If you’re more Wimbledon than World Cup, check out our top places to catch the tennis instead
Somewhere behind the sea of red and white flags, beneath the mass football chants and beyond the hordes of World Cup hopefuls, you’ll still discover the lesser-sighted tennis fan. They relax in a deckchair, clutching a glass (or possibly a jug) of Pimm’s. They prefer a smaller ball to player ratio, and indeed a smaller ball.
But this is no time to wage war between tennis lovers and football fans: this is the British summer, where we live and let live and thank god for another day of sun. With the beautiful game on pretty much every screen across Leeds, you might have to search a little harder to find some grand slam action this year. But worry not, because we’ve done the work for you.
WELLINGTON PLACE AND BOND COURT
Lovely Leeds BID have done their bit this year, giving you the chance to watch every ace on the big screen at Wellington Place and Bond Court. Centrally located for lunchtime, after work or pretty much anytime viewing, there's also plenty of refreshments within reach. So try an iced coffee from Bottega Milanese, or grab a couple of craft beer cans from the Postal Service as you watch the rallies unfold. Bond Street, Leeds, LS1 2JZ
VICTORIA GATE
If you fancy something a little classier, our very own Victoria Leeds is serving up a treat right the way through the tournament - without any interruptions from that pesky World Cup final, which might well end up clashing with the last Wimbledon game of the tournament. Expect a giant screen, a selection of beverages, the obligatory red and white fruit and dairy combo and some secluded tennis camaraderie, as you chill out on Sidney Street in the shadow of Victoria Gate. Downloading the Victoria Leeds app will also get you free strawberries and cream (on offer 10am-10pm, 2-15 July). 44 Victoria Gate, George Street, Leeds, LS2 7AU
MILLENNIUM SQUARE
The fine expanse of paving slabbery that is Millennium Square has been transformed into a grassy paradise (well, there’s fake grass, deck chairs and booze) for the summer months - the perfect spot to catch some rays and pretend you’re on Murray Mound. The big screen in Millennium Square will show Wimbledon matches until the finals on 14-15 July, under the slightly sad provision that World Cup games will take priority (should it come to it). If your tennis loyalty can withstand that smite, head down to enjoy picnic benches, strawberries and cream and potentially fans battling tooth and claw for the honour of Kane or Federer. Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
AIRE
The original waterside drinking establishment of Leeds and still going strong as a fine place to watch your sports. The cavernous downstairs bar creates a great atmosphere with its bricked archways and - with plenty of big screens, local beers and a Yorkshire-themed food menu - you can’t go far wrong. 32 The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EW
SHOOTERS
Life is about balance and, while spending an afternoon quaffing Prosecco and whooping politely in the sun might seem like the option for you, Shooters’ wildly inexpensive drinks menu (£8.95 for a bottle of sav in their week-daily 12pm-8pm happy hour) and boisterous atmosphere is well worth a shot. This unapologetic gem of the Leeds sports bar family will be showing Wimbledon every day for its two-week stint – you just might have to settle for strawberry vodka instead of strawberries and cream. 123 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 5RD
