Boot & Rally

There is no fixed food menu at Boot & Rally. Instead, the bar hands its kitchen over to a rotating roster of independent Leeds food operators, each bringing a distinct culinary identity to the Meanwood neighbourhood.

Stuzzi, the Italian street food specialists from Merrion Street, hold a permanent Friday residency from 5pm to 9pm. The weekly rotating small plates menu draws on Italian imports and seasonal local ingredients — expect golden-fried arancini, fries double-loaded with crushed beef and mortadella meatballs topped with mozzarella, and fresh pasta with cotechino Italian sausage and ‘nduja ragu. Vegetarian and vegan options feature every week.

Herencia, the solo venture of ex-Dijon Boys co-founder Nicko Lachica, brings Filipino-inspired Sunday roasts to the bar. The menu offers four roast options: 12-hour braised short rib pares, a take on the classic Filipino comfort dish; lechon porchetta roast with lemongrass, ginger, garlic and herbs; Kalabasa Wellington for a vegetarian option; and lamb neck and longganisa porchetta. Sides include cauliflower and stilton gratin and Brussels sprouts in smoked garlic butter. On Thursdays, Herencia switches to dim sums, skewers and small plates.

Wednesday curry nights come courtesy of Kangs, serving chicken tikka loaded fries, lamb curry, paneer mince, and pan-fried bhindi. Past pop-ups have also included Dijon Boys and The Cheesy Living Co from the Corn Exchange.

Craft beer sits at the heart of Boot & Rally. The bar runs rotating keg and cask lines from independent breweries, with the selection changing regularly. Community-voted Tap Takeover events invite specific breweries to take over the taps — recent shortlists have featured Track Brewing Co, Cloudwater, Pomona Island, and Marble Brewers.

Beyond beer, the drinks list covers wine, spritz, and spirits including gin. The wine and spritz range offers a lighter alternative for those not reaching for a pint, while a solid selection of alcohol-free beers and soft drinks means there is always something for non-drinkers. Vegan and gluten-free drink options are available across the range.

Boot & Rally occupies a small, intimate footprint that feels every inch the neighbourhood local. Inside, a chunky raw-edge solid wood bar counter sits against black subway tile cladding — an industrial-casual contrast of warm natural grain and dark geometric tile. Dark metal chairs and bar stools line the wooden floor, and a “No Cash on Premises” sign confirms the cashless setup.

The standout feature is the covered outdoor terrace: a heavy timber-framed structure with clear polycarbonate roof panels that keep the rain off year-round. Festoon lighting and bare Edison bulbs string across the terrace ceiling, casting a warm amber glow that comes into its own on dark evenings. Dogs are welcome inside.

Stonegate Road sits in the heart of Meanwood, a characterful inner suburb just north of Headingley in the LS6 postcode. The area has a strong independent streak, and Boot & Rally fits right in alongside the eclectic mix of shops and eateries on nearby Meanwood Road. The bar is well served by Leeds bus routes, with street parking available on surrounding residential streets.

Monday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Boot & Rally runs a fortnightly pub quiz, Mr Know It Ales, kicking off at 8pm on alternate Wednesdays. On Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm, the Checkmate Challenge chess club takes over — a more laid-back way to spend an afternoon over a craft beer. Keep an eye on the bar’s Instagram for upcoming Tap Takeover votes, where you pick which brewery gets the taps next.