The Yorkshire Evening Post's ultimate guide to 48 hours eating and drinking in Leeds - our top spots

Over the last 10 weeks, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Summer Served campaign has been celebrating the people, places and passion behind the city’s food and drink industry.

From small but mighty independents putting the city on the map to thriving bars and the global restaurants serving a window into their culture, we’ve met the hospitality heroes across every corner of the industry fighting challenges and emerging even stronger.

We’ve been inspired by their stories, and we’ll continue to back their corner.

And it’s reminded us just how lucky we are to have a food and drink scene that feels more exciting than ever - full of independent businesses serving their story on a plate.

After 10 weeks of eating, drinking and talking to the people behind some of our favourite spots, we thought there was only one way to round off Summer Served - by sharing the places we love ourselves.

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We’ve compiled our ultimate 48-hours in Leeds, revealing how the YEP team would spend a weekend eating and drinking in the city.

From a fry-up in a Morley cafe to a cheesy Sunday roast and drinks in the UK’s best beer garden, these are our ultimate favourite spots - if we had an unlimited appetite!

Saturday breakfast at FranklinSmiths

Our Education and Transport writer Alex Grant loves FranklinSmiths in Morley to start the weekend off right.

The laidback, independent cafe in Fountain Street serves homemade food with lots of choice and friendly staff.

Alex said: “From full English breakfasts to freshly made toasties and jacket potatoes, this hidden gem is the perfect breakfast (and lunch) spot, because trust me when I say that the portion sizes will leave you full for hours.

“A trip to FranklinSmiths always guarantees three things - a warm welcome, good service and amazing food. There’s also a range of freshly made cakes on offer if, like me, you have a sweet tooth.

“And, if all that wasn’t enough, you can even buy a treat for your furry companion, too.”

Coffee and cake at Moods

Our editor-in-chief Laura Collins recommended Moods, the new all-day cafe bar, events venue and restaurant in the city centre, for coffee and a cake.

She said: “Moods is more than just a great place for an absolutely aesthetically pleasing coffee - thankfully, its drinks are every bit as stunning as its surroundings..

“It’s a space for fresh starts and reinvention with its home in city centre’s most significant historic buildings - the First White Cloth Hall.

“Occupying the ground floor of the Grade II-listed building on Kirkgate, Moods brings all day dining and drinks together under one roof. It’s the perfect place to pause, reset and enjoy the charm of a superb iced tiramisu latte and a cheeky snack.

“And, if you sit and people-watch for long enough, you can seamlessly turn day drinks into evening drinks - adding a little martini to that espresso along the way.”

Beer garden drinks at the Myrtle Tavern

We’re praying that the September sun is shining, and we’re heading to a beer garden.

Our food and drink writer Dennis Morton said: “Leeds is home to the best beer garden in the UK. Now, I know you may say that’s a bold statement, but the fact is that Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood has earned the title several years in a row - as recently as August.

“The perfect escape from the city centre, Myrtle Tavern is situated next to a cricket ground, on the outskirts of a residential area in one of Leeds’ trendiest neighbourhoods.

“While the pub itself ranks almost as highly in my view, it’s outside where it truly excels. With plenty of seating - lots of which is covered - great views and equally great drinks, it’s the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon with friends and family.”

Saturday evening meal at Tharavadu

My own recommendation for an evening meal is Tharavadu, the Keralan restaurant on Mill Hill.

I will talk about how much I love Tharavadu to anyone who listens - the authentic flavours, impeccable service and consistency of everything that comes out of the kitchen make this my go-to restaurant.

My order is the masala dosa to start, and the meen kootan fish curry accompanied by a paratha.

I am a paratha fiend and have worked my way through plenty across Leeds, but Tharavadu’s are hands down my favourite - soft and flaky, not too oily, with perfect, buttery layers. Top tip: save some until the end if you can restrain yourself, and then you get the joy of mopping up all the sauce from your bowl.

Drinks and a dance at Green Room

Named the best bar in Leeds at our Oliver Awards three years in a row, Green Room is my top spot for a drink and a dance in the city.

Open until the early hours, it's like having three bars in one: sunny drinks on the terrace, live music downstairs and a lively dancefloor upstairs. You could easily spend hours here (and I do - very often).

