On the very outskirts of the West Yorkshire county line, Garforth is a town that is more than worth the short journey. Originally expanded in the seventeenth and eighteenth century thanks to the wealth of coal mines nearby, this suburban town still continues to grow and excite those that visit. It boasts a wealth of pubs, places for grub and scenic walks nearby and stands toe-to-toe with some of the best places to visit around Leeds.

If the local tipple is something you fancy, Garforth is home to one of the most up and coming independent breweries in west Yorkshire in the aptly named Quirky Ales. Based on Ash Lane, this craft ale brewery offers a range of speciality ales. They offer IPAs, classic smooth Blondes and even a Dark Strong Ale for the more traditional of us. The tap room is conveniently connected to the brewery so the ales don’t travel far, and with an outside alfresco space and a cosy indoor area they offer the perfect place to taste what’s on offer. If you like what you try, why not give their brew school a go? They’ll teach you all you need to know about brewing ale from their very own head brewer Mike Quirk.

Cutting down on plastic waste and taking care of the environment has become a daily objective in everybody’s lives now more than ever. This is no exception in Garforth, as the locals do their bit by supporting Refill & Go, a one-stop-shop with a mission to reduce plastic waste and help create a greener future. Refill & Go are a family run business that offer everything you’d get from your usual supermarket haul, just with a fraction of the single use plastic waste and a much heavier use of recycled materials. If you’re new to plastic free shopping, or need a few bits and bobs whilst you’re out, Refill & Go is the perfect place to visit to get all the essentials whilst doing your bit for the environment!

The positive effects of filling our lives with the vibrancy of plants and flowers is no longer a secret. If you’re in need of something to spruce up the garden, or something a little more delicate to sit on the window sill, Garforth Garden Centre are expert purveyors of inspiring plant life. They’ve a range of show-stopping displays of flowers and greenery as well as a hardy outdoor area with evergreens and shrubbery to boot. If the garden centre shopping helps you work up an appetite, the Topiary Restaurant on site serves up Lazy breakfasts and tantalising afternoon teas. All of the baked goods are lovingly homemade and the menu is ever-changing, so be sure to ask for the specials! You can even bring along your favourite four-legged friend!

On the subject of food, Pride and Produce are an independent, family-owned café offering a selection of tasty food and drink in the heart of Garforth. Working with a number of local independent suppliers, Pride and Produce have a genuine pride to the dishes and drinks that they create. They offer a brunch menu and a lunch menu with a number of mouth-watering meals that cater for all dietary requirements. A special mention has to go to the ‘super charged salad’ buddha bowls that feature locally grown greens from ‘Nell’s Urban Greens’.