Things to do on Leeds Millennium Square

Written by Carol Ferndale

Millennium Square in Leeds has to be one of the loveliest city squares in the UK, overlooked not just by some fine civic buildings, but also by some cracking nightspots and good eateries as well. I reckon you could happily spend a week on the square and never be bored. So what has Millennium Square got? Let’s stand in the middle and sweep round clockwise, doing the full 360 degrees.

Leeds Civic Hall

Starting with our gaze on Leeds Civic Hall, if you have an eye for buildings then you’ll find this one gorgeous, with its bright, white stone topped with gilded owls and clocks, and a stunning entrance of Roman columns overlooks the square. There are some pretty spectacular rooms within, such as a banqueting hall and rooms finished in walnut and oak.

The Cuthbert Brodrick, Wetherspoon’s

If you’re wondering why this modern Wetherspoon’s was called the Cuthbert Brodrick, read on and all will become clear. This pub has a variety of real ales, continental lagers, ciders and other drinks to suit every taste. And if you’re feeling hungry there’s plenty to eat here from tasty curries to steak and chips. Here there is a pleasant elevated outside area where you can sit and watch life on the square. It has TV screens showing sport and news, and WiFi access so you’re OK to check your email here.

Then a mystery

Next to the Cuthbert Brodrick is what I call the Odd Shaped Thing, which looks a bit like an elongated rugby ball. Despite my researches I still haven’t been able to find out what this mysterious construction is. So if you do know, leave a comment and enlighten us!

Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum is housed in the former Mechanics Institute which was built by Cuthbert Brodrick, (hence the name of the Wetherspoon’s). There are exhibitions and displays, interactive games, talks and lectures, and don’t forget the shop and cafe. At the moment there is a display relating to African culture, including costumes and musical instruments. There is also the Life On Earth exhibition which looks at the history of the planet, and an exhibition that explores ancient civilisations. The price is nice too – free.

Revolution

Charmingly situated in the old Electric Press building is Revolution with three bars and DJ’s. So, Revolution, think Russia, think vodka, and yes, here you can get vodka in the most stunning array of flavours I have come across from conventional flavours such as raspberry, apple, banana and peach, to the more esoteric such as birthday cake, rhubarb and custard, parma violet and even bubblegum. Add in a few DJ’s, an outdoor area, and you’ve got bliss.

Spice Quarter

Ever been out with your mates and everyone has a differnt taste in food? Spice Quarter must have been invented to solve that problem. Also housed in the Electric Press Building, at Spice Quarter you can get the cuisine of no less than four countries that are utterly renowned the world over for their fantastic food: Italian, Chinese, Indian and Thai. What’s more, you don’t have to choose which one you are going to have because it is a rolling buffet and you just graze until you have had your fill. There are plenty of desserts too, and chocoholics will appreciate the chocolate fountain.

Carriageworks

Still within the Electric Press development is a theatre overlooking a courtyard which back in Victorian times was a place where they made carriages. Thus the theatre was named The Carriageworks, and here you can see the best of the latest in national and regional performance, including theatre, dance, comedy and film.

Ha Ha Bar and Grill

Moving on we come to the Ha Ha Bar and Grill, where you can get sizzling grills such as rib-eye steak, lamb skewers, as well as more unusual grills such as prawn, duck, salmon and tuna. Fancy a cheeseburger? Here you get your burger topped with smoked bacon and Emmental. The surroundings are comfortable and contemporary, and you can sit out and get a great view of the giant media screen on the square.

Casa Mia Millennium

But if your great love is for Italian food, then how about Casa Mia Millennium which looks out onto the square’s very own Nelson Mandela Gardens? Here you will find a coffee bar, a deli, a bar and restaurant, along with plenty of room to to eat al fresco looking out onto the bubbling pools and fountains. Here you can get some terrific pasta dishes and freshly cooked pizzas with a wide range of delicious and imaginative toppings. But you can just pop in for a coffee and a brioche if you wish.

Nelson Mandela Gardens

This lovely little park in honour of Nelson Mandela lies at the south of Millennium Square, and combines British plants with South African plants. There is artwork created by Antonia Stowe, pretty bubbling fountains, ponds, stepping stones, and benches to sit on and soak up the ambience of this peaceful little retreat. No water fights please.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem by its very name urges us to seize the day, and as there is always a lot going on here, they provide us with the very opportunity to do it. Carpe Diem is over on Great George Street opposite the gardens, and is brilliant for live music, food and drinks. Dishes range from that old favourite chicken tikka masala to Moroccan lamb meatballs with cous cous. Plus you’ve got burgers, jackets, salads and sarnies too.

O’Neill’s

Across from the rear of the Town Hall on Great George Street is the Irish pub O’Neill’s, which is great for its Irish drinks such as Guinness, Magner’s Pear Cider, Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale, Caffrey’s, and its variety of Irish whiskeys. There’s plenty of good craic in the way of live music too, with bands and open mike sessions, so bring your penny whistle. And once people get going there’s plenty of dancing too.

Thai Edge

Moving up Calverley Street from O’Neill’s you’ll find the magnificent Thai Edge, with the best in Thai food in an uncluttered contemporary environment, and good service. The menu has a choice of no less than a hundred and forty five dishes of fresh vegetables, seafood and meat, incorporating such spices as the wonderfully scented lemongrass, coriander, ginger, garlic and chillies.

Leeds General Infirmary

And what have we next? Well, the Brotherton Wing of Leeds General Infirmary, no less. OK, you wouldn’t want to end up here, but it’s nice to know that the hospital is there, and they sure do a good job. Millennium Square certainly makes an invigorating sight for those availing themselves of a crafty cigarette at the entrance to the hospital.
Anyway take a look at the exterior of the Brotherton Wing if you get chance – opened in 1940, it’s an interesting bit of architecture from that period.

And back to the Civic Hall

If we turn round from the Brotherton Wing, then we are back at Leeds Civic Hall, but there is more to Milllennum Square than the 360 degrees of what surrounds it, as the Square itself hosts a number of delights, like the German Christmas market, an ice skating rink in winter, a jazz festival in the summer, and various gigs and performances throughout the year.

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