The menu is packed full of local suppliers, and the team champions other independents in the city - it's Leeds through and through.

It's got everything you could want from a Leeds night out, all under one roof.

A cheeky late-night takeaway from Trap Kitchen

Our feet are tired from dancing into the early hours, and it’s time for a takeaway on the way home to round off our Saturday.

Our What’s On writer Benjamin Jackson recommends Trap Kitchen, a delivery kitchen based in Armley.

He said: “Big appetites (like mine) who prefer the less-anxiety inducing element of waiting in a shop for a late-night delight might do well checking out Trap Kitchen.

“Known for bringing serious high-end comfort food into a relaxed takeaway setting, their infamous 'slabs' and 'ballers combos' pair everything from succulent fried chicken to lobster tails and crab legs alongside heaps of creamy mac 'n' cheese.

“All of which is paired with waffles - soul food indeed (and just very good eating). It's heavy, indulgent, and built specifically for those moments when a standard takeaway just won't cut it.”

A healthy breakfast at Kofi and Co

After all that indulgence on Saturday night, we’re craving something healthy to kick off our Sunday.

Our property writer Jennifer Cartwright recommends independent cafe Kofi&Co.

She said: “If you’re looking for a breakfast that is both hearty and healthy, look no further than Kofi&Co.

“With sites in both Wetherby and Roundhay, this cafe is a cosy brunch spot with a delicious brunch menu. My favourite is the ‘Benedict Special’ which features poached eggs, hash browns, and a smoked bacon crumb.

“Combine this with one of the fantastic fruit-flavoured smoothies and you’ll have the perfect early morning pick-me-up.”

A bagel and coffee at St Jude’s

We need another treat to keep us going until our Sunday roast - and Andrew Hutchinson recommended St Jude’s in Farsley for a bagel and a caffeine fix.

He said: “Lip-licking freshly baked wood-fired bagels with flavour-filled fillings are on offer at Saint Jude in Farsley.

“The ‘Yorkshireman’ is my go-to: slow-cooked pulled lamb in gravy, mint, caramelised onion chutney, rocket and griddled potatoes.

“And for £9.50, it’s worth every penny.”

A Sunday roast at Cheesy Living Co.

It’s the best time of the day - and we’re off for a Sunday dinner.

Dennis recommends something with a twist.

“If you’re looking to shake up your Sunday lunch, look no further than Cheesy Living Co., a true Leeds favourite,” he said.

“Here, you get your beef, roast potatoes and all the trimmings - plus a big pot of gooey, melted fondue cheese to dip it all in.

“Pair that with an excellent selection of local canned beers, and maybe pick up a few cheeses from the deli counter before you go.

“Cheesy Living Co. can now be found across the city, with locations in Oakwood, the city centre and Pudsey, making indulging in a Sunday fondue even easier.”

Afternoon sweet treat at Doh'hut

It’s time for a sugar-fuelled pick-me-up in the afternoon - and there’s only one place that Laura recommends.

“Doh’hut on Trevelyan Square takes doughnuts to the next level,” she said.

“Forget the sweet seaside treat in a paper bag this is all about big bold indulgent flavours that take the simple snack and elevate it.

“The OG doesn’t rely on filling. It speaks for itself with the fluffiest dough dusted with fine caster sugar but if you’re after something far more naughty then check out the weekly specials. I’m still dreaming of the Kinder Bueno Cheesecake. Forget counting the calories because sometimes being naughty just tastes too nice.”

Relaxed drinks at NoNo to end the weekend

We can’t possibly eat any more food, so it’s time for a relaxed tipple to end our weekend of eating and drinking our way through Leeds.

Our media sales consultant Connor Atkins recommends NoNo wine bar in Granary Wharf.

He said: “NoNo is one of my favourite Leeds venues, striking the perfect balance between great wine, knowledgeable service and a relaxed atmosphere.

“With more than 60 wines by the glass, tasting flights and an interactive menu, it makes exploring wine feel approachable rather than intimidating.

“Tucked into the Dark Arches at Granary Wharf, it’s the kind of place I could happily spend an afternoon with friends or settle in for a date - and always find an excuse to stay for one more glass.”