HIP CITY GUIDE LEEDS
AMITY BREW CO.
Sunny Bank Mills, Unit 15-16, Festoon Rooms, 83-85 Town St, Farsley, Pudsey LS28 5UJ
Amity Brew Co stands proudly for ‘community, friendship and good beer’. Its brewpub is found at Sunny Bank Mills – Farsley’s historic former textile mill, now a beautifully restored creative, cultural and leisure destination within the local community. Here you will find a carefully considered blend of core selections alongside experimental interpretations of classic beers. Amity’s space is a welcoming environment where you can sip on a fresh pint whilst taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the brewery. Adding to the brewpub experience, there is an outdoor terrace for the summer months and Nonna’s Neapolitan Pizza served to go hand-in-hand with the wonderful beer selection. Amity has worked with the best craft breweries in the UK and brings its skill, passion and expertise to every beer it makes.
BANH & MEE
31 New York St, Leeds, LS2 7DT
Banh & Mee serves authentic Vietnamese street food out of Kirkgate Market – one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. Located in the heart of the city, the market is a foodie paradise packed out with cuisines from all around the world. Owners Mylinh and Sengy offer a taste of Vietnam’s vibrant culture, bringing flavours straight out of Hanoi to Leeds. Key dishes include the likes of Vietnamese baguette sandwich Bánh mì, as well as the family’s very own Pho broth and core classics like bao buns and noodle/ rice boxes – curing your lunch time needs and more.
BELGRAVE MUSIC HALL & CANTEEN
Cross Belgrave St, Leeds, LS2 8JP
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen was founded in 2013 to bring under-represented art and culture to Leeds. A decade on and the venue has become a cornerstone of the city’s creative scene – a place where laid-back drinking, independent food vendors and diverse music and art all connect under one roof. Belgrave’s good vibes are spread across three floors which includes one of Leeds’ most spectacular roof terraces – one of the coolest spots to sample summer vibes.
Belgrave is vibrant, youthful and has a festival-like feel. Inside you will find artsy decor and gig posters plastered around the walls – relics of the musical heritage it has carved out since opening. The venue has acted as a launch-pad for up-and-coming artists, hosting the likes of Loyle Carner and Jorja Smith over the years – two musicians that have gone out to embody the thriving UK scene that Belgrave has immersed itself in.
Belgrave’s entertainment does not end at music. It hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, clothes pop-ups and much more if you keep an eye out on its calendar. Whilst the Belgrave Feast hosted each year is an acclaimed food festival bringing together the best indie street food traders in the North. Day-to-day, the two independent vendors inside Belgrave are Dough Boys – who serve hand-stretched pizza by the slice – and the delicious Patty’s Burgers.
The beauty of Belgrave is its variety – during weekdays you will see people casually working, on a night it’s a relaxed hang-out for groups of friends, come the weekend the venue is bustling with atmosphere.
BOTTLE CHOP
14 Weetwood Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5LX
Bottle Chop is a concept by duo Elis and Gemma Williams – the pair behind Headingley’s Stockholm-inspired contemporary coffee shop Fika North. After the astounding success and support received after their first project, the couple launched Bottle Chop – a natural wine/ craft beer shop, micro deli and bar, also located in the leafy Headingley suburb. The idea behind Bottle Chop is to make natural wine accessible for all. Taking away the stigma attached to wine, Bottle Chop has created an inviting atmosphere in which its audience can try a variety of vegan, organic and often biodynamic wine. Customers have been known to note its Mediterranean feel – a small outside seating area makes for an idyllic spot in summer to taste quality wine alongside a great-tasting deli menu from cheese to charcuterie. Bottle Chop even has a refill wine and beer counter where you can pay once for your bottle and refill it time and time again.
BRUDNELL SOCIAL CLUB
33 Queen’s Rd, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1NY
Brudenell Social Club is one of Leeds’ most-loved and legendary small music venues. Located in inner-city area Hyde Park, Brudenell has been known in the past for hosting secret gigs for famous bands and has an open-door sound policy that embraces music and art under an umbrella that holds no boundaries. Covering a wide spectrum of genres, Brudenell’s audience trusts its eye for uncovering hip, emerging and soon-to-be influential bands.
