The Best of Waterside Living in Leeds
April 2026
The Waterside
For over 200 years, the locks of the Leeds and Liverpool canal have moved boats up and down the water.
Up and down the canal and the River Aire there now are a host of restaurants, bars, cafes and gorgeous landmarks.
Credit: Gary Butterfield (UnSplash)
Brunch & Coffee
92 Degrees
After huge popularity in Liverpool, 92 degrees opened their doors in Leeds. The brand is known for its own, self-roasted coffee which makes for the perfect cup of joe. They also impress with their ethical credentials – 10% of its profits from bagged coffee go to Project Waterfall, a charity working to end the water crisis in our lifetime.
Just like their tagline says – awesome coffee, for everyone, everywhere!
- 20 Wharf Approach, LS1 4EY
Credit: Instagram @92degreesuk
Out of the Woods
A quaint independent coffee shop that brings a warm welcome on a chilly morning when you just need a good brew. Everything is locally sourced and made fresh from the sandwiches to the incredible cakes.
You can grab your coffee to take away and have a stroll down the canal, or sit in the cosy spot and watch the world go by.
- Waterman's Place, Granary Wharf, LS1 4GL
Credit: Instagram @outofthewoodsuk
North Star Coffee Kiosk
Drop into the Kiosk for take-out coffee and food. There are nutritious and delicious breakfast and lunch options, all created with regenerative farming at their core.
The Kiosk has been designed with sustainability firmly in mind. The countertops have been created from recycled paper and cardboard, and the flooring has been made from Recork, suppliers of functional cork flooring that helps reverse global warming and restores the
planet’s ecological balance.
- Sovereign Street, LS1 4BJ
Credit: Instagram @northstarcoffeekiosk
Eating Out
Livin’ Italy
If you just don’t have the time to hop on a plane at Leeds Bradford and get some European sun, this is the next best thing. Livin’ Italy truly brings the vibes of sitting on the streets of Venice with completely traditional and authentic cooking.
The Granary Wharf restaurant serves a vast food menu but also offers Italian afternoon tea and delicious cocktails – the masters of the Aperol Spritz.
- Granary Wharf, LS1 4BR
Credit: Instagram @thehootleeds
Fazenda
With lovely views over the canal of the River Aire, Fazenda Leeds in Granary Wharf presents itself as the perfect venue for lunching and special occasion dining.
This is the ultimate traditional rodizio bar and grill experience. All-you-can-eat steak and meats, plus an incredible salad bar that is worth a visit alone with fresh-cut vegetables, bread, cured meats, continental cheeses… the list goes on.
The menu is enhanced by vegetarian, vegan, and pescetarian options, and a huge drinks menu of internationally-acclaimed wines, beers, spirits and cocktails.
- Waterman's Place, LS1 4GL
Credit: Instagram @fazenda.group
Falafel Guys
SALT Craft + falafel bring together one of Leeds’ favourite street food eateries and a vast selection of fresh craft beers. Supplying the delicious Middle-eastern snacks are Falafel Guys, famed for delicious wraps with homemade humous, chunky grilled Halloumi or slow oven-cooked chicken.
The 2 for £12 on-tap cocktails make this the ideal after work drinks spots, forget anything bad you’ve heard about getting your cocktails on-tap, these are spot on.
- Candle House, LS1 4GJ
Credit: Instagram @thehootleeds
Waterlane Boat House
This gorgeous waterfront bar and beer garden is absolutely packed in the summer months, and it’s easy to see why. With a huge outdoor space right along the canal, a complete sun trap, and an unreal pizza and burger menu to go with it. If you’re looking for a Saturday soaking in the sun and enjoying a pint then you’ll do well to find a better spot than Waterlane Boat House.
They also have a very popular quiz night every Monday night with a cash prize rollover reaching heights of over £800. To make it even better, every quiz team can enjoy a free pizza to fuel their brains before getting started.
- Canal Wharf, LS11 5PS
Credit: Instagram @waterlaneboathouse
Midnight Bell
Not only does this iconic pub serve up one of the best roasts in Leeds, they also have one of the best beer gardens in the city.
