Where to go in Leeds: My top places to eat

Whether you’re looking for a date day, some time on your own or a family trip out, here are some of my favourite places to go in Leeds City Centre. 

1. Leeds Minster 

I worked on the market for several years but I’d never appreciated Leeds Minster which is built on the site of the oldest church in the city, on t’old Kirkgate. While it’s impressive from the outside it has the real wow factor on the inside housing the oldest surviving object from Leeds history, the Leeds Cross. 

My wife and I got married here and have attended recitals, services and spoken at special events.  They even did a Lunar New Year celebration. Paul Maybury t’old vicar is proper friendly too. 

Leeds Kirkgate Market has changed a lot in recent years and it’s got a banging food court. 

Other trendy cities often get mentioned in guides but the market’s food court deserves to be in the spotlight too. Plus over the school holidays they have lots of stay and play activities for the kids and even bumper cars. 

I’m a Yorkshire man so I like a bit a bargain which is why I love the history of M & S which started as a Penny Bazaar in the market as did the 20p stall which now is a viral success in Otley. That said M&S has upped in price but they  do some good value treat microwave meals which will sort the Mrs for Valentines with some Vegan Percy Pigs. 

1. I was tempted however to take the wife to Yorkshire’s most recommended place online for couples because it’s free. It’s actually the National Railway Museum in York but we also have the oldest running commercial railway in the world on us doorstep in that there Middleton. 

Middleton Colliery Railway is the world’s oldest running public railway 

We often go to weird and wonderful places which we review on us YouTube channel Mr and Mrs Yorkshire.

I think that’s just an excuse for my wife Sophie to drag me to her favourite places saying we’re doing a Yorkshire guide.

1. One of our weirdest dates in the early days was to Geek Retreat, a gaming cafe where we played board games. I know she wants to try Chance & Counters in Leeds. Interestingly, the popular whodunnit board game Cluedo originates from Leeds. Anthony E. Pratt, and his wife Elva designed the game based on Murder!They had it manufactured at Waddington’s in Leeds. It now has its headquarters in Leeds and London since it’s been bought out by Hasbro. Waddington’s archives can be found at West Yorkshire History Archive Service in Wakefield. Sophie has frequented there but it’s not really my scene, because there’s no coffee shop. 
2. If I were to drag the kids somewhere historical this half term I’d take them to the Royal Armouries. It has the largest animal armour in the world. Yes elephants had armour too. During half term they’ve even got a Jurassic Park special at the Royal Armouries. There’s also that Knife Angel statue outside. I love Leeds Dock. Before Channel 4’s Steph’s Show finished I was there every week. Plus if you ever want to escape the half term madness to do some work, Department is a good shout. If you do have the kids though you may even enjoy a trip on Leeds Water Taxi from Leeds Dock to Granary Wharf. It’s just £2, under 5s and dogs are free. 
3. You could even hop on a train or take a stroll down the Leeds Liverpool canal in the direction of Kirkstall. An old fat knacker like me would drive as it’s a fair trek but well worth it for Kirkstall Abbey and then a playground and Abbeyhouse Museum across the road. 
4. If you want some good grub for lunch and you can do your weekly shop at same time, head to Market Kitchen at Morrisons Kirkstall. Or you could grab some bits for a picnic at Roundhay Park which is one of the largest parks in Europe. It is also the place where the first ever motion picture film was shot. 
5. Talking of films there’s plenty of cinemas across Leeds but I love the history of Hyde Park Picture House. I know my Mrs would enjoy Hyde Park Book Club too which has an epic vegan menu. When it comes to the city centre though, Everyman Cinema is top notch in Trinity Leeds. 
6. If I were to choose somewhere for lunch I’d go to Trinity Kitchen because I love the selection of street food on offer. Or if it’s for somewhere special on an evening I’d head to that new Habibi Restaurant because the steaks are spot on. The first time I tried here was after a misfits boxing match at Leeds First Direct Arena. I love going to watch boxing at the Arena. 
7. It’s also worth with the family if you’ve got younger children heading to some of the theatres. There’s Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties and our lass even took the baby to Northern Ballet as they do children’s shows. 

There’s tons of places in Leeds or “Ledes,”  or “Loidis” as it originally used to be called in the city centre and surrounding areas. 

We’ll be visiting lots on us YouTube channel @mrandmrsyorkshire. Go to YorkshireFamilies.co.ukand my wife’s always out with the family mamamei.co.uk