Blogs.

Lunch and Light Bites

11th June 2020

Disclaimer – Please always remain safe, maintain social distancing, clean hands often and follow government advice.

Please check venues for opening hours as many are operating reduced opening days and hours.

 

Things are a little different on the food and drink scene at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious dishes while you’re here in Leeds; there are plenty of places open for you to grab a takeaway coffee or a tasty lunch on the go.  From Rudy’s mouth-watering pizzas to street food at Kirkgate Market, Leeds still has a superb range of choices for a light bite or a long lunch.

Kirkgate Market is a firm favourite for street food in Leeds and many of the excellent food stalls are open for collection. Banh & Mee, Vietnamese street food, is now open for collection or if that doesn’t tickle your taste buds then order online to collect a tasty curry from Manjits Kitchen or a wrap from the Yorkshire Wrap Company.  With Khao Gaeng Thai, Jenny’s Jerk Chicken and Istanbul Bakery open there is definitely something for everyone. You also can order a four course set menu The Owl for collection or delivery.

Be sure to visit Trinity Kitchen too, with PizzaLuxe, Absurd Bird and Rola Wala open for collection and takeaway through Uber Eats and Deliveroo, you don’t have to miss out!

Dough Boys Pizza

If you still haven’t tried Rudy’s Pizza, which opened in Leeds at the beginning of this year, then you’re in luck. You can order the authentic Neapolitan pizza online and collect from their restaurant. Accompany their pizzas with beers from Northern Monk, also available for collection.  If pasta is more your thing then head over to Sarto for delicious handmade fresh pasta, order online and collect from the restaurant. Opening at 16:00, it may be a little late for lunch but definitely worth the wait and perfect for an after work socially distanced date. If Italian isn’t what you fancy then why not head to Leeds’ best spots for Thai food. Zaap Thai and My Thai are both open for takeaway, just order and collect your favourite dishes from the restaurant.

IF drinks

We love our coffees and cafés here in Leeds and we are spoilt for choice. While they may not be open in the way we are used to, they have transformed to make sure you can still grab your favourite coffee and treat! Get your daily caffeine fix with IF or order your brunch for collection via their new app, serving you some of the best coffees and sourdough grilled cheeses in Leeds as well as some classic cocktails. La Bottega Milanese at Bond Court is another of Leeds’ awesome independents open for takeaway; enjoy their fantastic Italian coffee and their Friday Doughnuts by Gusto Italian. If you can’t wait until Friday for your doughnut fix, look no further than Doh’hut. Newly opened in January, Doh’hut have an array of flavoured fresh doughnuts, homemade sandwiches, deli items and sweet bakery treats ready for you to order for contact free collection. Laynes Espresso has also transformed to bring you quality bakery items, a range of vegan options and, of course, excellent coffee. Order online or collect on the day at their pick up point at the door. They even have Sarto’s cook at home pasta kits in their online shop! Leeds’ newest LGBTQ+ friendly coffee house, Flamingos, has a takeaway service of coffees, cakes and cold drinks. While you are there you can also pick up your pre-ordered fruit and veg box. A brilliant way to support independents while grabbing your morning coffee! If you fancy something a little stronger than coffee then head to Wapentake, hot drinks, gin, wine, cans & bottles, plus keg & cask ale are available for takeaway.

Sarto Pasta

If you’re after a brunch spot with a wide takeaway menu then look no further than Feed or Fettle. Fettle, an award winning restaurant, have fantastic brunch options from pork belly benedict to cured carrot available for takeaway or delivery, their extensive vegan and veggie menu includes spring gnocchi and savoury crumpets . If you fancy something a little different, try Feed’s truffle mac and cheese or their chorizo hash. Vegans and Vegetarians won’t miss out here either, they have plenty of options, their vegan Feed big mac and falafel burrito are not to be missed. Bundobust, Leeds’ best Indian veggie street food, is now available for takeaway and collection. Dig into orka fries, tikka paneer and other veggie curries. Join Neon Cactus for Taco Tuesdays to spice up lockdown life, delivery LS1-18 available through their online store. And if you’re heading to Victoria Gate and John Lewis The Yorkshire Deli have reworked their offering by bringing the inside out onto the Mall. Check out their wide range of barista style coffee with tasty hot and cold sandwiches.

 

Now you’ve got your takeaway lunch in hand, you’ll need somewhere to sit to tuck in, and we know just where to go; with hidden gems, well-known spots and beautiful spaces, perfect to enjoy a light bite or a socially distanced lunch with friends or colleagues.

Park Square  

This stunning Georgian Square located in central Leeds (5 mins walk from Leeds Art Gallery) is one of Leeds’ hidden gems. The square is surrounded by beautiful Georgian buildings and the historic Grade II listed St Pauls House, an old cloth cutting works. The square is grassed over with a few benches dotted amongst the beautifully maintained flower beds. This spot is ideal for a peaceful lunch break out of the busy city centre or even a socially distanced lunch date.

City Square

If you love watching the world go by, head to City Square for a quick bite. Located just across the road from Leeds Train Station, this impressive square is directly in front of the Grade II listed old post office, even the old telephone booths outside are listed. Surrounding the square are a number of statues, all in bronze and larger than life. The statues were all part of a celebration of Leeds changing its status from town to city. Take a seat on one of the benches and enjoy the sound of city life while tucking into your favourite street food or takeaway coffee.

Millennium Square

Millennium Square has hosted some brilliant events over the years and is the city’s award winning outdoor public space. Situated right in the city centre and surrounded by some of Leeds’ most iconic buildings; Leeds City Museum and Leeds Civic Hall.  It’s just right for a socially distanced picnic as there is plenty of room to stay 2m apart with a group of friends.

Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens is a civic space located in front of Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute in the city centre. On sunny days, you will find many people making the most of the sunshine by having their lunch or playing giant chess in front of the Gallery. With views of the Town Hall and the Galleries, it is a great spot for lunch, especially if you are in need of some creative inspiration.

 

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