Blogs.
Outdoor Dining and Drinks
26th May 2023
When the warmer weather is here, is there anything better then relaxing outside with a delicious meal and a refreshing drink? Luckily, Leeds is well catered for with lots of lovely outdoor dining options!
First up, we’ve got Greek Street which is home to a whole host of stylish bars and restaurants including Bar Soba, Manahatta, Neighbourhood, The Alchemist, Be At One, Gusto, Dakota’s fabulous terrace (visit quick, this will be closing on 1st July) and The Lost & Found. As the street is fully pedestrianised, there are several outdoor areas for those who’d prefer to enjoy the outside atmosphere. Indulge in a fancy cocktail from the Alchemist or head to Bar Soba for a feast of South Asian street food with friends.
(Greek Street – credit Jo Ritchie for Visit Leeds)
Just around the corner from Greek Street you’ll find the impressive City Square, where The Restaurant Bar & Grill and Banyan have made their home in the Grade II listed old post office building. Enjoy an al fresco dinner here and take in the surrounding statues, all in bronze and larger than life.
(City Square, credit Carl Milner Photography)
Then there’s Merrion Street which is right up there with one of the best nightspots in the north. With its own unique and buzzing atmosphere, it is home to a whole host of traditional pubs, international restaurants and lively bars. From Mean Eyed Cat and Manahatta to The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes and Parkside Tavern. Parkside Tavern has some beautiful outdoor space complete with a view of St John’s Church, perfect for sunny drinks.
(Parkside Tavern)
Merrion Street has everything you could possibly need for a good day or night out including lots of welcoming outdoor space! If you get a little peckish then Zaap Thai will be serving up some of the best Thai street food Leeds has to offer. Just further up from Merrion Street you will find Belgrave Music Hall, a fantastic venue with a stunning roof terrace perfect for al-fresco drinks.
(Belgrave Music Hall – credit Natasha Koziarska)
Next up is Albion Place which is situated right in the centre of Leeds. Home to several restaurants including Bills, The Lost & Found and The New Conservatory, you won’t be short of places to grab a delicious bite to eat while enjoying some fresh air in their extensive outdoor seating areas.
Granary Wharf is another one of our hidden gems with vast outdoor space featuring a vibrant selection of bars and restaurants. It is perfectly situated next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire which creates an atmosphere perfect for relaxing evening drinks on the waterfront. Boasting LIVIN’Italy, Fazenda and The Lock, to name a few, all tastes are catered for. And finally, just over the canal from Granary Wharf (there’s a little bridge), is Water Lane Boathouse. Situated on the River Aire, Water Lane Boathouse is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors whilst grabbing one of their craft beers or delicious pizzas.
(Water Lane Boathouse – credit Mark Newton Photography for Visit Leeds)
This is just a handful of places across the city where you can enjoy the delights of a bar or restaurant in the outdoors. You can discover more Rooftop Retreats here. Or tuck into more about the Foodie Capital of the North.
- * Blog first published 13th July 2020. Updated 26th May 2023