If you’re seeking the perfect destination for a Leeds day out in the sunny springtime, there’s no better spot than Roundhay. Best known for its huge park, this scenic suburb is also home to excellent eateries and unique independent businesses. Here’s what to see and do when visiting.
Begin with brunch at Lidgett Lane Larder:
To start your day in Roundhay, why not treat yourself to a hearty brunch at Lidgett Lane Larder? This popular neighbourhood café has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere with work by local artists on display and a deli counter that’s full of goodies to take away if you’re considering a picnic in the park. The brunch options here include breakfast sandwiches with fillings such as bacon, sausage or veggie sausage and roast tomato. Alternatively, you can really set yourself up with a full cooked breakfast or dishes like mushrooms and wild garlic on toasted sourdough. These can all be accompanied by freshly brewed coffee or tea that’s made with your choice of dairy or plant milk.
Get coffee and sweet treat to go from The Savvy Baker:
If you still haven’t got your caffeine fix or want to treat yourself to something to enjoy later, The Savvy Baker is an unmissable stop for those with sweet tooth. Also located on Lidgett Lane, it sells an ever-changing range of delightfully gooey hand-baked brownies and blondies. This spring, its drinks include a strawberry iced matcha, tiramisu latte or iced white chocolate with raspberry. There’s also a new Twix blondie and you can expect more inventive menu additions over the course of the summer. The Savvy Baker’s drinks are all served in cute takeaway cups that look will look equally cool in your hand or on your grid.
Take a walk around Roundhay Park:
You can’t visit Roundhay without going to Roundhay Park. This expansive urban green space is one of the largest in Europe and it covers an area of 700 acres with lakes, streams and wildlife-filled woodland to explore. For lovers of horticulture, there’s also a series of specialist gardens, including one inspired by Monet’s Water Lilies and another modelled on the 13th-century garden at Alhambra, Spain. Little ones can have hours of fun on Roundhay’s play areas while there’s a skate park, tennis courts and football pitches for adults who like to get active. The park even has its own miniature zoo, Tropical World, which boasts all kinds of exotic animals, including meerkats, monkeys, butterflies, frogs and insects.
Paint your own pottery at Jackrabbits:
If you’d like to hone your artistic skills while producing lasting memento of your day, it may be worth visiting Jackrabbits. At this pottery studio on Roundhay Road, you can take your pick from a huge selection unfinished items that includes everything from mugs and tableware to baubles and 3D animals. Once you’ve chosen, you can then let your imagination run wild, using the supplied paints and tools to customise your piece. You can even enjoy homemade cakes and coffee or an indulgent milkshake as you work. When your masterpiece is finished, it will be fired and glazed ready for you to collect in a week’s time.
Round off your day with pizza at Ottimo:
A delicious dinner at Ottimo might be the perfect way to finish your day spent exploring Roundhay. Specialising in wood fired pizza with a base made to their own dough recipe, the team at this Italian restaurant are also focused on seasonality and use organic and locally-sourced produce in their toppings. Ottimo’s menu features classic pizzas you’ll know and love, along with innovative and unique specials such as the Jacuzzi with prosciutto, rocket, pistachio pesto, Fior de Latte, rhubarb jam and basil, or the Anatra topped with smoked duck, feta, caramelised peach and almond pesto. These can be preceded by starters like a whole burrata with EVO oil and rocket or an ‘Nduja Scotch egg. Ottimo also has a carefully-curated drinks list that includes Italian cocktails and a variety of gins.
Images – @thesavvybaker_, @ottimopizzaleeds, @theenglishartco
