Tis’ the season to eat, drink and be merry…
…And where better to be than Leeds – a city known for its outstanding food and drink scene as well as its excellent hospitality.
Whether you want to indulge in foodie festive feasts, celebrate with sparkling winter cocktails or cosy up next to a roaring fire for a roast dinner with all the trimmings (of course WITH Yorkshire Puddings) – Leeds has you covered.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to be this festive season. Read on and enjoy the magic and merriment of a Leeds Christmas. Or jump to: High-End Festive Dining, Dining with a View, Pre-Theatre, Traditional Pubs and Roasts, Non-Traditional Christmas Dining, Casual Dining and Street Food, Festive Afternoon Teas, Sweet Treats, Celebrate with Cocktails, Christmas Hamper Fillers, or try a Leeds Food Tour. If your staying in Leeds over Christmas, we have searched where to go for that all important Christmas Day Dinner.
(The Cut & Craft Christmas, Christopher Heaney)
HIGH-END FESTIVE DINING
The Cut & Craft is a casual dining experience of flat-iron steaks and hand-crafted cocktails in the height of luxury. The restaurant is breath-taking with a domed ceiling and circular bar, retaining the charm and history of the building that is part of the Victoria Quarter arcade. If you’re looking for a luxury night out with friends or a special date night this festive season, The Cut & Craft is for you.
If you want a show stopping festive dinner in Leeds then head on over to Tattu. Walk into an enchanted winter scene where Tattu’s iconic pink cherry blossoms will be turned blue and shimmery with frost, while feasting on curated cocktails, elevated modern-Chinese dishes and show stopping desserts. For a one-of-a-kind festive treat, head on over to this restaurant on the edge of one of Leeds most popular night-time hotspots, Greek Street.
For exquisite dishes and a true foodie experience Chef Jono at V&V is the place to be. A Professional Chef for over 16 years and a proud Yorkshireman, Jono has spent many years training in some of the UK and the World’s best restaurants including, most notably Michelin Starred, Noma (Denmark), Quay Restaurant (Sydney) and The Box Tree (Ilkley), and brings this experience to make a Christmas Dinner like no other.
The Ivy Victoria Quarter brings relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Leeds. From modern British classics to Asian-inspired cuisine and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, there’s something for everyone to love, seven days a week.
Shears Yard is a kitchen and bar that delivers a fresh and seasonal menu of creative combinations of locally sourced ingredients. It is one of the city’s leading independent restaurants with a real focus on offering guests a delicious fine dining experience in a laidback environment. At Shears Yard, you’re in for some real Christmas magic.
(Brasserie Blanc)
DINING WITH A VIEW
In the heart of city square, Leeds’ landmark Old Post Office is now home to Restaurant Bar and Grill. Having undergone a glamourous 2 million pound refurbishment recently, the interior is reminiscent of the Grand Central Station in New York; experience New York Christmas right here in Leeds!
Overlooking the city square, Banyan hosts a Winter Tipi, featuring an outdoor bar and firepit for you to get extra comfy and snug. They have a multitude of winter packages available, including a 3-course meal for with mouth-watering starters – maple glazed ham hock terrine with a beetroot chutney and mini French toast – and mains – a turkey escalope parcel filled with apricot and sage stuffing wrapped in streaky bacon with fondant potato with all the trimmings. Finish with a ‘festive mess’ which features a mulled berry filled meringue or a classic cheese board for savoury lovers.
Tucked away on the riverfront, Brasserie Blanc serves up French cuisine in a cosy and central spot in Leeds. For the festive season expect woodland-raised Bronze Turkey, Roasted Beetroot and Confit Onion Tart, as well our mouth-watering Apple and Blackberry crumble to be served up.
(Empire Cafe, Christopher Heaney)
PRE-THEATRE
Heading out to see a spectacular festive show in Leeds?
Serving theatre goers for over 120 years, the Empire Cafe is a great pre (and post) theatre dinner. Try their Wall of Flame rotisserie chicken with so many options for lathers, crumbs and sides. Never say no to a dessert, especially with some truly indulgent choices including a Negroni tart or how about Crème Brûlée with coconut biscuit? The ingredients are locally sourced from the nearby Kirkgate Market so you know you are in for a tasty meal.
