From chic hotel comfort to tapas triumphs and riverside adventures, Leeds redefines the family getaway.
Sometimes a city break with kids can feel more like a military operation than a holiday. But when you’re staying in a shiny new boutique hotel, dining at a Mediterranean restaurant with table-side hummus, and in a city that serves up bookshops on boats, suddenly it’s less operation and more adventure!
That’s how my recent stay at Hotel Indigo Leeds with my husband James, and our two boys, Isaac ( aged 11) and Elijah (aged 8), unfolded; a fun, flavour-packed weekend in the buzzing city of Leeds.
Hotel Indigo Leeds
Hotel Indigo Leeds has set up shop in one of the city’s most historic hotel buildings, but inside it’s anything but old fashioned. The design is bold, witty, and full of nods to Leeds’ heritage. Each room is themed around local icons: Leeds’ film pioneer Louis Le Prince, its industrial past and Waddingtons, the makers of Monopoly. The boys loved spotting the Easter eggs of design, while James and I enjoyed the grown up blend of vintage chic and contemporary touches.
Our Premium Room was just right for a family of four, with a big double bed, plus two singles for the boys (no bedtime negotiations- bliss!). The space was airy, with soft lighting, an open wardrobe, and chairs perfect for sprawling with a book or an iPad. The en-suite had a rainfall shower, fluffy towels, and eco-friendly Zenology toiletries in a divine Sycamore Fig scent.
Little touches stood out: fast Wi-Fi so the boys could game during downtime from our busy city explorations, (and I could crack on with Instagramming the gorgeous room!), complimentary bottled water and coffee, plus Yorkshire Tea waiting on the tray. After a busy day, we all collapsed into the uber comfy beds and crisp bedding for a beautiful night’s sleep.
Dining at Banksia: A Taste of the Med in Leeds
One of the best things about Hotel Indigo Leeds? You don’t even need to leave the building to find a brilliant restaurant. Banksia, – located on the ground floor with its own street entrance – is chic, vibrant and already gaining a great reputation as a local favourite. Inspired by the Banksia wildflower, its décor is a mix of warm terracotta, lush greenery and glowing lighting. It’s lively without being intimidating, and most importantly, the staff are the kind of friendly that instantly puts families at ease.
Dinner: Tapas with a Twist
Banksia’s menu is all about Mediterranean inspired small plates, which for a family is quite frankly genius: lots of flavours and everyone gets to try something new. Tapas at Banksia is perfect for kids as it’s smaller portions, no pressure, and the chance to try grown-up flavours.
We began with Kalamata Olives (£4.50) and a basket of Mediterranean Breads (£6.50), simple, fresh and delicious. The real showstopper of the night was the Banksia Hummus (£9), which was prepared at the table. Our waiter rolled over a cart and she expertly blended chickpeas with smoked paprika, olive oil and pomegranate molasses before our eyes. The kids (and us adults!) were very impressed indeed! The result was a delicious silky, smoky hummus paired with warm flatbread.
Next up we tried a range of dishes, including Caramelised Cauliflower (£8) with zhoug and pomegranate. This was sweet, spicy and so good the kids forgot they were eating vegetables. The Tuna Tartare (£12.50) was fresh and zingy with chilli and sesame. The biggest surprise was the 6oz Rump Steak (£14), served medium rare. Our boys tried it hesitantly but then absolutely loved it. “Best meal ever,” Elijah announced, mid-bite. A total win. We also ordered Tempura Squid (£10) with black ink aioli and – because no family meal is complete without dessert- Baklava (£7.50). Flaky, honey-soaked layers with walnuts and cardamom cream. We left gloriously full and very happy indeed!
Breakfast at Banksia: Fuel for Adventure
The next morning, breakfast at Banksia was just as delicious as dinner. James tackled a hearty Yorkshire Breakfast (£14.95), while I went sweet with Ricotta Pancakes (£11) piled with orange compote and pistachios. Isaac had the Turkish Eggs (£12) (mostly for dipping bread into that garlicky yoghurt sauce) and Elijah stuck to bacon, eggs, and chocolate croissants from the buffet. Fresh juices and great coffee rounded it all off.
Banksia isn’t just a hotel restaurant – it’s worth visiting on its own. Whether you’re staying at Hotel Indigo or just in Leeds for the day, book a table. It’s stylish, welcoming, and the food is fantastic.
Things to Do in Leeds with Kids
Leeds is packed with family-friendly fun, and Hotel Indigo’s central location made everything easy to reach. My recommendations for great local activities during your city break include:
Ride the Leeds Water Taxi
For just £3 per person each way (kids under 5 go free), you can hop aboard one of the iconic yellow boats and cruise from Granary Wharf near the station to Leeds Dock in about 10 minutes. It’s lots of fun!
Find out more here: leedswatertaxis.co.uk
Visit Hold Fast Bookshop (on a barge)
At Leeds Dock sits Marjorie R, a 1940s canal boat turned bookshop. Inside are shelves of new and second-hand reads, plus quirky gifts like succulents in teacups. Entry is free, browsing is encouraged, and it’s a quirky and fun visit.
Find out more here: https://www.leedsdock.com/whos-here/hold-fast/
Explore the Royal Armouries Museum
Just steps from the Dock, this world-class museum is free entry and home to thousands of arms and armour. Expect knights’ swords, samurai armour and even an elephant in full battle kit. We caught a live sword-fighting demo that had the boys cheering. Interactive trails and family-friendly exhibits make it a brilliant day out.
Find out more here: royalarmouries.org
Our weekend city break in Leeds was the perfect mix of city buzz and family fun. Hotel Indigo Leeds delivered comfort and style and Banksia wowed us with bold flavours and warm service, proving tapas can win over even the pickiest kids. And Leeds itself – with water taxis, floating bookshops and armour-clad elephants – was the perfect city break.
Booking Your Stay
A Premium Room, like the room we stayed in, costs around £150-£170 per night on a September weekend, with breakfast included in many packages. It’s excellent value for the style, comfort and family-friendliness you get. The perfect city break base.
Book your room here: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/leeds/lbalb/hoteldetail
Banksia can be booked separately, make a reservation to guarantee a table: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/leeds/lbalb/hoteldetail/dining
Expect small plates from about £6-£15, desserts around £7, and breakfast mains £10-£15.
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Feature image supplied
