Water Lane Boathouse in Leeds

Normally pretty good in here but tonight it was cold because all the doors were propped open, and the bar service was very slow.

Everything is fine, but queue for a bar 🍸 😲 😱 OMG

Pathetic pub - on match night says it’s closing because of license … when I said I’d been here before after 10.15pm on a week night the manager said, “aye well it’s been a quiet day so we’re allowed to close early” … so I asked what’s the relevance of licensing then … embarrassingly he said “well it’s a bit of both” … total bullsh!t way to run a city pub on a match night that has 36,000 and many of whom are visiting Leeds fans in the city following a match that ended at 9.45pm!

Travelled from the south and was taken here tonight, really lovely setting, lovely food and vibe and the staff was so great and friendly, highly recommend this venue. Staff deserve a great reward xxxx

Terrible staff, rude and lazy. No urgency at the bar and felt as though customers were an inconvenience. Food then came 45 minutes apart and had to ask where half of the order was. Then had dirty plates on the table the whole time we were here. Some were cleared but then never came back to clear the rest. Staff who were serving food also having ciggarettes next to customers in beer garden. If not for the location would never come, pizzas good but overall feel like I am spening money somewhere im not welcome

I called in with my wife before getting the train home around 3:30. The place had a nice buzz about it but wasn't over crowded. We only had one drink before we had to leave so I couldn't comment on what it would be like later on but tha atmosphere was very nice and the location next to the canal we very pleasant. I would give it a try if in Leeds. I will be calling back soon to give it another try. I would recommend.

Another Monday afternoon visit. Good choice of beers and great views over the canal. We caught the early finishing office workers and interesting to note that just about all the tables were reserved from 6pm

Lovely setting however I was disappointed with the menu choices. Not a lot of choices in food and no decaf coffee. Staff seemed okay but a bit disinterested.

Nice place and great value for money. We've been here last Sunday evening and we had 4 cocktails in total and we really enjoyed them. Also, we had 2 pizzas with the half price offer and they were really good. Obviously not something exceptional but much better even from Italian restaurants.

Was pressured to write a 5-star review 3 years ago when I was a depressed line cook there.

Descent pizza for half price on Sunday, good tap line up and a nice spot by the canal. Worth a visit and a stroll along all the developments for sure

A bit noisy due to the DJ the rugby being on TV and it was so busy a bit difficult to try and have a conversation. The bar staff are so lovely they don't just serve you the chat so easily to you just about your day lovely young lads the bar should be so grateful they have such great staff. The food was nice and a lot!! Be warned go really hungry lovely pace to go and lovely setting on the canal.

Booked a table for 7:30, were told upon arrival that the kitchen would be closing in 10 minutes and we had to order quickly, which why can we book a table for 7:30 when the kitchen’s about to close? After deciding what we wanted (in a hurry) we were told that no pizzas were available and no beef burgers, meaning all we could order was a chicken or vegan burger, or a salad. Anyway, the food was ok when received, the blonde bargirl was also very rude and condescending and all in all the whole party was made to feel small. After all this, we had been waiting for an hour and 2 from our party still didn’t have their food and after complaining they were told the cheque hadn’t gone through to the kitchen and since the kitchen was now closed all they could do was provide a free pint and a refund (£9 when they had paid £26). So all in all, would not recommend, seems poorly managed and overall a pretentious atmosphere.

Enjoyed an excellent lunch at Water Lane Boathouse! Arrived around 12:30pm on a very cold Sunday in January to find plenty of free tables, although there were quite a few reserved and it did fill up quite a bit later on so it might be advisable to book for larger parties. On Sundays there is a 50% off pizza deal and Amstell is only £3.50 per pint, so 2 pizzas and 2 pints only came to £18.95. Amazing value! The pizzas were both absolutely delicious. It was a difficult choice as there were lots of good options, but in the end, we opted for the spicy chicken and the meatball with caramelised onions. We were impressed that they arrived within 15 minutes of ordering. We were lucky to secure a window seat and had a lovely view of the dock (the water was iced over!) whilst we enjoyed our lunch.

Water Lane Boathouse is a fantastic spot! The food is amazing, especially the pizzas. They offer half-price pizzas on Sundays, which is a great deal. The pizza stove adds a cool, authentic touch to the dining experience. Highly recommend!

