Bring you own booze - a god-send for frugal food lovers
With so many good places to eat out in Leeds right now, it's easy to forget that eating out is a luxury - and it costs. When going all out, those bills can really rack up, particularly when it comes to the booze - which will often cost you more than the grub.
But fear not, that is where the beauty of BYOB comes in. They provide the food, you supply the booze, everyone's a winner: they get punters through the door trying their food, you have a roaring time and save a few quid on plonk. Good eh?
Here are five of our favourite Leeds restaurant that are happy for you to bring your own bottle...
Fettle
Known for it’s solid brunch options and Scandi vibes, Fettle’s three-night-a-week fine dining service is just as impressive as it’s morning offerings. Open Thursday to Saturday, pair your own bevs (no corkage fee) with their regularly changing menu, all inspired by rustic, European cooking. At time of writing, mains include beetroot, coconut and pea risotto, a stone bass and lemon puttanesca, and spring lamb rack with celeriac mash – we’re booking in as we speak. @fettlecafe 73 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3BR
Jino’s Thai Café
Tucked away in Headingley, what Jino’s lacks in visual presence it sure makes up for in grub. Well priced and spiced, service is quick and dishes are plentiful and wide-ranging. Staff will gladly bring glasses and ice to pair with spirits, although we’d recommend nipping to nearby Sainsbury’s for a cool beer – the ideal pairing for their excellent Som Tam Noodle Salad or creamy Panaeng curry. Jino's Thai Cafe 46-46a Otley Rd, Leeds LS6 2AL
The Swine That Dines
Supper-club-turned-fine-diner, Swine provide plenty of reason to amble a little bit further through the city centre. Booking is essential, but the BYOB policy adds even more intimacy to an already intimate dining experience – small tables piled high with plates ideal for sharing, regularly rotating to show the best of seasonal produce. This food deserves a beverage pairing that meets it’s caliber, so go on, treat yourself to that slightly-pricier-than-average bottle of red on your way there. @swinethatdines 58 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Roots & Fruits
Embracing all things veggie and vegan within the Grand Arcade, Roots and Fruits have been championing ethical eating in Leeds for over twenty years and maintain high standards of snacks, sandwiches and indulgent puds. Go for the Welsh Rarebit (made with vegan cashew cheese), but stay for The Whole Bowl – a tasty and filling combination of chipotle spiced black beans, brown rice, mango salsa and guacamole. They do have a corkage charge of £3 and only stay open until 7pm, so plan accordingly. Roots & Fruit 10-11 Grand Arcade, Leeds LS1 6PG
Thai Aroy Dee
Anybody who likes their Thai food will know that Thai Aroy Dee is up there with My Thai as the best in the city. The wide floorspace is nearly constantly busy, but they can seemingly always sneak a few extra in for sumptuous tempura prawns that are crunchy rather than greasy, and a crab fried rice that is the stuff comfort food dreams are made of. They're also popular on the BYOB circuit, but watch out for soft drinks - you'll get stung £5 for bringing those, so better for the designated driver to order from the bar. 120-122 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL
Caravanserai
A blink-and-you’ll miss it venue next to the Corn Exchange, Caravenserai has saved many alcoholically-intoxicated-and-halloumi-craving souls at 4am with its hole in the wall service. If you’re seeking a more civilised evening, then the sit down meal in their restaurant space is just as good. Akin to sitting in somebody’s living room, their ‘fast food cooked slower’ is cosy and homely, ranging from shakshuka baked eggs and cold mezze boards right through to Zagaleel - a spicy baby chicken stuffed with lamb and rice. Pair with a light, crisp Rosé to get the best of all the flavours. 1 Crown St, Leeds LS2 7DA