The venue has a varied and fascinating history. It was formed in 1913, buying its first premises and land shortly afterwards at the same spot it resides in today. After being rescued from financial ruin, Brudenell became a pop venue in the ‘90s and has kept the friendly community atmosphere from its origins as a working men’s club. Brudenell is a relic from the past and a jewel in Leeds, contrasting more modern venues that lack its charm and authenticity. Away from gigs, Brudenell is a top-class pub, showing live sport with a games room for pool and snooker.
BUNDOBUST
Independent Indian street food specialists Bundobust are known across the U.K. for modernising Gujarati street food and championing craft beers. Their thriving restaurants in Leeds and other Northern cities are widely regarded as industry game changers. With critically-acclaimed menus, they have become a beacon of successful casual dining across the North of England.
Ironically, Bundobust turned into a restaurant by accident – first focusing on serving tasty snacks alongside its curated craft beer menu before later evolving into a fully-fledged dining spot. Bundobust is a unique proposition; an original concept aiming for its amazing beers to sit in perfect harmony with vegetarian Indian cuisine. The idea caters to different groups, giving its customers a taste of Gujurat – a state on the Western coast of India – alongside beers brewed by Bundobust and sourced from local breweries. Bundobust’s food is filled with colour, texture and flavour, served in a relaxed atmosphere enlivened with colourful decor.
COLOURS MAY VARY
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BR
Colours May Vary sells delightful items that will brighten up and add taste to your living space. After opening at Munro House in 2012, the store is now set in the Leeds Corn Exchange – a beautiful Victorian-era grade I listed building that opened in 1861 and is a hub of independent boutique stores and one of Leeds’ most iconic landmarks. Colours May Vary sells everything from books, journals, prints, cards, gifts, wrap, homeware and stationery. All these products are guided by a core interest in graphic art and design, typography and illustration. The store sources items locally and internationally from both rising and established artists. This leads to a varied and highly curated offering. Colours May Vary is the perfect place to stroll in and find something unfamiliar that you will not see elsewhere.
HEADROW HOUSE
19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
Situated at one of Leeds’ historic yards in a former 1900’s textile mill, Headrow House is a multi-use venue spanning four floors covering food, drink and events.
Working up from the bottom floor, Headrow starts off as a cosy beer hall with ambient lighting and a rustic interior, even showcasing four tanks of unpasteurised Pilsner. The mix of long sofas and benches are perfect for enjoying conversations with friends and sampling some high-quality beers. The hall offers 60 beers from around the world, housing permanent lines alongside rotating seasonal choices.
Above the hall is a 150-capacity live events space. Hosted by Leeds’ very own Super Friendz, who present and promote live music across cultural venues in the city, each year Headrow House features music from an exciting mix of underground and established artists.
Head to the top floor and you will find Redondo Beach – a terrace bar serving everything from craft beer to classic cocktails and wine. The terraces offer a getaway from busy city life, with the top one having stunning views over Leeds’ skyline, newly-built Victoria Quarter rooftops and the iconic neon signs that have become a hallmark of Headrow. The Headrow terraces have long-been held as the place to be in Leeds in the summer. They have dj’s playing until late and are a must-visit for anyone in the city during the warmer months.
Finally, Headrow is also home to Ox Club – an award-winning contemporary British solid-fuel grill restaurant. Ox Club highlights the best local Yorkshire produce and was featured in the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide for 2017-2022, showing the culinary talents of its team. The menu features small plates and wood-grilled mains, focusing on simple but imaginative dishes that change depending on what seasonal produce is available.
HOUSE OF FU
15-19 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
The House of Fu story began in 1996 when future head chef Ben Iley, who at the time was working at top restaurants within Leeds, decided to visit Tokyo for direction after becoming disillusioned at the quality of ramen he was producing. Ben fell in love with Japanese culture and one month turned into nine years. During this time he plied his trade at renowned dining spots in Tokyo, meeting acclaimed chefs along the way and gaining a renewed understanding of the attention to detail that characterises Japanese food. Upon returning to Leeds in 2014, the House of Fu concept was born.
Starting as a pop-up at Belgrave, House of Fu went on to win ‘Best of the Best’ at that year’s British Street Food Awards. The idea slowly developed as the team took inspirational trips to America and Japan and the pop-up appeared at various festivals. Fast-forward a few years and House of Fu took over a space on the Headrow. The restaurant serves authentic ramen and a host of delicious Japanese-inspired dishes. Alongside this, the House of Fu aesthetic is something to marvel at: weaving modern inspirations from Tokyo and Los Angeles with bespoke decor produced by the local community. Not to mention Hello Music Lounge – an upstairs bar with karaoke rooms that feels like stepping into an alternate universe from the ‘70s – neon lights, psychedelic artwork, a fabulous vinyl collection and unique cocktails.