Really cute and cosy, perfect for any date nights with friends or partners! The pizza was also decent.

had to wait over 45 mins for olives and fries as a nibble on the table and when the fries came they were absolutely drenched in oil (see photo) it was absolutely gross. wouldn’t be in a rush to eat here again…

really good pizzas! and half price off on a sunday too. loooovely playlist too!! the staff were so lovely over the sunday lunch period, and very happy to answer my questions :)

Just stopped for a quick drink. Nice place with views over Granary Wharf. Menu looked worth trying another time.

One of my favourite places in Leeds. Nice food and atmosphere

Didn't eat. But a meeting place for a works do, fantastic couple of hours

Lovely food, atmosphere & vibes

Bartender (black tee blue print on back) rude as hell. Very strange interaction… didn’t look at us or even acknowledge our order… actually had to ask him whilst he was pouring a drink if he heard us. He then turned passive aggressive and over the top whilst I was paying. Absolutely insane behaviour. Changed our order immediately from drinks and food to just a small drink, so we could leave asap, who wants to pay money for drinks and food in 2024 to be treat like that? Been a customer since 2018, a very friendly place usually.

Wasn't great.. food was a let down just bland. Pub was ok but smelt like a toilet was close by... and it was.. toilets could do with a clean.

Hands down the best Guinness I've ever had! This pub knows how to pour a perfect pint – smooth, rich, and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it the ideal spot to relax with friends or enjoy a quiet drink. If you're a Guinness lover, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

This place was amazing it was quite nice day and time to go because it was not busy. We were the only ones on the second floor on the bottom there was quite a few people. I went on a Wednesday around 2:30 ish

Delicious lunch, very good value

Very slow service. Lovely location though

Chips were fine but The burger was cold and under cooked ,piza nothing special. didnt like the atmosphere wasn't conducive to eating so left

We had chicken burgers and hibi shake vocktails. The burger was great - soft bun, big peace of meat, nice seasoning, loads od fries on the side. Great view on the water! Great pub!

Love going here from time to time, great spot of character and liveliness next to the canal and just a stones throw from Leeds Station South Entrance. Had some lovely pizza and good selection of beers, at very reasonable prices. Nice outside area and patio heaters for when it gets a bit chilly on an evening.

Absolutely wonderful food served at the Boathouse. Highly recommended

Really nice and interesting bar. Definitely worth a visit. Only criticism is that the male staff member behind the bar could crack a smile or at least look remotely interested in what you're ordering and say hello.....🤯

Very well kept very pricey for beer

Come here once a month for Leeds Games Toast (game developer meetup). Always a decent range of beers on. Some are a bit pricey but it's Leeds, and the craft stuff usually is a couple of quid more. Haven't eaten here but have seen plenty of other people eat, and it's nice to be able to see the kitchen staff cooking upstairs. Looks nice, will have to try something one of these days.

Great service and atmosphere and food was amazing especially for price. It was relatively busy and food was at my table within 5 minutes of ordering. It was hot fresh and fragrant I will have to return regularly

Great pub and atmosphere - good for sports

Great place to grab a drink by the canal

Went for quite a few in a sunny day. Loved it as always.

lovely place. Cracking food. Definitely will be back 👍😁

Sat outside on a nice sunny day and really enjoyed the atmosphere and looks forward to returning

Fantastic when it's hot next to the river

Had a great time at The Boathouse, sitting in the sun in the busy outdoor area.

I went for lunch with a colleague, on their recommendation, but was told that the wait for food would be at least 50 minutes. That's an unacceptable wait at any time, but particularly at lunch.

The atmosphere was okay. Food was average. I had a vegan burger (vegan victories burger) with fries. I didn't like the taste ( had something like a burnt smell) and the fries were too oily. I used their toilet and it was pretty old and not properly cleaned. The urinal was placed in a corner on each side. Two people can't go at the same time. Also I had a stomach ache that night. Overall it was okay for me.

Not too bad but the upstairs room by the pizza ovens always stinks of the loos every time I've been in. Make sure to sit downstairs or outside to avoid the reek!

Good place to go for a drink. Happened to have a quiz on the night we went.

My 2nd time going here. First time I went for a lunch with some work mates. Had the meat board which was very tasty and filling. 2nd time was for an after work dinner and drinks. Very friendly staff; especially the guys behind the outside bar. Had the Lam burger which was very tasty, but small on the fries portion hahaha. No complaints though. All in all, great evening by the Loch.

