Today we are catching up with our fave @nails.by.laurabe. Laura only left the salon two weeks ago & we're already thinking of reasons to talk to her! Anyone who knows Laura or has been lucky enough to have a manicure by her will probably be aware that Laura was our salon socialite & while most of us can be found tucked up in bed by 10pm on a Saturday, Laura can normally be found out living her best life around Leeds! We figured who better to spill the beans on her favourite spots for you all…

So first up, a subject we know is very close to your heart. The best bottomless brunches in Leeds. Hit us with your top three & a little about the vibe we can expect at each:

My top 3 brunch spots would have to be:
Manahatta for the vibe! It’s always so much fun, your glass is never empty and you can upgrade brunch food to something more filling. Plus it’s a great one if you mention it’s your birthday!
Lost and Found is another one as they do classy mimosas when you're out with the girls plus I love a brunch that does more than just Prosecco.
One I haven’t been to yet is Bomba Paella. It’s a brunch I have in the diary for the start of July with some of the TBA girlies. Sangria and tapas… sounds perfect for the summer vibes!

We know how close you are with your family. Let’s say it’s your mum’s birthday and you want to take her and your sister out on a girly night out, where are you eating & where are you drinking?

We always start our evening with Livin' Italy when us 3 go out, it’s mum’s fave place so we can’t not… plus the garlic mushrooms are the best!!

Favourite place to get totally wild & stay up dancing till 4am?

We would usually go to Be At One or The Queens Hotel for a cocktail, Dakota for a glass of champagne and we always somehow end our night with some cheesy music in Popworld. Reliving mine and my sister's childhood dance routines.

It’s a sunny Sunday & you fancy a few Al fresco drinks, where do you head?

My favourite spot would have to be Distrikt and then if I’m not finished with my night, The New Penny never fails and it’s open to 6 am. I love a rooftop bar so it would have to be either Belgrave Music Hall if I fancy a beer and a pizza slice or Headrow House if it’s a cocktail sort of day.

Tell us what would be your perfect date night with your boyfriend?

We would have to start with something slightly competitive, usually a game or two of pool in Foleys pub (my boyfriend loves the beer in there) or a couple of rounds of darts at Flight club. Then you can’t go wrong with a pizza from Rudy's, it’s definitely the best place in town for a wood fired pizza, and they do Burrata too which is a bonus! Then a few drinks around town (little tip- we love going to Below Stairs, it’s a speakeasy bar behind Greek street and they do the best bespoke cocktails.) Then usually ending in Doghouse bopping along to a local DJ playing some good dance or techno music. We both love to socialise so the night never ends early.

Do you have an independent local business or charity you think everyone needs to know about?

A local Leeds charity I have recently been in contact with and think everyone needs to know about is Angels of Freedom. They’re a LGBTQ+ charity who do so much to help the families and people of the Freedom Quarter in Leeds and they rely solely on donations to keep the charity going. You can meet them patrolling around Leeds LGBTQ+ scene every Friday night and they’re always open to a chat with anyone in the community.

And finally, our favourite question, if you could win a lifetime unlimited spend at any Leeds restaurant - where would it be?

Oh that’s an easy one! It would have to be Stuzzi on Merrion Street. It’s an amazing Italian that does small plates and has a good wine list. The menu changes every few days and it does not disappoint. They serve authentic Italian food made with fresh ingredients and I’m a huge fan.

If you want more recommendations of things to do in Leeds, check out our interview with Sophie Bradshaw here!

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