Stuzzi is a fashionable Italian restaurant in one of the city’s most popular arcades; close to The Grand Theatre and near to Merrion Street where there’s plenty of choice for pre or post dinner drinks! Expect to share mouth-watering bowls of pasta or delicious arancini, all while washing it down with some of the best wines in the city.
Kerala Canteen brings a modern twist to Keralan cuisine from award-winning Chef Bobby Geetha and is conveniently located around the corner from the Leeds Playhouse for pre-show dinner.
(Whitelock’s – Mark Newton Photography for Visit Leeds)
TRADITIONAL PUBS AND ROASTS
For a classic pub experience with roast dinners, hearty meals and fantastic beers and ales – you can’t do better than The Adelphi. Located just ten mins walk from the train station, this traditional pub has open fires and cosy corners galore. Its festive menu has a range of options for Christmas including hand-carved turkey and pan-roasted seabass, as well as vegetarian and vegan dinner options.
Built in 1715, Whitelock’s is the oldest public house in Leeds, and the history and charm of the establishment remains today. Christmas at Whitelocks is a traditional affair, with crowd-pleasing favourites and cosy-interiors.
Restored from a crumbling 19th century building, the Lamb and Flag mixes warm exposed brickwork with big open windows and a superb Christmas menu. You can enjoy a set menu with 3 courses of traditional fare for £40, or grab a plate at the Christmas buffet for some nibbles.
(Ambiente Christmas Dinner)
NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINING
Ambiente is an independent Spanish restaurant situated on The Calls in the heart of Leeds. In a renovated Grade II listed building, Ambiente is a casual and relaxed dining space that offers some of the best and most authentic tapas in the city with a lovely view over the River Aire. Their special festive menu has you feast upon Spanish classics including beef and pork meatballs, caramelised chorizo and potato and fresh king prawns with garlic. They are also specialists in the much under-rated Spanish drink of Sherry with an extensive menu from super dry to extra sweet – and what could be more festive than a glass of sherry! Feliz Navidad!
The first authentic Kerala Restaurant in Leeds, Tharavadu has won over the city of Leeds since it first opened, serving flavourful and authentic dishes. This year, you can enjoy festive fare, with the restaurant’s special Christmas menu. You can choose between two and four dishes, with options including Kohzu curry, lentil doughnuts, seafood curry and mango kulfi. If you’re looking for a taste of South India this Christmas, head on down to Tharavadu for a great dining experience.
Mowgli has put on a Christmas Feasting Menu with their iconic Mowgli Chat Bombs, punchy Gunpowder Chicken and more for a starter. For the main event, there’s a selection of towering tiffins of meat and veg curries with rice to share, and indulge in brownies or cleanse your palate with a mango sorbet to finish. These recipes are family heirlooms, freshly cooked each morning, and can be adapted for vegan and gluten-free guests.
A popular city hotspot since its inception last year, Riva Blu is celebrating their second Christmas on the Leeds’ scene in true style. The restaurant is offering a host of festive menus across November and December that are sure to put anyone in the festive spirit. Dishes include Italian classics such as bruschetta, minestrone, lasagne, risotto and tiramisu, paired with Christmas favourites turkey and grilled salmon. Riva Blu is also perfectly situated on Park Row, so a great place to stop off before enjoying the festivities happening at Millennium Square, which include a carousel, the Wheel of Light and Thor’s tipi.
With a stunning view from Granary Wharf and luxurious interior design, Fazenda – Rodizio Bar and Grill offers a very special dining experience. Their menu consists of vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and halal options as well as their grill selections including Sirloin and a Spicy Wagyu Beef Sausage. For the festive season expect to add some special treats from an arrival drink to vegan caviar.
(Bundobust Christmas – Mark Newton Photography)
CASUAL DINING AND STREET FOOD
Bundobust have announced their massive vegan, vegetarian and gluten free Christmas menu with plenty of varied items in their combos if you are going in a large group. Don’t miss out on the mince pie parathas and sprout bhajis for a festive twist on Indian street food.
At one of the best shopping centres in the city, you’ll find some of the best street food in Leeds. With a concept that is completely unique, Trinity Kitchen rotates six new street food vans every eight weeks and offers visitors the chance to experience various flavours and cuisines under one roof. The rotating street food vendors trade alongside their permanent eateries.
Döner Summer is always a favourite when it comes to vegan food and we can’t wait to see what Christmas specials they will have this year with their annual vegan twists on favourites like turk’y and traditional veg.
