickly fills up in the early evening, so arrive early if you want to grab one of their pizzas and a pint.
Where? Wellington Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 4AP.
When does it get the sun? In the afternoon to early evening.
The Suburbs
The Mustard Pot
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Chapel Allerton favourite The Mustard Pot is one of the best places if you want alfresco dining in the Leeds suburbs. The lovely outside area sits in front of the Grade II-listed pub and is everything you’d want in a beer garden – grassy, spacious and filled with individual benches. There’s even bunting and fairy lights!
Hearty and delicious are two words to describe the food offering here. The menu starts off with small plates (think halloumi fries and garlic mushrooms), making stops for salads and burgers on the way. The larger plates are made up of old-school classics, from the beer battered fish and chips to the signature flatbreads, featuring chicken & chorizo, halloumi & courgette and BBQ cauliflower wings. Yum.
Where? The Mustard Pot, 20 Stainbeck Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3QY.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
The Woods
A rooftop garden? In Chapel Allerton? It can only be The Woods. It has the look and feel of an upscale city centre bar, but with none of the hustle and bustle. It’s calm and relaxing, decorated with twinkling lights and foliage and decked out with covering and heaters.
Its food offering certainly punches above its weight. Served courtesy of Kerbside, this is a menu that’s all about smash burgers and wings. You can opt for the juicy Classic Cheese, heat things up with the Chilli Crisp, or skip the meat with the vegan Plant Life burger. Load up on fries, chicken or cauliflower wings and corn ribs and you’re onto a winner.
Where? The Woods, 5 Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PG.
When does it get the sun? All day long!
Kirkstall Bridge Inn
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Kirkstall Bridge Inn’s beer garden is one of the best alfresco dining spots in Leeds. It’s huge and sits on the bank of the River Aire, with a whole host of picnic benches, covered seating, heat lamps and sometimes even a tipi in the winter. Look up and you’ll see the fairy lights twinkling above you.
And with such a stunning beer garden, it’s no surprise they have a food menu to match. The burgers are huge and juicy, the sandwiches seriously stacked, but the pizza is where the real magic happens. From the pepperoni to the margarita, all the classics are present and in order, but for something different, plump for the patatas bravas. Potatoes on a pizza? Yes please.
Where? Kirkstall Bridge Inn, 12 Bridge Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BW.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
San Carlo Flying Pizza
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San Carlo Flying Pizza has been a part of the Leeds dining scene for five decades now, and there’s no better place to sample their fare than on their dining terrace. Open every day of the year, come rain or shine, it’s lined with beautiful olive trees and fairy lights.
The menu is classically Italian. An assortment of pizza, pasta and antipasti are all on the cards, but in our humble opinion, you can’t go wrong with the Frittura di Pesce Portofino. Made for two people, you’ll be digging into a mixture of fish and shellfish cooked to perfection and served with tartare sauce and chilli mayonnaise. Thirsty? Grab a bottle of cabernet sauvignon for the table.
Where? Flying Pizza by San Carlo, 60 Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2DQ.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon.
Heaney & Mill
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A favourite among the residents of Headingley, Heaney & Mill has a comfortable and spacious outdoor patio. It’s perfect for brunching in the afternoon sun, but should the weather demand it, there’s heater lamps and covered seating to shelter you from the elements.
From halloumi hash sandwiches to pressed pork belly, they use only ingredients of the finest quality to give their dishes that elevated feel. Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try one of the epic roast dinners, piled high with rosemary & garlic roasted potatoes, truffle mash, cauliflower cheese, seasonal vegetables and, of course, a great big Yorkshire pudding. It’s what Sundays were made for!
Where? Heaney & Mill, 50 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2AL.
When does it get the sun? Throughout the afternoon and early evening.
