Gracie's been with us since the Pastille years, so why have we never asked her about her favourite places before? She's been in Leeds for upwards of 10 years and is a converted northerner. She loves to be out and about and is always asking clients for recommendations, so here are her favourite picks...

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What brought you to Leeds?

I moved to Leeds for university in 2013 and just never left! Leeds is the perfect place to move if you're overwhelmed by somewhere as sprawling as London (like I was) but don't want to sacrifice culture, nightlife or your social life. I love that all my friends live a maximum of 10 minutes away! It's such a creative place, plus if you're ready for some fresh air it's so easy to get out of the city and go on a country walk or to a whole new town for the day. 

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What's your favourite hidden gem - somewhere so good you almost want to keep to yourself?

I hate a crowded bar/cafe because I hate standing. My favourite place in town is Below Stairs (book in advance), and I love Rinse wine bar and their sister bar Bottle Chop in Headingley - they're bringing back Orange Wednesdays but with wine (if you know you know). My favourite food place at the moment is Lupe's Cantina in Burley - every dish is a slay and their drinks never disappoint.

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Where do you go if you want to 'unplug' and disappear for an hour?

I'd go to Henry Moore Institute for a wander around and then Leeds Art Gallery cafe for a little coffee. If I wasn't in town I'd just go to a park with a coffee or on a tour of the local charity shops and have a dig around.

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What's your repeat order?

If you know me, you know I love House of Fu. You can't go wrong with one of their yuzu frozen margs and a Spicy Fu Tantanmen ramen. I also always have their cucumber salad (I could eat that for the rest of my life!) and order their gyoza special. 

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You have 20 minutes in the city centre to grab lunch. Where do you go?

I love Kirkgate Market, and you can find pretty much any cuisine there! My go-to is Banh & Me, which is Vietnamese. It's just consistently amazing food and really generous portions, and I get summer rolls and the chicken pho.

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What does your ideal Saturday look like?

I hate an early morning so ideally a late wake-up for me! A little walk down to Galleria for a coffee & brunch or drive to Horsforth for Slow Rise bagels and coffee, followed by a wander around town. If I can squeeze in some charity shops I'm always happy and I love a little lunch date so I'd meet friends. My preference is Mommy Thai which has a great lunch deal (get the Kow Soi, loads of flavour and not spicy) and then a beer at Whitelocks if it's not overflowing. Dinner at House of Fu obv followed by karaoke with the girls of course! 

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What are you looking forward to trying next? 

Salon Madre has just opened not far from TBA and I love a taco and a margarita, but I've also still not visited Nono's wine bar which is about 30 seconds from the salon! In terms of food I have heard great things about Amazing Gyoza in Kirkgate Market, Joy's Kitchen for Chinese food and Fern Sushi, so I need to orchestrate a date night soon... 

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