Or how about somewhere where you boast about all the local and organic produce and stay seasonal? Eat Your Greens is a vegetable heavy menu that is a grocery store by day and restaurant by night. Even some of the drinks are responsible organic wines and ciders.
White Cloth Hall, a food and drink hall from the team at Whitelocks, is where street food, craft beers and coffee meet. For a casual after work dinner, choose from 4 kitchens and an extensive bar list.
(Festive Afternoon Tea at Harewood, Credit Claire McClean)
Festive Afternoon Tea
Fancy enjoying festive delights with a touch of elegance? A traditional afternoon tea, sprinkled with a pinch of holiday magic, is the perfect choice!
Harewood House has taken its signature afternoon tea to a whole new level, infusing it with the sparkle and splendour of their Grand Christmas Ball! If you fancy adding some extra sparkle, pair your afternoon tea with a delightful glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine – heaven! Find out more here.
A great British tradition with a Christmas twist! Treat your sweet tooth to a spot of traditional afternoon tea at the wonderful Oulton Hall. Expect a range of festive flavours including , roast turkey and brie and cranberry finger sandwiches, plus warm fruit scones and a selection of cakes, all washed down with a warming cup of English tea. Find out more here.
Sit back, chill and tuck into delish afternoon tea classics with a Chez Mal twist at Malmaison, spruced up with a bit of festive sparkle. Add some champagne or a festive cocktail for some indulgence. Find out more here.
Sitting in Roundhay Park is the fabulous Mansion with its colonnaded grand entrance and unrivalled views overlooking the Upper Lake, nestled perfectly amidst 700 acres of beautiful parkland. Join the team for a special one off Festive Afternoon Tea experience on the 20th December, with all the traditional trimmings – turkey, mince pies and scones. Find out more here.
SWEET TREATS
Fleur, in The Light, is one of the city’s most instagrammable restaurants, with inspired menus and extensive cocktails and mocktails. The varied selection of warm and cold desserts are mind-blowing with fresh and unexpected new variations of cheesecake, rum baba and profiteroles.
Haute Dolci, also in The Light, is an aesthetic pastel world of savoury and sweet treats where you can enjoy waffles, cakes or a fondue for two. Perfect for small groups or couples.
Cup+Lid on the Headrow is a perfect spot to pick up a hot or iced chocolate drink – with 16 varieties of chocolate. Don’t forget marshmallows on top for a truly festive delight!
The Lost and Found Club on Albion Place is stunning, with interiors inspired by far away travel and old school glamour. Choose from a number of different rooms and seating options to enjoy some of the finest cocktails, dishes and deserts in town!
CELEBRATE WITH COCKTAILS
The Maven on Call Lane is the perfect intimate cocktail bar, with live DJs at the weekend which get the party started. This Christmas Maven offers a Christmas Cocktail Taster Menu where spirit enthusiasts can sample festive cocktails, each served with a small bite to complement the flavours. An experience to share with friends from the office!
Walk through a tailor’s or barber’s shop in the Grand Arcade and you might find yourself somewhere completely different! Tailor’s is a tailor shop during the day, cocktail lounge by night – serving gins and cocktails with a 1920s art deco design. Or just around the corner, enter the barbers and downstairs is a jazz club with live music and a dance floor. Domino Club has an extensive cocktail list with martinis and highballs a plenty.
We know that whilst the booze flows free during the festive season, you may not be interested so we have found the best places for some drinks with your friends with cocktails and mocktails. The Alchemist on both Greek Street and in Trinity centre are well known for their cocktails but did you know they have a great selection of mocktails too? Choose a Cos-No or Punchy Cucumber. And The Botanist, a great place for festive food and cocktails, offer non-alcoholic mojitos and a Forest Spritz which is also suitable for vegans
(Bottle Chop Hamper)
CHRISTMAS FOOD SHOPPING AND HAMPERS
Whether you’re looking for a tempting tipple, a holiday hamper or maybe a cheesy little gift, we’ve pulled together a list of Leeds independents who can help take your festive food to the next level.
Bottle Chop is a natural wine bar and deli nestled in Headingley. Grab some cheese and charcuterie from the counter and a bottle of orange wine from the shelf to enjoy on the big day. There’s a fabulous selection of hampers too, complete with Perello olives, Torres crisps, beer and loads of other tasty nibbles. We’re already hoping Santa will drop off one of these glorious hampers for us under the tree. Find out more here.
