PLANNING A LEEDS PROPOSAL?
9th January 2017
Popping the question is a thrilling experience; in equal parts exciting and scary. It’s the emotional equivalent of a skydive or bungee jump – you just have to take the leap.
From choosing the right ring and where in Scotland’s stunning capital to go down on one knee, to getting groomed and dressed for the occasion, there’s a lot to cover. But rather than stressing about it, do the legwork and make sure you’re ready to wow. That way, when the day comes, you can focus on enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Our guide maps out some of Leeds’s finest landmarks, hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques and barbers, and more; to help you plan for the perfect proposal – and hopefully a resounding ‘Yes!’
Angelica
Level 6, Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
T: 0113 897 0099
Located on the sixth floor of Trinity Leeds shopping centre, with a wraparound planted terrace and boasting panoramic city views, Angelica is the ultimate romantic destination for locals and visitors alike. Bright and airy in design, this penthouse bar and restaurant features a spectacular pewter bar, offering a selection of exciting cocktails from a team of skilled mixologists.
Insider Tip: Celebrate your successful engagement on the sophisticated, cosy roof terrace, and enjoy some of the most luxurious cocktails in town, set against views across the rooftops of Leeds.
Crafthouse
Level 5, Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
T: 0113 897 0444
Crafthouse offers regularly changing seasonal menus created by Executive Chef Lee Murdoch, and views across the city from within the restaurant, or on the exclusive outdoor terrace. Located on the fifth floor of the Leeds’s premier shopping centre, Crafthouse can be accessed directly via a scenic lift on Boar Lane.
Insider Tip: Whilst enjoying the splendid menu and an impressive selection of wines, you can also revel in the splendour of views across the city. Be sure to try one of their Josper Grill-cooked dishes – it reaches 480˚C, char-grilling meat, fish and crustaceans to perfection.
Crafthouse
Level 5, Trinity Leeds, 70 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1 6HW
T: 0113 897 0444
Crafthouse offers regularly changing seasonal menus created by Executive Chef Lee Murdoch, and views across the city from within the restaurant, or on the exclusive outdoor terrace. Located on the fifth floor of the Leeds’s premier shopping centre, Crafthouse can be accessed directly via a scenic lift on Boar Lane.
Insider Tip: Whilst enjoying the splendid menu and an impressive selection of wines, you can also revel in the splendour of views across the city. Be sure to try one of their Josper Grill-cooked dishes – it reaches 480˚C, char-grilling meat, fish and crustaceans to perfection.
Dakota Deluxe
8 Russell Street, Leeds, LS1 5RN
T: 0113 322 6261
Dakota Deluxe is an 84-bedroom luxury full-service hotel with a stunning cocktail bar and brasserie, The Grill, offering an interesting, fresh, and sophisticated menu with a brasserie-style service. The stylish bar boasts an outdoor terrace overlooking Greek Street, with an extensive range of classic cocktails and in-house creations, perfectly mixed.
Insider Tip: Treat your other half to a beautiful meal at the latest addition to Leeds’s vibrant restaurant scene. For an exceptional touch, check out our Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy one of our many fine champagnes in a space of seamless luxury.
East 59th
3rd Floor, Rooftop, Victoria Gate, Eastgate, Leeds, LS2 7AU
T: 0113 426 5050
East 59th is a New York-inspired rooftop bar and grill in Leeds city centre. In the daytime, it offers a rich selection of contemporary American cuisine, and in the evening it’s a sleek and sophisticated Manhattan-style bar serving top-quality drinks and cocktails.
Insider Tip: Whilst enjoying the fabulous rooftop terrace, sharing cocktails are just the right amount of over-the-top for celebrating a proposal.
Fazenda
Waterman’s Place, Granary Wharf, Leeds, LS1 4GL
T: 0113 400 1183
Fazenda offers diners something different, thanks to the \”rodizio\” style of serving cuts of meat on skewers at tables. The restaurant features continuous tableside service of fifteen delectable cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken. There’s also a sumptuous buffet of gourmet salads and freshly cut vegetables, as well as a variety of traditional side dishes to complement your meal.
Insider Tip: For the meat lovers out there, treat your other half to a splendid, melt-in-the-mouth feast, accompanied by a selection of the finest South American and European wines. Afterwards, take a romantic walk alongside the picturesque Granary Wharf.
Gaucho
21-22 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JF
T: 0113 246 1777
Gaucho is a stylish restaurant located in the heart of Leeds, renowned for its Argentinian beef, exclusive wine list and beautiful decor. For an authentic Argentinian Gaucho experience, your host will educate you on the Aberdeen Angus beef that has been reared in the vast La Pampas of Argentina, offering recommendations.
Insider Tip: Join us for an experience you’ll never forget, with intimate booths and unforgettable service from our team – here to help with any special requests to ensure a perfect visit. Be sure to try one of our special cuts, grilled to perfection by our talented Gaucho Grillers, served with a perfectly paired Argentinian wine.
The Grill on the Square
31-33 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 5PS
T: 0113 246 0669
The Grill on the Square focuses on no-nonsense food; specialising in wholesome ingredients, mixing distinctive textures and flavours, and offering a mix of innovative dishes with comfortable favourites. Enjoy premium quality steak that’s aged for 28 days to ensure tenderness and flavour, as well as delightfully tasty, fresh fish and shellfish.
