Best places to eat and drink along the Otley Run

The Otley Run is a rite of passage, beginning in Headingley and following Otley Road for two and a half miles all the way to Leeds city centre.

The most creative fancy dress from Buzz Lightyear to Freddy Mercury is strongly encouraged for 18 pints along 18 stops. We’ve curated the ultimate guide of where to eat and drink along the Otley Run, so you know where to head along the way. 

Pubs on the Otley Run

1) Woodies 

The first stop on your eighteen-pub journey is Woodies, on the corner of St Chad’s Road, a classic Greene King.  

2) The Three Horseshoes 

The Three Horseshoes is just two doors down from the start, tucked on the corner between Otley Road and Weetwood Lane. 

3) New Inn 

Just a two-minute walk from stop three is The New Inn, which is the cosiest, most traditional pub you’ll find along the stretch. 

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4) Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill 

Just over the road is Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill, stop number 4. A great place to sneak a glance at the football along your bar crawl. 

5) Arcadia Ale House 

Arcadia is one of the newest additions to the route, they serve a range of craft ales and are located just as the Arndale Centre begins. 

6) Sixes Social Cricket 

Sixes Social Cricket is your sixth stop. An interactive bar, it’s home to shuffleboards and cricket simulators – if you still have the coordination. 

7) The Headingley Taps 

Just over the road is Headingley Taps, very student-friendly, offering exclusive deals during freshers’ week.  

8) Box 

Box is pub number eight. Boasting a roof terrace, two-for-one cocktails, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Box is one of the livelier stops amongst the eighteen. 

9) The Skyrack 

Just off Otley Road, on St Michael’s Road, is stop number nine, The Skyrack, offering 20% discount for students and also marking the halfway point. 

10) The Original Oak  

An iconic landmark along the Otley run is Original Oak’s beer garden, where you’ll find all kinds of Otley Run characters enjoying the sunshine. 

11) The Hyde Park Pub  

If you’ve lasted the walk between stops ten and eleven, you’ll be met with a DJ for a quick two-step before another trek across Hyde Park. 

12) The Library Pub  

Once you’ve crossed Hyde Park, it’s stop number twelve, The Library, don’t be fooled, this is a bar, not a book shop. 

13) The Pack Horse 

A Grade II listed building with a live music venue upstairs and street food stalls, The Pack Horse is pub thirteen. 

14) The Eldon 

Stop fourteen is The Eldon and hosts a happy hour 4pm-7pm on Sunday to Fridays. 

15) Leeds University Union  

One of Leeds’ biggest outdoor terraces, Leeds University Union, is another new addition to the Otley Run.

16) Handsome Bar 

Nearing the end of the Otley run, lively and artsy Handsome Brewhouse serves cocktails and vibes.  

17) The Fenton  

The Fenton is an independent bar serving a selection of craft ales and ciders, and is a proper pub for your second-to-last stop. 

18) The Dry Dock  

If you’ve made it this far, well done and maybe it’s time for a drink of water. Dry Dock is your eighteenth and final stop.  

The best foodie spots on the Otley Run road

If drinking isn’t your thing, or you’re in the area for the weekend, we’ve curated a list of places where you can eat your way along the stretch.

You can still enjoy what the road into town has to offer, minus the fancy dress!

Poco

Poco, best known for their pizza, boasts a range of authentic Sicilian street food, including mouth-watering arancini and cannoli. A great stop along the Otley run for undisputed authentic Italian snacks. 

Where? 93b Stainbeck Road, Leeds, England, LS7 2PR. 

Loaf

Loaf is a perfect Leeds brunch spot, with a locally sourced menu and a cosy interior. The experience is beautifully crafted by couple Katy and David from start to finish. Serving simple but effective breakfast and lunch dishes. 

Where? 90-92 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 4BA

Heaney and Mill

Former photography studio Heaney and Mill is another venue that values local produce with creative, vibrant dishes for a finer style of dining. Located just before stops four and five on the Otley Run, it’s hard to miss.  

Go for a leisurely brunch or pop by for an evening meal, you won’t be disappointed.

Where? 14 Weetwood Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5LX

TADA

TADA is relatively new to the Otley Road food scene, and its popularity speaks volumes. They have recently moved to a different site to keep up with eager foodies!

Downstairs is home to a traditional sushi bar, and upstairs continues the Japanese-inspired dining offering ramen and yakitori skewers. 

You’ll want to book in advance, as this spot gets booked up quickly – especially come the weekend.

Where? 6 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AD

De Baga

Having opened in 2019, De Baga has been a great success. Serving authentic Goan flavours with British ingredients, the menu features a range of small plates and simmered curries.

Their handcrafted cocktails are not to miss, and you’ll want to save room for dessert – soft and syrupy Gulab Jamun is our favourite. This is a top spot for Indian food in Leeds.

Where? 9 Otley Road,. Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AA

Coffee on The Crescent

A bit further along, just before Hyde Park is Coffee on the Crescent. Popular with students, locals and eager park runners come Saturday morning, this spot serves up fantastic coffee and sweet bakes. 

If you’re looking for an incredible pastry, look no further. They recently won best coffee shop in Yorkshire, and proudly use tasty local produce. 

Where? 2 The Crescent, Woodhouse, Leeds LS6 2NW

Bakery 164

The Otley Run is not shy of excellent bakeries. Known for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches, Bakery 164 has been serving since 1994!  

Go for a fluffy focaccia sandwich and coffee to brighten up your usual lunchtime.

Where? 164 Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9HB