Water Lane Boathouse review: Tranquil Leeds bar where you can bag a relaxing lunch for under a tenner

We all know January can be something of a double-edged sword. Many of us are most probably skint after Christmas [1] but equally we'd like a little treat to cure those January blues. So, to start the year, we have brought you a list of restaurants and bars in Leeds offering money off food and drink [2].

They hopefully provide a cost efficient way to head out and enjoy yourself. It only felt right to put one of our recommendations to the test. So, taking a quick break on the first Friday of 2024, I paid my maiden visit to the quaint Water Lane Boathouse - which you'll find nestled behind Leeds Train Station in Canal Wharf.

Word of the venue's offers had clearly spread, because during my luncheon, it was rather busy in the downstairs seating area. As part of Water Lane Boathouse's January incentive, customers can enjoy 50 per cent off options including pizzas, burgers, salad and sandwiches. This reduction will be in place until Thursday, January 25.

It is also worth noting the regular appealing deals available. These include half price pizzas each Sunday, 'fizz Fridays' which sees Prosecco bottles available for GBP20 and free chips and a soft drink accompanying every sandwich during Monday to Thursday lunchtimes.

Water Lane Boathouse is based in a tranquil Leeds setting

It is fair to say the team at the boathouse, which offers outdoor seating beside the water, is doing everything they can to entice customers through the door. I placed my order for a margherita pizza (GBP4.47, as part of the January offer) at the bar and no sooner had I returned to my seat, my lunch had arrived - a nice swift turnaround for those taking a break from work.

On my table, I had a lovely view of the wonderful outside surrounds. Making for a rather tranquil setting to enjoy a brief breather away from the hustle and bustle of getting back up to speed with work. The food, significantly more appealing than a supermarket meal deal, was a real treat.

The only shame was not being able to stay longer to enjoy the atmosphere and the stylish setting but, sadly, the what's on scene in Leeds needed me. With my food and drink coming in at under GBP9, it is fair to say Water Lane Boathouse delivered the first real bargain of 2024.

The bill

Margherita pizza - GBP4.47
Fries - GBP1.47
Pint of Coca-Cola - GBP3

Total: GBP8.96 Water Lane Boathouse, Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 5PS.

To find out more visit their website [4]. To find out the latest food and drink news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage [5]. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds [6].

You can sign up to our Best in Leeds newsletter here [7]. Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire's unique identity and destinations and celebrate God's Own County for what it is - the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help.

Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place - sign up here to get it direct to your inbox [8].

References

^ Christmas (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ a list of restaurants and bars in Leeds offering money off food and drink (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ 13 Leeds restaurants and bars you must visit n 2024 (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ website (waterlaneboathouse.com)
^ Best in Leeds homepage (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ things to do in Leeds (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ here (www.leeds-live.co.uk)
^ sign up here to get it direct to your inbox (data.reachplc.com)