Something a Little Different in Leeds

For some twisted takes on Southern Classics, head to this quirky Leeds restaurant for cheesy chicken waffles, moonshine and some of the best chicken wings in town.

While a wine bar doesn't necessarily scream something a little different in Leeds, Veeno has something that lets it stand out from the rest: the volume. This rustic hideaway is perfect for date nights and friends alike, with a wide variety of the finest bottles of wines lining the walls. Pick your favourite and get some Italian spuntini – perfect.

This December, Hinterland are putting a Nordic twist on celebrations with their Alpine-themed Christmas festival. Get in the festive mood at their pop-up forest with a private three-course tipi dinner, wood-fired hot tubs and drinks from their sculptured Ice Bar, before dancing to brass bands till the early hours.

Take on a thrilling escape room challenge with your mates for a fun bonding experience. You'll have 60 minutes to complete a series of puzzles and challenges in a themed room of your choosing, in order to earn your freedom and gain the glory. 

Did you know the South Pacific can be found right here in the city? Tiki Hideaway is definitely for people who want something a little different in Leeds, offering up Tiki treats, Hawaiian leis and quirky beach hut interiors. Think puffer fish, bamboo sticks and Hawaiian shirt clad bartenders.

It's not just Japanese food at Teppanyaki: it's about theatre too! You'll sit around the hot plate as the friendly chefs cook you up something great (delivering both tasty food and banter), creating a fun, social atmosphere.

This Korean restaurant gives a fun, interactive element to Chinese cooking. Delivering locally-sourced BBQ meats and seafood, marinated in traditional Korean seasonings and sauces, you'll get to cook them yourselves on the concave grill on your table.

It's all about Mexican charm at Neon Cactus. You can come here for authentic Mexican cuisine – think burritos, tacos, quesadillas – but it's their drinks list that shines through. Get your tequila and mescal-laced drinks while partying to their many, many Dj nights and you are in for a great time.

This award-winning showbar always strives to offer something different. This quirky Leeds bar offers glitterballs, drag queens, cabaret acts and tribute performers from around the country, as well as DJ takeovers, bingo, quizzes and more.

Zaap hopes to transport people to the streets of Thailand with upcycled light features, lanterns and Thai street signs, as well as speakers playing a mixture of Thai pop or rock music. Really great for people looking for something different to do in Leeds, they also serve up a delicious array of authentic Thai dishes.

The Man Behind the Curtain is an experimental restaurant in Leeds that is trying to get rid of the stardom surrounding chefs. Instead, this Michelin-starred restaurant is all about the flavours, offering a twelve-course tasting menu with names like 'The Insecurity of Postmen in Oakley Sunglasses' – as well as offering a wine pairing menu to boot.

The Outlaws Yacht Club manages to combine artistry with socialising in one space. This cool bar in Leeds is all laidback sofas, surrounded by artwork from local artists, lending the place a vibrant atmosphere. Couple that with the beer, wine and cocktails, as well as loose teas and local coffees, and you've got a great place to hangout.

New-age Chinese food is king at Mans Market, offering a quirkily decorated restaurant that delivers on flavours. Expect kitsch oriental décor and hanging Chinese lanterns made all the better by a menu of delicious meat boxes and Dim Sum, washed down by Hong Kong-inspired cocktails.

Hidden from view and offering the finest cocktails around, The Maven is a quirky cocktail bar in Leeds that you need to visit. The speciality really is their mixed drinks, with their cocktails coming lovingly garnished with petals and greenery, and served up in quirky containers like tea cups.