If you're moving to Leeds this month for university then we've rounded up ten places which we think you should put to the top of your priority list.
We know it can feel daunting moving to a new city but if you're moving to Leeds then first of all, lucky you and second of all, we've got you covered.
From affordable foodie hot spots to perfect places to break the ice with your new flat mates, here are ten places you should put to the top of your priority list (after studying, of course).
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
Cross Belgrave Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Belgrave Music Hall is an absolute student staple, pop here for a few drinks after lectures and we can promise you'll have a whale of a time. Live music, a stunning rooftop terrace, cocktails, beer and half price pizza slices during the week...it's an absolute no brainer really.
Roxy Ballroom
Merrion Street, Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Looking to break the ice with your new flat mates? Then head to Roxy Ballroom for a couple games of beer pong and a few cheeky cocktails. They've also got a great selection of food including pizzas which are perfect for sharing and loaded fries to snack on mid-game.
Things In Bread
Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
On Boar Lane in the city centre you will find Things In Bread who serve up the best sandwiches in Leeds (big statement, we know). So get yourself down there and fuel up before the first semester.
With weekly specials this is a spot you'll be going back to time and time again, eager to sample the delicious concoctions they're putting out. They're affordable, filling and just all round fantastic sarnies.
Headingley Heights
Otley Road, Headingley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Closer to campus you'll find The Box Bar's rooftop terrace in Headingley. A great spot to watch some live sport in the sunshine and relax with a few bevvies. Who doesn't love a good rooftop right?
The Tetley
Hunslet Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It can't all be nights out and partying (although we wish it could be), so seek a bit of culture at The Tetley. What was once home to one of Leeds' largest brewing dynasties is now a contemporary art gallery with loads of great free exhibitions to explore.
They've also got a great cafe and bar for you to fuel up once you're done being a culture vulture.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Bundobust is a proper Leeds landmark - and if you know, you know. Indian street food served at an affordable price alongside a selection of their own beers and cocktails. They do a great deal called the 'Combo for 2' where you can get a selection of dishes for just £30.
And it's all vegetarian with a huge selection of vegan dishes on offer as well, so everyone in your flat can enjoy some tasty grub. Get the Okra Fries, you won't regret it.
Electric Shuffle
123 The Headrow
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a quick game of shuffleboard? Get competitive with your new mates at Electric Shuffle, the only immersive shuffleboard experience outside of London! The perfect bonding experience between new mates after a day of lectures.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds Kirkgate Market is one of our favourite places in the city. It is a market drenched in history and innovation, being home to the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened back in 1857.
The market is a must-visit when in town, showcasing lots of street food vendors who serve grub from around the world at an affordable price. It's a no brainer really.
Water Lane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, Holbeck
By the canal you'll find Water Lane Boathouse, a proper scenic spot for a drink or two whilst watching the world go by (with half price pizzas on Sunday).
Their cocktails are two for £12 all day, every day and the Aperol Spritz are absolutely spot on.
Leeds City Museum
Millenium Square
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds City Museum is the perfect spot to browse on a rainy afternoon, hosting a range of free exhibitions including one currently on everything Hip Hop. Running until March 2024, the museum has uncovered the history behind one of our favourite music genres.
The exhibition has recreated bedrooms, vinyl stores, barber shops and it even has a real New York Subway filled with graffiti - cool right?
That should keep you busy for the first couple of weeks, but keep an eye on our page as we'll be giving you the low down on all things Leeds.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
The Swine That Dines announces the official opening date of its brand new restaurant
Clementine Hall
Much-loved Leeds Bistro The Swine Bistro, formerly known as The Swine That Dines, has moved to a bigger space in Headingley.
Although it’s gone through a few name changes over the years since launching as The Greedy Pig cafe in 2012, this independent spot has long been a firm favourite for Leeds locals for some time now.
Run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers, they’ve been operating out of North Street where it’s all about cooking seasonal produce simply and with an added ‘little bit of sunshine’.
But now Swine Bistro has moved up over to Headingley, taking up a unit previously occupied by Jam hairdressers on Otley Road.
Image: Supplied
And the time has finally come for them to open their doors, as they announce their first service will take place on Friday 4 April with bookings open from today, Thursday 20 March.
The Myers will be welcoming head chef Kirsty Cheetham, who won Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch award in 2018 and 2022 when she ran The Queen o’t owd Thatch in South Milford, Leeds.
The expanded space in the restaurant has allowed the team to curate a bigger wine list which will include natural wines from Wayward Wines and Latitude Wines as well as local beers from Ilkley Brewery and Horsforth Brewery.
Image: Supplied
The team remains passionate about locally sourced ingredients and has partnered with a variety of Yorkshire suppliers including R&J Yorkshire for its fresh meat, Tarbetts fishmonger, cheese from George & Joseph cheesemongers and beans from micro roaster, Chipp Coffee Co.
Jo Myers, co-owner of the Swine Bistro said: “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort to realise our dream to revamp what was previously a hairdresser into a fully functioning kitchen and restaurant. It’s been a wild ride but we’re excited, and slightly nervous, to finally open our doors.
“We love the vibe in Headingley and the time out has allowed us to have fun with our menu as well as take part in lots of essential taste testing of ingredients and drinks from our brilliant local suppliers. We can’t wait to welcome guests into our new restaurant!”
Clementine Hall -
11th September 2023 
