Leeds’ urban waterfront has gained a new lease of life in recent years as old industrial sites have been transformed into buzzing destinations for eating, drinking and socialising. From fuss-free fine dining to pizza and a pint, here’s some of the best food you’ll find this scenic part of the city.
Emba
A fresh venture from renowned local chef Elizabeth Cottam, gastrobar Emba opened earlier this year on the south bank of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. It inhabits the same building as Cottam’s former restaurant, The Owl, and boasts a light and airy dining space with floor to ceiling windows that look out over the water. Emba bridges the gap between a cosy bar and a vibrant dining room – its flavourful dishes have gained it a place in the Michelin Guide but these are served in a relaxed manner with no fuss or formality. You’re welcome to graze on small plates like raw or roasted oysters, scallops with yuzu or bone marrow while enjoying drinks from the restaurant’s carefully-curated selection of beers and ‘special’ global wines. Alternatively, you can truly indulge with the set tasting menu. This is shaped by what’s seasonally available but is guaranteed to feature ‘fat, fire and comforting familiarity’ with dishes such as beef tartare, bouillabaisse and lamb with green herbs, followed by a sweet ‘milk bomb’ and accompanied by optional wine pairings.
BAKE
Located next to Emba, BAKE describes itself as a ’nostalgic British bakery concept’. This friendly eaterie serves an elevated take on the treats we all know and love, with an eclectic menu of delights that range from the traditional to the innovative. You’ll find old school favourites here – some of which have been given a makeover like the cornflake tart Danish. These are prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and you can watch BAKE’s skilled chefs at work in its open kitchen. You can currently tuck into sausage rolls and other filling savouries, along with an autumnal apple crumble brioche bun, blackberry crumble focaccia or winter spiced carrot cake, perhaps accompanied by a cup of coffee from Allpress Espresso. BAKE has everything you need for a waterside picnic, however, its modern-industrial styled dining area features plenty of seating for those who’d prefer to stay snug.
Water Lane Boathouse
If you love the simple yet satisfying combination of pizza and a pint, Water Lane Boathouse is the place to head. This canalside pub specialises in freshly-made Neapolitan pizzas and pizza sandwiches, along with other comfort food classics. Its pizza toppings change with the seasons but previous options have included the ‘Hot Honey Salami’, with ‘nduja, salami, mozzarella, roquito pearls and hot honey, and the ‘Zola & Speck’, featuring Gorgonzola cheese, speck, porcini cream, rocket and cherry tomatoes on a white base. These would pair perfectly with skin on chips and a beer or cider. Alternatively, you can choose from cocktails like a Wolfe Bros Espresso Martini or fruity Pom Blush. The venue runs regular offers that make it popular with students and those seeking a fun night out that won’t break the bank.
North Star Coffee Shop
Owned by the Leeds-based roasters, the North Star Coffee Shop and General Store can be found on The Boulevard at Leeds Dock. This laid back cafe is an excellent spot for brunch with a menu that features breakfast butties stuffed with cheesy eggs and optional sausage or bacon, or Madeira and chamomile-poached plum and almond pancakes. There are also heartier dishes like Mexican Huevos Divorciados or the toastie of the week. All of the shop’s tasty food can be complemented by the perfect cup of coffee – simply pick your blend using the helpful tasting notes and enjoy it in your favourite style, with dairy or plant-based milk. You’ll currently find pumpkin spiced lattes here, as well as a more unusual honey and rosemary hot chocolate.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
This exciting new addition to Leeds’ pub scene opened at the end of August in Brewery Place by the River Aire. The Brewery Wharf Tavern is the latest venture from the group behind Whitelock’s Ale House, the Meanwood Tavern and White Cloth Hall. It unsurprisingly has an excellent beer offering with 14 keg taps and four hand-pulls from breweries such as Northern Monk, Five Points, Kirkstall and Timothy Taylor’s. It also offers a selection of natural wines, spirits and cocktails, including some alcohol-free options. The tavern has a cool, grown-up feel with an art deco-style bar at its heart and an outdoor terrace where you can catch up over drinks by the river. It also now serves stone-baked sourdough pizzas and a proper roast dinner on Sundays.
Out of the Woods
Situated in Granary Wharf close to Unity Bridge, Out of the Woods has a warm, rustic feel that makes it the ideal autumn hangout. Sitting in its atmospheric interior, which boasts soft lighting and views over the canal, you can start your day with tasty yet health-conscious breakfasts such as layered granola, a nutritious superfood bowl or pastries from CAWA Bakery. At lunchtime, there’s a range of toasties or sandwiches, many of which are served in thick cut bread from Gilchrist Bakers with fillings like tuna crunch or Wensleydale ploughmans. If you have any room left afterwards, you can then move on to scrumptious brownies from Brown & Blond with coffee made using Dark Woods beans or a fresh smoothie or juice.
Images – @embagastrobar, @brewerywharftavern, @outofthewoodsuk
