Al Fresco beer season has officially landed and we are positively brimming with excitement.
With temperatures reaching a whopping 30 degrees here in Leeds, we have read your mind and gone ahead and put together the ultimate list of top spots you should be hitting for that ice cold (and, may we add, very well deserved) cocktail after a knackering week and frankly lack-lustre office air conditioning.
You’re welcome.
Belgrave Music Hall
Let’s be honest, Belgrave needs no introduction. Their terrace always looks super dreamy – whether it’s for yoga or after work pints. But summer is when it really shines.
Headrow House
Headrow House is home to what is hands down one of the most popular roof terraces in Leeds – and for good reason. So obviously this gem had to have a mention. Grab a group of mates and chill while listening to some deadly tunes, whilst sipping away on a crisp G&T. They often have an unbeatable line up of DJs, live music and events to keep you entertained so keep an eagle eye on their website and socials this summer.
Piglove by the River & Greens Grocers Leeds
This is a dynamic duo if I ever saw one. I met a few friends for a drink a few weeks ago and when they suggested Piglove by the River I was a little surprised as I’d only ever been in that patch for (a very hearty and lovely) breakfast and a proper English brew at the neighbouring Greens Grocers.
However, the weekend here is a totally different vibe. Take a stroll along the River Aire and emerge into a little patch of food and drink heaven. Expect a whole mosaic of colourful summer events featuring live music, comedy, supper clubs and a stellar line-up of rotating, pop-up street food.
And it goes without saying, they have a cracking bar with a stumble-worthy selection of local brews.
Green Room
They have a massive focus on local beer here which we love. Their mezcal cocktails are absolutely superb (tried and tested rest assured) and they are home to the absolutely cracking Bastards Bistro. Drinks in the sun with some delicious grub – what could be better? They also host a Saturday morning run club which includes post-run coffee and pastries. Green Room have a number of great events over the summer so check out their socials to keep up to date.
Waterlane Boathouse
One thing’s for sure – our great city of Leeds would be a very different place in the summer if it wasn’t for the legendary Waterlane Boathouse.
With sparkling views over Granary Wharf and the pleasant, melodic buzz of summer chatter, you could, on some nights (after one too many Aperols) almost convince yourself you were looking out on to the French riviera. Ahem – we said almost.
Crowded House
A relative newcomer to the Leeds cityscape – Crowded House very much brings Boujee to the North. Enter the shiny elevator and splash into the luxury of this apres-work watering hole. Their chic indoor terrace is the ideal spot if the wind picks up but if the current weather is anything to go by, there’s fat chance of that.
I went to the Crowded House launch party last summer and their outdoor roof terrace is also nothing short of spectacular. The visuals over the doyenne that is Trinity and the contrasting Leeds architecture are a sight for sore eyes.
Their cocktails (ask for the Pink Mezcal One – my name for it, not theirs) are world-class. I didn’t want that night to end, and neither will you.
Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop
Blink and you’ll miss it. Another little hidden diamond, the garden terrace in Meanwood is a must this summer. After work drinks? Sorted. Plus, they’re pet-friendly!
Rinse Natural Wine Bar
A controversial choice for an outdoor roundup. But we like their style. So do as the Londoners do: Grab yourself a cold glass of wine and fizz, maybe a tapa or two and stand in the street gabbling with your pals til the sun goes down. There’s something that feels cultural about having a communal bevvie in the street and these guys are serving up some of the scrummiest natural wine int’ North.
Grumpy’s
Technically yes, it’s a pizza restaurant, but their terrace is beautiful and it has been positively booming of late so it would be a shame to miss the sunshine vibes. Besides, if you’re anything like me, after a few drinks, you’ll be glad of a pizza menu to hand…
