There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from in Leeds - but hidden away in the heart of the city is a right little gem.
Nation of Shopkeepers, famed for its live music and real ale, is a real winner when it comes to students and the forty something's trying to re-live their youth. Located on Cookridge Street - round the corner from Millennium Square - Nations is quite easily missed, so if you get to Revolution - you've gone too far. But find it, get inside and enjoy a local bitter.
Nations is known locally for having regular events on, including; live band, DJ sets and quiz nights. The quirky inside has decorative art across the walls and wooden floor and seats that gives it a modern-day cabin feel. But where Nations comes into its own is when you hit the beer garden.
Colourful brollies and seating give the outdoor area a hippy feel and on a summer afternoon it really does make you want to stay for hours on end. The outside also has a separate balcony for around 40 diners. Oh wow, haven't I mentioned the food yet?
I've never been so impressed by the food quality at a pub. Okay, don't get me wrong - be prepared to wait for food as it took a long time to come to our table, but it was worth it. I went for the 'Nation of Shopkeepers Burger' (below). The double fried chips take centre stage as I've never tasted chips like them before and the burger that sat in that little basket isn't too far behind.

The Nation of Shopkeepers Burger
So if you're on a night out in Leeds and need food, forget the horrible Wetherspoon's 'Beer and a Burger only £5.95' get up to Shopkeepers and have a real ale and a real burger.
But be careful, students love it, so skinny jeans, tattoos and a great taste in music is required.