The Midnight Bell is Leeds Brewery’s flagship pub and home to one of the best beer gardens in the city. Offering a fantastic selection of drinks, a constantly evolving seasonal menu which incorporates the finest ingredients that Yorkshire has to offer.
- 101 Water Lane, LS11 5QN
Credit: Instagram @waterlaneboathouse
Cocktails
Canal Club
This Havana-style cocktail bar is ideal for snapping up some pictures for the ‘gram, made for a girls night. The food and cocktails are playful and innovative, blending the familiar with the exotic to create menus filled with promise and temptation.
Cocktails are beautifully garnished and served in impressive glassware. The menu boasts all of your favourite signatures but some very innovative new drinks to try. Try a cherry Blossom ‘Tini, served Asian-style with sake and Cointreau, or turn up the heat by sipping on a spicy Strawberry and Coconut Margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila.
- Little Neville Street, LS1 4ED
Credit: Instagram @waterlaneboathouse
Sky Lounge
With undoubtedly the best views in Leeds, on the 13th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel you’ll find the Sky Lounge. The cocktail menu is extensive and you can easily find yourself here for the entire evening, just taking it all in.
You can expect everything from boozy bottomless brunches to afternoon tea and evening drinks, all with a stunning backdrop of this great city.
- Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4BR
Image: Instagram - skylounge_leeds
The Lock
The waterside Lock Bar & Terrace sits right on the water with a lovely view of barge boats passing by. The comfy and casual outdoor seating is perfect for a catch-up and a cocktail, is there a better combo than that?
These guys know how to do signature cocktails so if it’s a Pornstar Martini and a mojito that takes your fancy, you’ll be well looked after at The Lock.
- Granary Wharf House, LS1 4BR
Image: Instagram: thelockleeds
Landmarks
Leeds and Liverpool canal
A walk down the canal on a sunny Sunday is completely idyllic. The 4km long walk talks you past various Leeds landmarks and ends all the way in Shipley. However, if that’s too long for you, the walk can broken up into smaller chunks. You can explore the beautiful Kirkstall Valley and Rodley Nature Reserve, walk around the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and enjoy the woodland trails of Bramley Fall Park and Calverley Woods.
Don’t fancy the walk? The famous Leeds water taxis can take you up and down the canal between The Docks and Granary Wharf for only £1 per person, it’s a lot of fun.
- Leeds Water Taxi, LS10 1PZ
Image: Unsplash
Bridge water place
Bridgewater Place has been the tallest building in Leeds since it opened in 2007 and is one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in the city. Known to Leeds locals as ‘The Dalek’ due to its distinctive Doctor Who-esque design by Aedas, the office and residential skyscraper reaches 367 feet at its highest point.
- Bridge Water Place, LS11 5BZ
Image: Ali Turner
Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is home to the UK’s national collection of arms and armour and it’s very impressive. You can explore all five galleries with over 4,500 objects on display for free any day of the week.
Discover how arms and armour have shaped history, art and culture through the ages with interactive experiences for kids to enjoy. Live combat demonstrations take place every day to bring the history to life.
- Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT
Image: Royal Armouries Museum
Gyms
Paddleboarding
If you’re getting bored of the same old gym trip, this is something a bit different to get you outdoors. You can paddleboard through the heart of Leeds Dock for an ‘unique and unforgettable experience’. For only £10 per person if you have your own board or £20 per person for full kit hire you can explore the beauty of the canal from the water.
The year-round experience is open to all ages and abilities, with two types of session available to join.
- Leeds to Liverpool Canal
Image: Leeds City Council
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a 24/7 high-spec gym is a great spot for an after-work work-out. The prices are very affordable but the equipment and facilities are everything you would need for an everyday gym.
- Water Lane, LS11 5QS
Image: Anytime Fitness
Barrecore
Barrecore is a ballet inspired workout that uses your own bodyweight as resistance to build a strong core and muscle mass. The classes are designed to work your entire body – creating longer and toned muscles, reducing body fat and improving your posture and alignment.
The studio is absolutely stunning and so aesthetically pleasing, with full shower facilities making it perfect for a pre-work workout.
- Wharf Approach, LS1 4EZ
