Best Date Spots in Leeds
From relaxed pints at Whitelock's and Iberico ham at Friends of Ham, through to prohibition-era cocktails at The Maven and sky-high drinks with a view at the Sky Lounge, there's something for every dating need here in Leeds...
While first dates simply require a relaxed setting that’s not loud enough to quell any tentative conversation, anniversaries and special occasions usually call for something decidedly more memorable and, let's face it, probably budget-stretching.
Dating sure ain't easy at the best of times, especially when there’s a whole spectrum of romantic spots to master. Luckily, whatever you need,
Here are our favourites:
First dates
[Belgrave Music Hall]
Whether it’s a Tinder match, a friend of a friend or the owner of some digits you got at the weekend, a first date will always bring out the clammy palms and mild heart palpatations of even the most unphaseable among us. Best keep those nerves at bay with a relaxed, approachable venue like
[Photo: Patrik Kristian]
It's also imperative that there's a reliable pub on your dating radar, a trusted favourite packed with cosy corners and staff that'll leave you to it, where it's simply all about getting to know one another over a pint. Try Whitelock's – the oldest pub in Leeds – for unadulterated tradition, or The Victoria if you're after a snug booth.
A 'permanent pop-up bar' that reinvents itself every quarter, The Hedonist Project provides the perfect talking point year-round with its seasonally-changing concept, whether it's a rum-loving summer surf shack or alpine winter ski lodge. Plus, above all else, seriously crackin' bevs. Even the most awkward of first dates can hack this one. Lower Briggate
Where to show off
[Ox Club]
With a mention in the 2017 Michelin Guide, Headrow House’s ground floor restaurant Ox Club is a perfect way to show someone you know what you’re doing without it feeling too intense – after all, when trying to impress there’s a fine line between making someone feel special and doing a Dan Humphrey. Thankfully, meals here feel celebratory without being formal, with a primarily modern British menu covering the likes of scallops with smoked pineapple and pancetta, and guinea fowl with smoked potato, bacon jam and redcurrant.
Head on upstairs for drinks and dancing afterwards – and if you’re really successful, bring your companion back the next morning for brunch dishes like flat iron steak with cheddar eggs or coconut French toast. High fives! The Headrow
Tucked away in the space above the dearly-departed Sandinista, Blind Tyger does the 'You can't sit with us' semi-secret bar thing that'll have you puffing up like a peacock as you lead your companion up the stairs. Once inside, it's a dimly-lit drinking den where booze is given the best treatment, and you can also grab some tapas downstairs should you need to soak up all that liquor. Cross Belgrave St
You can also achieve the brooding, atmospheric vibe from The Maven, where prohibition-era cocktails with a modern twist are the order of the day. Another bar with a semi-concealed door, it's marked only with an 'M' to throw you off the scent, with bags of old-school character upstairs thanks to creative, dapper bartenders, plush leather seating and classic cocktails served up in style. Call Lane
Dates with a view
[Belgrave Music Hall]
No easier way to show off than by capitalising on a sweet rooftop view, achievable at the Sky Lounge bar at the Hilton, which claims to be the highest in Leeds. And drinking there doesn't have to break the bank; bottles of wine start at £20, which isn't much steeper than most other bars. But you'll still look swish as hell, which is the important thing, obviously. They also have the daily sunrise and sunset times listed on the website, too, which is a neat touch. Granary Wharf
Should you prefer your wow factor to come without cocktail dresses and suit shirts, aforementioned favourites Belgrave Music Hall and Headrow House also boast their very own roof terraces – both particularly good for chilled, al fresco beers in the sun alongside other young, carefree millennial types.
Anniversaries (...and putting a ring on it)
If you want to raise the stakes even higher, take a trip to Michael O’Hare’s one Michelin star gaff The Man Behind the Curtain, where each modern, avant garde course comes as a work of art in its own right. If you can’t quite fork out for the £75 tasting menu (£130 with wine), take a shortcut with the lunch Menu Rapide at £45 a head, but remember that a meal here won’t reward the spontaneous; you’ll have to book months in advance if you want in on
Alternative date spots
Going for a straight-up beer may be one thing, but if you like your dating experiences like you like your partners (thoughtful, creative and multi-faceted), try out The Tetley, where you can grab a pint of beer or a mug of Yorkshire Tea – paying for which directly supports the venue’s arts programme – before checking out an exhibition of new work from an emerging or mid-career artist. You artsy little lothario, you. Hunslet Rd
With bragging rights as one of your favourite food and drink shops, at first-class bottle store Tall Boys Beer Market you can browse over 300 beers from breweries around the world and either take away or, better still, take 'em up to the second floor and enjoy with a sarnie or cake. What a way to impress your date, than picking out their favourite from a range of everything from age-old classics to experimental new world beers? And if you think that sounds good, you can also check out Tall Boys' recommendations of their favourite spots around Leeds. Thorntons Arcade
And if all else fails, you can always go and share a platter of Iberico ham at Friends of Ham. #Hamdate.
Think we've missed any of your favourites? Email jess@theskinny.co.uk and we'll whack it in!