Night owls’ guide to Leeds – restaurants, bars, culture and fun

Whether you’re after craft beer or cocktails, Leeds has some great drinking spots for a quiet pint or an all-night party. We love…

• North Bar is the place for craft beer. These guys were doing craft beer long before it became cool – pulling the UK’s first pints of Erdinger and Brooklyn lager. Mingle with the arty, trendy and above all friendly crowd. Find North Bar at the Northern Quarter

• The Decanter is a super-sophisticated wine bar in the financial district. Think dark, polished wood, plush leather booths, elegant candlelight and smartly-dressed bar staff who know their vino. The range of wines on offer is mind-boggling – from ‘aromatic and zesty’ whites to ‘rich and luxurious’ reds. Find The Decanter on Park Row

• Smokestack is the place for classic cocktails and funky music. Sip a cocktail influenced by New Orleans as you bop along to funk and soul. Every Friday it’s Harlem Shuffle – expect the likes of Tainted Love and Move On Up to get you grooving – after a cocktail, naturally. Find Smokestack on Lower Briggate  

Leeds is a foodie’s paradise – whatever floats your boat. We love…

• Kendells Bistro is the place for romance. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Parisian eatery – candles stuffed in wine bottles, low lighting and unfussy French food. Order from the rustic, chalkboard menu and watch as your dinner is made in the open-plan kitchen. The food is classic French – from chicken with cream, white wine and tarragon sauce to an incredible salmon en croute. Find Kendells on arty St Peters Square
• Tharavadu is all about award-winning curry. The food served here is inspired by the balmy beaches and coastline of Kerala in southern India, so it’s a little different to your average ‘ruby’. Fish dishes are a big part of Kerala cuisine – from seasonal fish cooked with Kerala spices to the top-secret Tharavadu seafood curry. Don’t forget to try the pancake-like dosa – a Kerala fave. Find Tharavadu on Mill Hill   
• The Man Behind the Curtain means seriously inventive, chin-stroking food. Your only option is a multi-course tasting menu. The rock and roll head chef Michael O’ Hare is influenced by music and art as much as other chefs and food, and loves to combine ingredients in unexpected ways – smoked mackerel parfait dusted with chocolatey roasted coffee powder, anyone? Find the Man Behind the Curtain at Vicar Lane

Try a tipple or two from Beer Ritz

Beer and Leeds have a long history. The city was home to Tetley’s for over 200 years and even now there are dozens of local breweries to choose from if you fancy a pint. So what better to bring back as a souvenir than a bottle or two? You’ll be spoilt for choice at Beer Ritz, with more than 500 varieties to pick from.

Where is it? Beer Ritz, 14 Weetwood Lane, Headingley, LS16 5LX