HYDE PARK BOOK CLUB
27-29 Headingley Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 1BL
Hyde Park Book Club is a hip hangout and creative milieu at the forefront of Leeds’ arts scene. The venue is a platform for artists, musicians and writers, showcasing the emerging talent coming out of Leeds. The space has a quirky feel and tonnes of character; housed in a dis-used petrol station, it started life as a small cafe in 2015 before transforming into a live music and arts space whilst still selling food, drink, books and records. Events include jazz clubs, photography and art exhibitions, theatre, debates, book launches and book clubs. Food-wise, the Hyde Park Book Club serves up vegetarian dishes using local produce and plant-based protein from The Vegetarian Butcher – the world’s first plant butcher based in Holland. Whilst for drinks you can expect to find locally-sourced beers and coffee from Leeds-based suppliers.
HYDE PARK PICTURE HOUSE
73 Brudenell Road, Leeds, LS6 1JD
Hyde Park Picture House first opened its doors in 1914 and is still standing proud to this day. Boosting morale during World War 1 by distracting from the realities of war with film, the vintage cinema has survived multiple advents of technology and represents one of the oldest picture houses in the UK – an institution fixed within the cultural architecture of Leeds.
The Grade II listed cinema has recently been the subject of a major redevelopment project supported by staff, volunteers, members, partners and friends – preserving its important heritage and introducing new facilities. Hyde Park Picture House is nationally connected but locally focused – a community cinema that provides its audience with an inclusive space to explore and discover the world of film. The cinema screens independent, documentary and classic films from around the world, as well as lending its support to local filmmakers.
JUMBO RECORDS
Merrion Street, 1-3 Merrion Centre, Leeds, LS2 8NG
Jumbo Records is ingrained within the heritage of Leeds. Having first opened in 1971 in a small space in the Merrion Centre, the store has been a mainstay in the city – a melting-pot whereby you can discover records, cd’s, magazines and gig tickets. Jumbo has introduced its audience to a wide mix of genres down the years, as new sounds came to define eras. With both new and older generations entering its doors, Jumbo has created strong personal connections that have endured decades. The place is a musical universe where customers can come and grab a coffee, explore records and chat to staff, tapping into their own passion and knowledge of all things music.
Jumbo’s origin story starts with Hunter Smith and his wife, taking its name from his ‘70s disco and DJ business called Jumbo Mobile Discotheque. The pair ran the shop for years before selling to long-time customers Nick Fraser and Justinia Lewis in 2014. A proudly independent store that is still standing strong, Jumbo Records is well-regarded as one of the North’s key record stores and the beating heart of music culture in Leeds.
LAYNES ESPRESSO
16 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1 5DL
After opening in 2011, Laynes Espresso has ascended into the go-to coffee shop in Leeds. The independent espresso bar was formed to give coffee drinkers in the city a welcoming environment that cherished the quality of its coffee. Found just a stone’s throw away from Leeds Train Station, Laynes is ideally situated for commuters and is a cosy setting filled with charm. Laynes has expanded in recent years to include a well-regarded brunch menu and pastry selection baked at its very-own bakery in Armley; the queues to get a table each weekend is a true testament to the reputation it has built as a brunch hotspot. Ran by coffee enthusiast Dave Olejnik who is also behind pasta restaurant Sarto, Laynes is shaped by his experiences of coffee cultures in cities like New York, Chicago and Melbourne – presenting a fine palette bound to strike a chord with coffee lovers.
POCO SICILIAN STREET FOOD
360 Kirkstall Road, Burley, Leeds, LS4 2HQ
24 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2AD
POCO is a well-loved Italian street food joint that has proved to be a hit in Leeds’ food scene, having recently opened a third eatery in the city centre to complement its other two locations in Burley and Headingley. All of POCO’s food is made by specialist Sicilian chefs, infusing its delicious menu with authentic flavours and touches. Expect to find pizza al taglio, arancini, stone-baked focaccine sandwiches and a host of mouth-watering sweet treats.
