A lively little neighbourhood three miles north of the city centre, Chapel Allerton is about as close to a continental drinking and dining experience as you'll get in the north of England and is home to a clutch of the region's finest restaurants. Clustered around the junction of Stainbeck Lane and Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton may not be possessed of the beauty of a French square or Italian piazza but come on a summer's evening and find a lively, friendly buzz without the sense of underlying tension and atmosphere of total drunkeness that most of Britain's drinking districts entail. The restaurants and bars spill out onto the pavements, many with heated or covered seating areas, nestling in between a range of small independent shops that make a daytime trip a pleasant diversion from the bustle of central Leeds. Some of Chapel Allerton's more renowned restaurants include the much-lauded Sukhothai, held by many to be one of the country's finest Thai restaurants, a branch of Leeds' greek Olive Tree restaurant, Sami's North African cuisine, and two Casa Mias, the original, cheaper, trattoria-style eatery with a range of light Italian meals and sumptuous desserts and Casa Mia Grande, a high-end, high-quality Italian dining establishment that is among Leeds' best restaurants. As for drinking, traditional pubs like the Regent compete for your custom with quirky bars like Further North and quality cocktails at the Hub, Zed and Angels Share, amongst many others

Chapel Allerton, north Leeds, take the no2 or 3 bus from various points in the city centre.

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A really rather lovely bar, just out of town, but definitely worth the little walk. A relaxed atmosphere with massive battered sofas to fall into, and a mix n' match attitude to the rest of the furniture. Usually has a bit of an exhibition on the walls too. Definitely worth eating there too. Small but perfectly formed menu which never fails to taste absolutely gorgeous (lamb shank being my particular favourite at the moment), which can be eaten in the informal restaurant bit in the back of the bar whilst watching the chefs do their thing in the open kitchen.

Reasonably priced too. Separate daytime and evening menus.

Another excellent place to either start a night or just to have a few quiet bevvies in.

76-78 North St, Leeds, LS2 7PN 0113 295 6060

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Cafe bar by day, thronging bar by night. Another excellent bar with an excellent music policy (bearing in mind my bias towards indie/rock).

Does do food but I haven't indulged yet as it's always been rammed to the gills when I've been, usually late in the night.

20 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 1AJ 0113 305 0372

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A dark and cosy bar in the week, gets louder towards the weekend. In my eyes the best music policy in town (indie/rock) and superior to Mojos (next door) as it doesn't get so bloody rammed, and you can actually get a pint and usually a seat.

Well recommended cocktails too. Open until 4am.

12-14 Merrion St, Leeds, LS1 6PQ 0113 244 4080

Its a right after the Grand Theatre and Arcade and the chavtastic hellhole that is Gatecrasher. next door to Mojos.

Couple of decent curry houses on the same street, of which the Elephant Cfae is probably the better.

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A cellar bar on New Briggate, sandwiched between and under North and Franks. A nice little bar with a lovely atmosphere and a good taste in music, usually along jazz/blues lines but branches out now and again.

As can be expected, busy on a weekend, but good for a quiet drink and a light snack when you're knackered from shopping on a Saturday.

Usually has live acts on in the week.

20 New Briggate
Leeds
LS16NU

If you pass North you've also just gone past the entrance to Sela, turn around and look for the red door!

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Far and away the cheapest pint in town (it's a Samuel Smith's establishment), squirrelled away up an alleyway off Briggate.

Always guaranteed an 'eclectic' mix of clientele due to the prices (read: winos, students, alternative types, office workers, a proper cross-section), but that also guarantees a cracking laugh.

No jukebox, no tellybox, you actually have to talk to your mates. One night when I was in one room descended into an informal football trivia quiz, with about 20 people all nattering away and throwing in questions.

Does do food, cheap, but I've not had the pleasure yet.

Angel Inn Yard, Leeds, LS1 6LN - 0113 245 1428

(basically go up the alleyway next to Music Zone, opposite Harvey Nicks, on Briggate)

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An excellent wee bar close to the Corn Exchange. Pricier than most but worth it with a laidback, friendly atmosphere and a quality mix of music varying every night of the week, including live sets from local talent. Also worth checking out Wire, the club next door.

10-12 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DN - 0113 245 7101

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A bar/pool hall/diner/club thing all rolled into one. Part of a small chain. Good for dropping in on for the food (which, when it eventually comes, comes in rather mountainous portions), and for watching the footy.

64 Call Lane (1st & 2nd floor)
Leeds
LS1 6DT
Tel: 0113 245 7011
Fax: 0113 245 7022

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A cracking boozer near the Tetley's Brewery. Not particularly cheap, but not extortionate either.

Original Victorian fixtures and fittings. Food is of a good standard and there are a myriad of rooms to get yourself lost in. A quality place to start a night, or for a quiet(ish) drink if you don't fancy having a massive bender.

Corner of Hunslet Road and Dock Street.
1-5 Hunslet Rd, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ.

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Fab bar, great staff, all the cocktails (and shots) you could ever want and the grooviest music in the world - Hendrix, Stones, Beatles, plus loads of obscure stuff. Chris Moyle's favourite bar!

18 Merrion Street, Leeds

www.mojobar.co.uk

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