Very good service with very good food.

A great watering hole in the summer heat but a pity that when a company has a work do they situate the presentation right next to the toilets

Stop the single file queuing at the bar 🤦🏻‍♂️

Went for Lunch , Food ok not fantastic service good toilets awful

Great pizza! Fresh and tasty, good views and great atmosphere!

All around fine. Service was okay, drinks selection was adequate, outside area was nice - but very full, prices weren't eye-watering, but also weren't cheap.

Great location to sit beside the water just very slow bar service.

Was a great place to watch the football and then bingo after. Normally half price pizzas on Sunday.

Pizza here is amazing. Cocktails 2 for £14 and they’re pretty strong. Nice views and lots of seating outdoors.

Really good location with plenty of seating. Decent selection of drinks.

Decent food and good atmosphere here. Large outdoor space for summer drinks and the Monday pub quiz is so fun

Went there for lunch today and I wish I complained about food there and then. Halloumi burger was terrible, halloumi itself not fried properly if fried at all, brown avocado and very soggy fries. Very disappointing experience.

Got a summer salad with burrata and it literally had rocket, cherry tomatoes, and probably the whole red onion and buratta on top with no dressing. It was £15. The worst salad I ever had.

Had cocktails with friends...it was quiet as it was Monday afternoon but the cocktails were lovely

Great atmosphere. We had already eaten so we didn't try the food but their pizzas look amazing

Great place but not enough staff sadly

Nice place, decent food. Had a bad encounter with a barman which ruined my mood.

Cracking spot next to the canal. The sun was out, everyone in good spirits. Fully recommend

Been here a few times and every time it’s taken over 20 minutes to be served by bar staff when there’s no queue for the bar. Waste of money and time to be honest.

poor service, kitchen was allegedly shut at 6 for a private event but turned me away from food at 17:45!! even when the people In front were served

cute, clean, great food and nice cocktails! fries are amazing!

Nice place, good selection of food and drinks. Quite expensive salads

We had a great time first time out as mum's and lou and Harrison was so attentive and went beyond their job role!! Thank you so much for making our night one to remember !!! Drinks quick from Harrison as dealing with a 5 ladies isn't easy for the weak !! Thanks again guys definitely would recommend. Food was great! Thanks chef

Got the lunch time sandwich deal for the falafel as I'm veggie. Not sure what I was expecting but it was pretty poor and took half an hour to come. Wouldn't recommend. It cost £10 with small chips and drink so it's cheap but a waste of calories. The pizzas and burgers looked good. Love the boathouse for sunny drinks though

Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.. Great chips!

Lovely pizza and very pretty view of the river. Will definitely visit again if I get the chance 😄

Great food, relaxed atmosphere, great selection of drinks. And wonderful family vibes.

Food was great. But my god the service was dreadful, the waiter (who looked like Billy from stranger things) couldn’t find my table, I saw him wondering around with my pizza so I went up to him and asked if he was mine, he was so incredibly passive aggressive and patronising he just went “next time don’t move table darling” I couldn’t believe it, I told him I hadn’t move table, but he insisted must have given the wrong table number which I didn’t because turned out the bloody table had the plaque with number 74 and it also had written 74 on it and next to it had 75 written too! So it was simply a misunderstand and he could have handled that better!!!

Nice place with good vibes. Chilled Atmosphere and great for the quiz night on Mondays

Delicious pizzas. Lovely atmosphere and excellent service. Sometimes slow at the bar when its very busy because they make a lot of great cocktails, but that's common these days.

The food is bad, the place is not clean, and the bathrooms have a bad smell

Busy on a warm spring day by the canal. Busy, good atmosphere, good food

Lovely venue, unfriendly and rude service. Food is pretty good, the pizza's are actually very tasty indeed. Bar staff are a little slow and inefficient but very pleasant. However the people serving food were just miserable and down right rude. Snide comments, no smiles, slammed the food down on the table anywhere, not in front of the person whose food it was. When asked if there were any more utensils and napkins we were met with a shrug and a "you'll just have to find some yourself". It was a busy night (quiz night) and we were a big party, but I would expect far better service, or at least polite staff. Contacted by management subsequently to enquire about our experience.

