http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32857 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32857 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31481 I ordered a rib-eye steak (medium rare), and my girlfriend ordered the duck. Both meals were beautifully cooked and presented. The prices where very reasonable for what felt like a high-end restaurant. The side dishes were a bit small, but priced appropriately so we didn't mind.
We took advantage of their early bird deal, meaning we got 30% off our total bill. Highly recommended!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31481 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29735 My favourite starter has to be the goats cheese fritters with onion marmalade, and the full breakfast is equal to the task of conquering any hangover you care to throw in its path.
Situated in the Grand Arcade, and open until 7pm, it is also a good choice for a pre-theatre supper. The drinks menu includes an unrivalled choice of teas and fresh juice, but if you fancy a glass of wine then you’re welcome to take your own.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29735 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26602 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26602 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26144 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26144 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25519
To keep the children amused there is a fantastic adventure playground, apparently spread over three acres - the kids love it, along with the bird garden, containing of all things penguins and flamingos.

Harewood's enduring appeal is its beauty, the wide range of experiences for young and old, all backed up with a magnificent events calendar.

Locals should take advantage of its membership - the Harewood card - which allows free entry throughout the year making it amazingly good value, the literature claims families can save upto £700 per annum on days out with the card!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25519 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25024
Lanes of garishly decorated wooden chalets stocked full of food, toys, clothes and trinkets provide alternative ideas for that last minute stocking filler. From German sausage and honey to hand crafted wind chimes and children’s toys, the market is an ideal haven for those looking for something a little bit kooky.

It’s at night, however, when the market really comes to life. The twinkling lights, the sound of the vintage carousel and the smell of frankfurters are a delight to the senses, that can’t help but put you in a festive mood.

For a real taste of Germany, end your day in the bierkeller where Oompah bands entertain a lively crowd with their own interpretations of songs written by Hamburg’s adopted sons, The Beatles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25024 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24833 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24833 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21743 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21743 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21416 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21340
Further up Briggate, opposite the opulence of the Victoria Quarter, are Queen's and Thornton's Arcades. They might not be as spectacular as their designer-filled counterparts across the street, but are still lovely examples of Victorian architecture offering rain-free environments in which to explore a wealth of mainly independent shops (and several high-end hair salons). Accent, award-winning White Label Clothing, Sugar Lump and No15 Boutique are amongst the many treasures to be had here. A personal favourite - though not really a shop - is Pickle & Potter, a delicatessen and café that not only offers a huge and mouth-watering selection of sandwich fillings but is home to what many - myself included - hold to be not only Leeds' but the world's best chocolate brownies.

If you tire of the hustle and bustle of the city centre but aren't quite done scouring the indie boutiques, a twenty minute walk (or 5-10 minute bus) journey away up Woodhouse Lane is Hyde Park Corner. Here you will find a small but brilliant clutch of stores and eateries, including vintage couture and evening wear at the Final Curtain, and best of all, the temple of vintage and antique treasures that is Retro Boutique. Two floors of clothes, jewellery, furniture, antiques and anything else you can imagine, immaculately laid out so that it ressembles something between a home you wish was yours and Aladdin's Cave, Retro Boutique is perhaps the zenith of Leeds' independent shopping experience, yet somehow is never as crowded as you might imagine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21340 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21277 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21277 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21240 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21240 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19224 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19224 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16658 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16658 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15866
Arti offers some south Indian fare such as dhosa and idli as well as the more standard Indian dishes; warning - the starters are huge and really delicious.

Arti started his restaurant a couple of years back, is very friendly, keen to find out what the customer thinks. This boy's going places! It's a hard act to follow - we've moved to a different city and still looking for an Arti replacement.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15866 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15475
There are many very, very good curry houses in Leeds and Bradford, but the Sheesh manages to serve food that's up there with the best. The service always tips the scales in the Sheesh's direction though.

Key dishes to try include the prawn puri starter, and either the fish balti or sheesh gosht karahi with a side order of cauliflower and aubergine. I've tried most of the menu and have yet to have a bad meal there.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15475 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11500 All with prompt but unobtrusive service.

Seated by a tropical fish tank, which was entertaining. All for £50 - great value and well recommended.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11500