Want to accompany your Christmas lunch with a range of fantastic, unique wines? Or do you know a wine lover whose eyes will light up at the sight of a box full of brilliant bottles which you won’t find in your average supermarket? Then you’ll want to get yourself to Latitude Wines. And with its tasting room bar serving little known wines by the glass and charcuterie and cheese boards perfect for the festive season, you can treat friends, family and yourself all at the same time. Find out more here.
If you want to wow everyone with your cheese board this year, then where better to go than the Cheesy Living Co. Stocking every cheese you could ever imagine as well as tasty accompaniments aplenty, the lovely staff will help you create a cheese course you’ll be proud of. Build your own box and make it personal or go for one of their curated cheese and charcuterie boxes. Find out more here.
This one seems like a no-brainer really, a bustling hub filled with some of the city’s best independents? Count us in at Kirkgate Market. Grab your smoked salmon or dressed crab from Hayes Seafood, your turkey from the butchers and your vegetables from the greengrocers. There’s no better way to support your independents and we’re positive it’ll make your Christmas dinner taste that little bit more special too. Find out more here.
Dumouchel Patisserie serves up authentic French baked goods and chocolates from quiches and mini sandwiches, to cream cakes and bespoke chocolate creations. Find out more here.
In Chapel Allerton you’ll find Wayward Wines, a natural wine merchants who stock wine from all around the world. Red, white, pink, orange, sparkling – you name it, they’ve got it. Just bob in and see for yourself, the friendly staff will be able to guide you and help find the perfect bottle for you. Find out more here.
Lauden Chocolates, artisan chocolatiers who can cure those sweet cravings in an instant. Run by husband and wife chocolatiers Stephen and Sun Trigg here in Leeds, they create beautiful, unique chocolates. Their boxes are perfect for that special after dinner treat to pass around the table or the ideal gift for a sweet-toothed loved one. Crafted by hand and dusted with vibrant colours, they look almost too good to eat…but we’re sure you’ll manage. Order online in time for Christmas here.
(Leeds Food Tours, c. Conor Spencer)
CAN’T DECIDE? TRY A FOOD TOUR
If you can’t make up your mind about where to eat – why not try Leeds Foods Tours? Led by professionals who know all the hidden foodie gems in the city, you’ll be amazed at the range of tasty foods you can find in Leeds.
(Christmas Dinner at the Roundhay Fox)
WHERE TO GO FOR FOOD ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Don’t fancy washing the dishes this Christmas Day? You don’t have to! A sleigh full of fantastic bars and restaurants across the city will be open on 25th December. Whether you want to indulge in a sophisticated five course meal or a relaxed turkey dinner with all the trimmings, there’s an option for everyone…
The Roundhay Fox want to spoil you this Christmas with a gorgeous three-course meal, where you can choose between six mouth-watering mains including traditional turkey breast, black angus beef and parsnip and cranberry parcel. A super cosy spot to enjoy your festivities. Find out more here.
Browns will certainly make your Christmas Day one to remember. Enjoy a feast including hors d’oeuvres, a starter, main and dessert, all topped off with a choice of truffles and mince pies or a cheese board. Heaven! Find out more here.
The Deer Park welcomes you to its beautifully decorated pub this Christmas Day. There’s plenty of festive delights on the menu from smoked salmon, hand-carved turkey, seafood thermidor, to Christmas pud and cheese and biscuits. Find out more here.
It’s the day you’ve been waiting for… and Malmaison is ready for you! Start with tacos, before dipping into a starter, main and dessert, finishing with coffee and chocolate truffles. What’s more, Malmaison’s offer also includes a glass of champagne or mocktail. Find out more here.
For those that may prefer to celebrate with steak, Miller & Carter is a fantastic option. This set feast features both the traditional turkey dinner, and a steak experience, meaning everyone gets what they want for Christmas! Find out more here.
Fancy celebrating Christmas in a cosy traditional pub? The Adelphi is for you. Its wonderful chefs have crafted a magical five course Christmas Day menu full of sumptuous foods which are sure to fill all your festive cravings this Christmas. Find out more here.
If you want to celebrate somewhere really special, Weetwood Hall fits the bill. Choose from a exquisite four-course lunch in the Manor House, or a traditional three-course carvery with all your favourite trimmings. Find out more here.