PROJECT HOUSE
Having launched in the summer of 2023, Project House is an expansive concept bringing together the key names that have contributed to Leeds’ burgeoning creative scene in recent times: Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall, Welcome Skate Store and Super Friendz. Project House’s vision is to introduce something entirely different to Leeds – a large, multi-faceted venue that can operate through day and night, covering all bases from concerts, markets and exhibitions to meetings, conferences and parties. Found just out of the city centre in Armley, the venue has an industrial feel, only enhancing its authenticity to create a special atmosphere for the range of contemporary musicians that will feature in its first launch season. For residents of the city and anyone visiting, Project House is something to be massively excited about – keep an eye on their social channels and website to stay up-to-date with new events.
SARTO PASTA
Munro House, Duke Street, Leeds, LS9 8AG
SARTO is a bar and restaurant at the Munro House building at the corner of the city centre, focusing on fresh, home-made pasta. The restaurant is a collaborative venture between well-known Leeds spots Laynes Espresso and The Brunswick, born over a shared passion for pasta. SARTO presents modern interpretations of pasta dishes; whilst the impetus is Italian, SARTO is attempting something different. Using the best quality local produce, the restaurant experiments and puts its own spin on things. The menu is inclusive but refined – a selection of small plates that change seasonally and focus on attention to detail, introducing new flavours to Leeds’ dining scene. Enhanced by its utilitarian decor and relaxed vibe, SARTO has a unique vision of modern dining that caters to all.
TAKE IT EASY LAB
30-34 Aire Street, Leeds, LS1 4HT
Ever since its inception a few years ago, indie film photography lab Take It Easy has built a community of like-minded photography lovers in Leeds, creating an inclusive space where people can come together to share experiences and learn through workshops, resources and events. The lab offers a range of top-tier professional services to cover both amateur and experienced photographers’ every need, celebrating “all things film and the people who shoot it”.
THE BRUNSWICK
2 North Street, Leeds, LS2 7PN
Situated at the edge of the city centre on North Street – an exciting street in Leeds with a growing offering of tasteful independent food and drinks spots – the Brunswick is an artsy neighbourhood pub with a laid-back atmosphere and cool interior. The pub houses a wide beer selection that changes daily, alongside a much-loved burger menu and roasts served everyday Sunday – seen as a contender for some of the best in Leeds and including a tasty vegetarian option. Often housing food pop-ups from local street food traders, the Brunswick is a relaxed space for top quality food & drinks with friends and has outdoor seating to enjoy the sun in the summer months.
VILLAGE
10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6LQ
Based in Thornton’s Arcade, Village is a bookshop and gallery that offers a curated selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography publications, with a strong focus on self-published & small press zines from artists around the world. Established by Joe Torr and Ben Holmes in 2012, two friends that had met at university, Village slowly built a loyal audience from the ground-up – first selling zines and artworks at local art fairs. The name Village is a symbol of a community-driven ethos. The bookshop & gallery is an inviting space for its diverse audience to explore their creative passions and discover a world of artistic publications. Whilst Village introduces Leeds to works from artists far and wide, it maintains a strong local presence. Through regular exhibitions, book launches, and artist talks, Village promotes work from talented artists and photographers within Leeds.
WAYWARD WINES
1C Regent St, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, LS7 4PE
Wayward Wines is widely considered to be one of the pioneers behind the natural wine movement in the North of England. Having opened in 2017, Wayward is located in the hip Leeds suburb of Chapel-Allerton and operates as both a store and ambient bar, allowing you to get your hands on a curated menu of low-intervention, organic wines sourced from all around the world.
Founder Steve Nuttall started Wayward after discovering the vast world of natural wine when working at Leeds restaurant The Reliance, even placing obscure selections on their menu to a receptive response from regulars. Nuttall spent time discovering, hunting and avidly learning about natural wines and in the early days travelled to the wine bars of London, Paris, Barcelona and Palermo. Inspired by the cave à vin model popular in European cities, which proposes a wine shop, bar and nibbles all-in-one, Wayward Wines has been wholly embraced in the city and offers something different in Leeds’ thriving food and drink scene.
Available for free at:
HIP Leeds – 49-51 Vicar Lane, LS1 6DS
Featuring and also available for free at:
Amity Brew Co.
Banh & Mee
Belgrave Music Hall
Bottle Chop
Brudenell Social Club
Bundobust
Colours May Vary
Headrow House
House Of Fu
Hyde Park Book Club
Hyde Park Picture House
Jumbo Records
Laynes Espresso
POCO Sicilian
Project House
Sarto
Take It Easy Lab
The Brunswick Pub
Village Books
Wayward Wines