The Banksia Restaurant and Hotel Indigo: Leeds City Break

I love a city break and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy quite a few recently, but I rarely think to explore the city right on my doorstep — the mighty Leeds, as my husband calls it. As a proud Yorkshire native with deep northern roots, I was delighted to be invited to experience the new Hotel Indigo Leeds and its in-house restaurant, The Banksia. A city break with the girls, just 20 minutes down the road? Count me in.

It was a Thursday afternoon in late August when my friend and I pulled into Leeds and found the newly opened Hotel Indigo on Lower Briggate. This corner of the city has long been a hub of history and nightlife, and Indigo has brought a fresh lease of life to one of its landmark buildings. Blending heritage and modern flair, it feels both rooted in the past and right at home in contemporary Leeds.

I’ve stayed in a few Indigo hotels around the UK, and what strikes me every time is how they manage to feel both brand new and as though they’ve been part of the city forever. They’re sympathetic to their surroundings yet always glamorous — and Leeds is no exception. Reception is gloriously welcoming, with plush jewel-toned furniture and an exquisitely turned out reception team – we’re off to a rather stylish start. To the right of reception is the jewel in the crown – The Banksia, with its glass, mirrors and twinkling lights, it feels very special.

Our enthusiasm to get the afternoon party started meant we arrived a little early for check-in — which could only mean one thing: drinks! Us Yorkshire folk know how to party, so it was no surprise that even on a Thursday afternoon Leeds was buzzing with happy hours and two-for-one cocktails. I can never resist a spicy marg. But Leeds isn’t just about the cocktails. It’s the perfect city for a weekend break, offering something for everyone. Shoppers can lose themselves in the beautiful Victoria Quarter and Kirkgate Market, culture lovers can explore the Leeds Art Gallery or Royal Armouries, and night owls are spoilt for choice with music, dining and bars that rival any UK city.

After a shufty around some of our favourite spots, we headed back to Indigo to freshen up and enjoy a late lunch with all the trimmings. Indigo always gets the rooms just right — eclectic décor meets modern comforts and lavish touches, with deep velvets, crisp linens and beautiful bathing products. You simply can’t go wrong. They also never miss when it comes to dining, and The Banksia is as stylish as they come. The restaurant flows with the same energy as the hotel: plush fabrics, soft lighting, jewel-toned accents and a touch of glamour without ever feeling stuffy. It’s the kind of space that works just as well for a long, lazy lunch as it does for an evening cocktail — chic, inviting and unmistakably Leeds.

We took a seat by the window — this part of town is made for people-watching — and took in the menu. A vibrant menu bursting with colourful dishes and a distinct nod to the Med, there are plenty of small plates designed for sharing. Tempted by almost everything, we decided the only sensible option was to order a generous selection and taste our way through.

Our server advised that two to three dishes per person would be plenty. Naturally, we took her at her word and ordered six — I can never resist a good feed! The plates arrived one by one as they were ready, which suited us perfectly. It gave us time to savour each dish and enjoy the leisurely rhythm of the afternoon.

We kicked things off with the king scallops — plump, perfectly seared and lifted with dukkah, aubergine and a zing of lime. The tempura squid was light and crisp, paired with za’atar, inky aioli and a hit of sweet chilli that kept us dipping back for more. A fresh, vibrant tuna tartare followed, bright with chilli, sesame and spring onion. For something heartier, we couldn’t resist the beef brisket pachanga — a Turkish-style spring roll packed with slow-cooked spiced beef, roasted peppers, tulum cheese and fresh herbs wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. To balance it all out (and to feel slightly virtuous), we added a side of broccolini with sweet chilli and tahini — smoky, crunchy and deliciously moreish.

We decided to skip dessert in favour of more cocktails — always the right choice, if you ask me. They make a mean martini here; I like mine extra dry with a twist, nothing dirty about my cocktail order. My guest stuck with their spicy margarita and declared it one of the best they’d had in Leeds. After an afternoon of delicious food, excellent drinks and immaculate service, we both agreed that The Banksia is a real asset to the city’s dining scene — and the perfect spot to anchor a Leeds city break.

Planning a city break in Leeds? Make Indigo your next call, tell them I sent you.

Hotel Indigo Leeds: 2 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 4AE

Words – Joanne Brook-Smith Visit date: 28th August 2025

Discover why Crave is a top lifestyle magazine UK readers follow for delicious recipes and travel ideas.