Insider Tip: Treat your love to an ingenious, perfectly prepared cocktail, from old school classics to new infusions and flavours – mixed, merged, shaken and stirred! Celebrate the big day in an unrivalled atmosphere, accompanied by unparalleled acoustic live music.
Harvey Nichols
Victoria Leeds, 107-111 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6AZ
T: 0113 204 8888
Leeds’ Harvey Nichols is the ultimate destination for all things high-end and luxurious. Whether you’re looking to do a spot of clothes shopping, find a new beauty product or enjoy a three course meal, there’s something for everyone. Situated in Leeds’ historic Victoria Quarter, the store was the second Harvey Nichols branch to open in the UK.
Insider Tip: To prepare for the big proposal, make your way up to the Fourth Floor Bar to recreate your favourites with a cocktail masterclass.
Home
16/17 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS1 6BY
T: 0113 430 0161
Tucked away behind an unassuming doorway on the Kirkgate lies one of the most talked-about new dining spots in Leeds. Chefs Liz Cottam (Masterchef 2016 semi-finalist) and Mark Owens (former head chef of the Michelin-starred Box Tree in Ilkley) have created a fresh, relaxed take on modern British fine dining. Having received praise from critics at The Guardian, The Sunday Times, and the Michelin Guide, Home offers a monthly-changing ten-course tasting menu.
Insider Tip: Our front of house team prides itself on going the extra mile for guests, so we’ll do everything we can to help orchestrate the perfect proposal – .whether you’d like to pop the question in our grand, modern dining room or the cosy, sophisticated cocktail lounge.
Issho
3rd Floor, Rooftop, Victoria Gate, Leeds, LS2 7AU
T: 0113 426 5000
Meaning ‘together’ in Japanese, Issho is a contemporary Japanese rooftop restaurant and bar in Leeds’ Victoria Gate. Take a front-row seat and watch our masters make a selection of sushi and sashimi, or relax in the oasis of plush sofas and lush greenery on our terrace for a cocktail or two. Issho offers lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and more, with a hint of Eastern promise.
Insider Tip: This is the perfect spot to celebrate two families coming together over our contemporary Japanese dishes designed to be shared.
Leeds Grand Theatre
46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ
T: 0844 848 2700
Situated in the heart of Leeds, the Grand Theatre opened in 1878 and has been entertaining people ever since. The exterior of the stunning, Grade II listed building is a mixture of Romanesque and Scottish baronial styles, while the interior boasts Gothic fan-vaulting and clustered columns. With a wide programme from musicals to stand-up, opera to drama, and ballet to family shows, there’s bound to be something that you’ll enjoy.
Insider Tip: Make your special evening that little bit more romantic by booking your own private box to watch the latest hit musical or gripping drama.
ROX
Unit 314, Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds, LS1 5AT
T: 0113 887 9213
As an award-winning luxury jeweller, ROX has built an enviable reputation for offering diamond engagement rings that are second-to-none. Each ring contains the most exquisite, handpicked diamonds, and is designed entirely in-house, making it unique and exclusive to ROX.
Insider Tip: Intimate and luxurious, ROX at Trinity Leeds exhibits the finest diamonds and jewellery collections. Our trained diamond experts are here to take you through a range of remarkable diamonds, and help you find the perfect engagement ring.
Swinton Park
Swinton Park Masham, Ripon, HG4 4JH
T: 01765 680900
Set within the beautiful grounds of Swinton Estate in the Yorkshire Dales, this luxury castle hotel boasts the warmth and grandeur of a traditional English house. With individually designed bedrooms and exceptional views, your stay will have the feel of a lavish home rather than a hotel. Guests of the Swinton Park Hotel can also take full advantage of the Swinton Country Club & Spa which offers a range of luxury facilities and spa treatments.
Insider Tip: Let us set up a bespoke picnic at the lake house on a private island at Swinton Estate, set within 200 acres of heritage parkland and gardens. The island can only be accessed via a pull bridge, so nobody can interrupt your special moment.
The Tetley
Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
T: 0113 320 2323
The Tetley is a centre for contemporary art and learning located in the stunning art deco headquarters of the world-famous Tetley Brewery in central Leeds. Centred around creativity, innovation and experimentation, it’s also home to the lively Bar & Kitchen. Located on the ground floor of the former Tetley’s Headquarters, where better to enjoy a pint of Tetley’s than where it was born nearly 200 years ago?
Insider Tip: This impressive building offers a warm welcome whether you’re here to see cutting edge art, sample the Yorkshire menu in the Bar & Kitchen, or enjoy a traditional pint of Tetley’s in this historic setting.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4JX
T: 01924 832631
Spread across an impressive 500 acres, Yorkshire Sculpture Park truly is a one-off location – an open-air gallery showcasing the best of modern and contemporary sculpture. The unique setting of the Park allows you to get up close to magnificent works of art, whilst surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. With woodland, parkland and sparkling lakes, you can explore until your heart’s content.
Insider Tip: Why not book into a class with your partner? To make the occasion even more special, you can both create something personal to keep as a memory of your engagement day. We offer sculpture, craft and carving workshops.”,