If you’re ready to make a memorable impression on a special someone, you’ve come to the right place. We recognise that anyone can plan for dinner and a movie. But we’ll give you the edge with some of the best Leeds date ideas.
Many spots will be familiar. But they might not be top of mind when looking for something fun and different. So, read on for some creative inspiration – it might make all the difference!
And if you’re still looking for someone to take on one of these awesome dates, make sure you check out our list of the best UK dating sites filled with some great options and free trial accounts.
Tailors – The Perfect Measure is both!
Is it a tailor’s shop or a speakeasy? It doesn’t matter because it’s at the top of our list for best Leeds date night ideas regardless of what you call it.
You’ll want to make a reservation to ensure you have a table. So don’t wait until the last minute, or you could be shut out and have to find some equally as impressive.
Tailors’ Prohibition Bar Menu is 20s-themed with cocktails like a Rum & Ginger Old Fashioned, Amaretto Sour, and Negroni Sbagliato. But gin is the spotlight beverage with your choice of House, Premium, and Specialist, starting at just £5.
A hidden bar with bespoke cocktails is just the right atmosphere, whether it’s your first or 40th date in Leeds.
Tip: Focus on the weekend, as the Speakeasy at Tailors is only open Thursday through Saturday.
Website: https://www.tailorsgin.com
Fore! – at Fulneck’s
We wouldn’t recommend going too crazy on a first date with 27 or even 18 holes, but a leisurely 9-hole course like Fulneck’s is the sweet spot.
Fulneck Golf Club in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, offers a testing game for all handicaps. So, if you’re not sure about your partner’s golf prowess, it doesn’t matter. You’ll have fun navigating the beautiful course, whether you’re shooting for a hole-in-one or are happy just connecting with the ball.
If you decide that even nine holes are too much to tackle on your date, that’s all right. You can still grab a drink at the bar and play around on the putting green for a bit.
Tip: Give your date a heads up, so they’re prepared to play.
Website: https://fulneckgolfclub.co.uk/
Trip to Sicily in Leeds at Veeno
There are a few wine tastings throughout Yorkshire, but we like what Veeno offers. It’s a substantial menu at a relatively affordable price, translating to one of the best all-around Leeds date ideas.
We particularly like the Trip to Sicily Wine Tasting. For about £35 per person, you’ll sample six wines with the ideal accompanying appetisers. Then, when it’s dessert time, a glass of sweet wine is served with Veeno’s Tiramisu Della Nonna.
If you want something more substantial, there’s a Wine Tasting Dinner with starters, mains, and desserts.
Tip: Afternoon dates at Veeno in Leeds are also on the table, with an Italian Afternoon Tea that’s £18 per person.
Website: https://www.veenobars.com/leeds
Music, Food, Drinks, and Shopping
Where do you find entertainment, food, beverages, and plenty of unusual items to buy all in one place?
The answer is Leeds Kirkgate Market, one of Europe’s largest indoor marketplace.
This particular idea is excellent for first dates, especially if you’re worried about how the conversation will flow. There are so many distractions that you’ll both feel comfortable. Plus, food options cover different cuisines. So, you’re not taking a vegan to a steakhouse or booking a table at a Mexican restaurant only to find out it’s your date’s least favourite.
Leeds Kirkgate Market also started serving beer and wine, so you’ve got that, too!
Tip: Kirkgate Market is an afternoon-only date idea. It’s open Monday through Saturday until 5:30 pm.
Website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/leedsmarkets
Three Courses at The Ivy
The Ivy is a beautiful two-story Victoria Quarter restaurant with a la carte, brunch, vegan, dessert, and afternoon tea menus. So, straight away, you know you have plenty of options – even if you decide to schedule your date before noon.
We’re recommending the Set Menu, though. You can opt for two (£17.95) or three (£22.95) courses. But, hey, it’s a date, so go all out to impress with three.
You’ll choose from starters like the Korean Fried Chicken Salad and Whipped Ricotta with Pistachio. Then, there are hearty mains, like Lamb Pappardelle and Garden Pea Risotto, as well as optional sides and three dessert options.
A three-course menu is helpful when you’re on a first date. The price is set, and there are limited options, so figuring out what to order is much less stressful.
Tip: The Ivy isn’t far from City Museum, giving you something else to do.
Website: https://theivyleeds.com/
Tickets to a Unique Show at City Varieties Music Hall
It’s a Guinness World Record holder for England’s longest-running music hall. So, you’ve probably been inside at least once. But we include it, as City Varieties Music Hall might not be top of mind when you’re trying to plan a special date in Leeds.
The beauty of the building and its history make it a winner straight away, but the shows are icing on the cake. It’s not difficult to find something, as entertainment is all over the place.
One night, there might be a hilarious touring comic, and the next could be a limited-run play. City Varieties hosts musicals, burlesque, solo artists, and more.
Tip: Check out the website before deciding on a date night, as most shows are one-night-only.
Website: https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/city-varieties-music-hall/whats-on/
Kori Bar at Issho
For this Leeds date idea, we must share the secret of one of the area’s most beautiful rooftop venues.
The Kori Bar is next to Issho Japanese restaurant but has made a name for itself with a wraparound bar and breathtaking terrace – that’s before you take a look at the views. It’s a proper combination of elegant and comfortable, and you could spend hours savouring cocktails like the Kabuki Highball. It’s a delicious mix of Haku Vodka, Lychee Liqueur, Elderflower Cordial, Lime, Strawberries, and Sugar.
Bar Snacks are the perfect accompaniments and include some vegetarian options, a must when planning a first date.
Tip: Don’t expect £5 cocktails at Kori Bar, as they’re double or triple that amount.
Website: https://www.issho-restaurant.com/issho-bar/
A Few More of the Best Leeds Date Ideas
The Domino for Jazz, Blues, Funk, and Soul
How’s that for a musical variety? The Domino at 7 Grand Arcade always has something new on stage with live music every night. But you can count on the cocktails, as the drinks menu stays consistent with unique specialties, including the Midsummer Martini and Peaches & Cream, made with Bourbon and Peach Aperitif.
Cruise the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Consider booking a brunch, afternoon, or dinner cruise when you want something a notch above a typical dinner. You don’t even have to book a meal, as Skipton Boat Trips also offers Cocktail Cruises.
Saturday at Kirkstall Brewery
We think £10 per person is a bargain for the Kirkstall Brewery experience. You not only go on a guided tour but get to sample three of Kirkstall’s seasonal best in the taproom. The tours are only on Saturdays, though.
More Date Night Inspiration
Our ten unique Leeds date ideas should be enough to cover you for a while and get those creative juices flowing. But you also might want to check out our best Manchester date ideas, as they’re all within reach as well.