Rugby World Cup 2015: Leeds (Elland Road)

by Centurion Sales Team

The Rugby World Cup is set to kick off on September 18th, so with just a few weeks left to go Centurion is offering some help and advice on hotels, restaurants and nightlife within the areas of the UK picked to host the matches.

Elland Road is the 12th largest football stadium in England and has been home to Leeds United A.F.C since the club's foundation in 1919. The ground has hosted a number of high profile football matches and last hosted the Rugby Union World Cup in 1992. The venue offers fantastic views and plenty of historic charm to spectators and is set to undergo some exciting developments in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup.

If you're looking for places to stay, eat or go out, we've put together a short guide below to Leeds, to help celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Matches

Saturday 26th September - Italy v Canada - 14.30

Sunday 27th September - Scotland v USA - 14.30

Top places to stay

A visit to Leeds will not disappoint. The vibrant city has lots to offer with a wide range of accommodation available to suit all budgets. Despite limited accommodation options directly next to the venue, venture just a mile away towards the city centre and you'll find plenty more choice.

Leeds City West Premier Inn (0.4 miles from Elland Road)

The Premier Inn is one of the nearest hotels to Elland Road and within easy reach of the M62 and M1. The hotel offers free parking and has its own on site restaurant. Leeds City Centre and Leeds Train station are just a short taxi ride away. The hotel is ideal for family trips offering families incentives such as free breakfasts for the children when accompanied by an adult eating a full breakfast.

Bewleys Hotel Leeds (1.2 miles from Elland Road)

Bewley hotel is situated in a perfect location for visiting both Elland Road and exploring all that Leeds City Centre has to offer. Accessed jjst off the M1 at junction 3 of the M621, Leeds Bradford Airport is just 20 minutes' drive away and Leeds Railway Station within walking distance. The hotel sports its very own gym which is free to guests and the bright and stylish rooms are spacious and modern.

Park Plaza Leeds (1.6 miles from Elland Road)

Situated just opposite Leeds Rail Station on the City Square, this 4-star hotel is just metres from Leeds’ shopping district, bars and restaurants and houses its own fitness centre and Pan-Asian restaurant, the award-winning Chino Latino. Guests can relax in the Lobby Bar or venture further afield to visit some of the city's sights such as the Leeds Cathedral and City Museum, both just a 5 minute walk away.

Residence 6 (1.6 miles from Elland Road)

For a different city break, why not stay at Residence 6, a luxury block of beautifully designed and fully serviced apartments. Each residence boasts three times the space of a hotel suite and offers guests plenty of 5 star comfort and convenience. Located on City Square, the apartments offer guests immediate access to the city's shops, restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Top places to eat

You'll be spoilt for choice with the multi-cultural cuisine on offer in Leeds - there really is something for everyone as you'll see from our top picks below.

The Old Peacock Pub

Located directly opposite Elland Road and following a £400,000 refurbishment, The Old Peacock is ideally suited to rugby fans looking for top quality real ale and locally sourced home cooked food. Sporting a brand new separate restaurant and an extensive family beer garden, the pub offers Sky Sports TV throughout, so you can catch up on the latest matches at any time of the day.

Sukthothai

One of the best Thai restaurants in the North, Sukhothai offers a selection of excellent Thai cuisine at affordable prices. Located on South Parade in Leeds City Centre, Sukhothai also has resturants in the surrounding areas of Chapel Allerton, Headingley and Harrogate. Head Chef and Owner, Ban Kaewkraikhot offers a unique mix of innovative Thai food and a friendly service.

Fazenda

If you like your meat, you'll love Fazenda! A Brazilian restaurant that has stayed true to its gaucho heritage, serving 15 types of grilled meat at your table along with a wide range of salads and hot dishes. Furthermore, for a fixed price, you can eat as much as your want! Located in Waterman's Place on Granary Wharf, a visit to Fazenda is an eating experience like no other.

Bibis Italianissimo

Bibis Italian restaurant in Leeds offers a unique dining experience. Set in a glamorous 1920s style dining room, with regular entertainment provided for diners, it offers a wide range of Italian dishes as well as a classic cocktail bar, cafe and event space. Situated on Criterion Place, Sovereign Street, it advisable to book early if you wish to eat here - the place is an institution amongst locals.

Las Iguanas

A popular Latin American restaurant situated on Cloth Hall Street, Las Iguanas offers a separate bar for a relaxing pre-dinner drink as well as a piazza, perfect for sunny days, where you can sample a Caipirinha and really get into the spirit of Latin America. The restaurant offers a selection of flame-grilled dishes and shared platters served in a contemporary dining room - a dining experience not to be missed!

Top Places to Drink

The wide choice of bars and nightclubs in Leeds signify this is a city that likes to party! So, if you're feeling like celebrating after the match, why not take a look at our choice of bars, pubs and clubs below.

Billy's Bar

Billy's is located on Elland Road in the South Stand of the stadium, so is the perfect haunt for a quick drink or meal either before or after the match. Open every day of the week, it offers comfy leather sofas and plasma TVs - the perfect setting to watch your favourite sports.

Oporto

Oporto bar on Call Lane was recently names 'Best Night Out in the UK' and remains popular with local musicians, students and visitors alike. Offering the usual continental lagers and hearty bitters on tap, the bar is famous for its huge range of premium spirits suited to every taste and all served to customers' personal preference.

Shooters Sports Bar

Another great Sports bar located in the heart of the City Centre at 123 The Headrow, Shooters offers live sports every day on one of the largest 3D screens in the country. In addition, there's pool tables, Xbox gaming areas, table football, a darts area and games machines if you fancy a game after the big game!

The Alchemist, Trinity

Located on the second floor of Leeds' newest state of the art shopping centre, Trinity, the popular Alchemist cocktail bar originated in Manchester, but has now opened its doors up to Leeds. Make the most of the weather by enjoying a tipple on its heated wrap-around terrace which offers stunning views of Leeds City Centre.

Getting There & Away

Leeds United Football Club
Elland Road
Leeds
LS11 0ES

By Road

Leeds United is adjacent to the intersections of the M1, M62 and M621. Alternatively enter the postcode LS11 0ES in to your Satellite Navigation. From the North, take the A1, M1 or A639 to Leeds. Join the m621 at Junction 1. From the South, take the M1 or M621 to Junction 1, then take the A6110 from the roundabout into Elland Road.

By Rail

Leeds Railway Station is situated just 2 miles away from the stadium. London trains depart/arrive from Kings Cross with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Car Parking (match days)

Car parking is available around the stadium and is operated by Leeds City Council. The cost is £6 per car (payable on the day) Parking fee for coaches is £15 and for mini buses £10.

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