Order the pizzas, they're nice. The rest of the menu is a bit naff. The burger was dry, woefully under seasoned and came with a genetic relish from a jar, the kind you get in a rustlers burger. The steak sandwich has roasted carrots in it to pad it out because there was so little steak in it. Oh and I paid £7.95 for 6 little pigs in blankets on a bed of undressed dry rocket. Very 2007. Boooo Only given 4 stars because the pizzas are great, I just didn't order one this time because I'm a DINGBAT

Sells food and drink. Two floors and right next to the river in Leeds city centre. There is a shortcut via the train station. Had a works meeting and ordered tasty stone baked pizzas made in the open kitchen upstairs. Clean facilities and no riffraff!

Shame we experienced bad service here last weekend - I emailed about my experience and have had no acknowledgement email. Sad as a lovely venue

Just had drinks v good selection it was busy staff worked well no problem

Went for a meal here, limited menu but the food was good. Visit was spoilt by the loud unusual music downstairs, which was packed. The quiet upstairs was roped off for a booking from 1745 but was empty at 1800!

Hannah was brilliant, chicken wings I'd recommend. The first bottomless brunch I'd attended with 2 female's. Hannah identified my uncomfortableness and made it ace.. I'd go again because of Hannah

A very unusual and pleasant venue. Large riverside beer garden. Kitchen, seating & toilets upstairs. Downstairs bar, featured tables with a river view. Disabled toilet right hand of main doors. A meeting place for the girls.

Arrived at this lovely place, very quaint. Ordered our food, good choices on the menu Sadly we waited for an over an hour for our food, people were getting their food who ordered after us. We ask one of the male members of staff if they could ask where our food was, after waiting 45 mins, sadly the staff member didn’t come back to advise why the delay. We then had to find the member of staff, who said it’s on its way and the manager will refund your meal, that our meals were in their way. Having waited another 10mins for any action, another staff member offered me a refund but not my other 2 friends, we had to explain that they were due a refund also. Still no food. All refunds were completed and finally food arrived, my fish sandwich was lovely and hot and the others food was cold. The manager apologised in brief sorry for the delay, didn’t bother to engage with us or offer an explanation, which we found to be very rude & disappointing Overall totally disappointed

Nice place... ruined by sulky staff and a VERY slow kitchen. If you have the day to wait, worth dropping into.

Met here with some friends and booked in advance, told the staff we had pushchairs and we could be accommodated. Where we were seated there wasn't room for pushchairs and it was down some stairs so made it awkward for the group. Ordered food and it didn't come as the staff thought we were on a different table and eventually were told the food would be reheated before correcting his words and meant remade. I'm skeptical whether the food was remade because my partner felt ill in the evening after having the burger - if it wasn't a freshly made one and in fact reheated, you've caused a health and safety violation. Also chips were far too salty and pizza was burnt. Terrible experience, won't be returning. Would be zero if I could.

Good food but the service can be sometimes soft at lunch hours

Have visited waterlane boathouse on my dinner today. Ordered a burger and fries. The food took 50 minutes to come so I had to get it in a takeaway container to eat back at work. The staff did not advise there would be a wait for food or communicate any issues. We had to chase the food on several occasions. No refund was offered. The burger and fries were not worth the wait, it was cold and lacked any real flavour. I normally enjoy coming to boathouse but have been left very dissatisfied after this visit.

Fries were overly salted. But otherwise it was brilliant.

Really nice views and atmosphere

We did my wife birthday party and had great time with our friends there. Part of downstairs area was privatised and the buffet was really good. Staff were nice even when we went for the very last minute drink when they closed…

Water Lane is a great place to enjoy a pint and watch the world go by. Situated right on the Leeds-Liverpool canal, there's a lovely beer garden next to the water to relax with a drink or have some dinner. The food is decent (the truffle fries are particularly decadent) but the wait times for the food can be a bit long. Overall, the prices are decent and it's a great place for some low-key drinks with friends.

Seating not that comfortable, some areas cramped. Great music , helpful staff.

Amazing venue and pub - expensive compared to peers but the atmosphere and regular pub quiz keeps you coming back.

Second staff Xmas party at the venue. Thank you so much to the staff for moving us downstairs at short notice due to a staff member with mobility issues. We booked last year and didn't realise there was an upstairs. The manager managed to rearrange the seating at short notice to make sure our team were all accommodated. Great service, fab food, lovely place. Will definitely be back.