Leeds is ever popular with tourists and locals travelling from near and far to sample the multitude of shops, scenic parklands and treasure trove of museums and galleries which make this city so appealing. However, Leeds is also known for its thriving arts and crafts scene. Numerous events regularly take place where local crafters and grafters can showcase their work, and there is a variety of specialist shops, based in the city centre and beyond, which cater to the creative mind’s every whim.

Here are just a few select examples.

Yum Yum Beads

Yum Yum Beads has come a long way from its roots in the south of France to its current location in the Thornton’s Arcade. Established in Leeds in 1999, the small shop does what it says on the tin and offers a huge selection of delicious beads in a range of colours and materials.

Customers can pick and mix their way through beads, threads, findings and leathers in order to create their custom pieces, with knowledgeable members of staff on hand ready to answer any queries you may have. The shop also hosts a weekly workshop in order to assist the novice jewellery maker create their first masterpiece.

Baa Ram Ewe

Many Leeds knitters were fed up of sourcing their favourite local and contemporary yarns from the internet, and longed for a local yarn store where they would be able to enjoy their favourite brands in like-minded company. Meanwhile, Verity Britton was behind the scenes devising a plan which resulted in the birth of Baa Ram Ewe.

Situated in Headingley’s thriving community, this shop is small but perfectly formed. Staying true to its location, there is a focus on Yorkshire-based wool brands, as well as stocking the best of the rest that British wool producers have to offer.

Verity had a vision of encouraging an active community of knitters, and the popularity of the regular Thursday “knit night” is testament to her success. Baa Ram Ewe has truly succeeded in putting its stamp on the British knitting map.

Samuel Taylor

Samuel Taylor is ideally situated in the city centre, just a stone’s throw away from Leeds Corn Exchange and the Kirkgate Market. As with any typical haberdashery shop, Samuel Taylor has two floors which are stuffed to the brim with everything the discerning crafter desires.

The ground floor is a true aladdin’s cave containing everything from zips to sewing boxes, yarns and sewing cottons to card making supplies and perusing their range of buttons, lace and ribbons will keep you busy for hours. In the rare cases where the shop does not stock the item you are seeking, staff are more than happy to order it for you. There is also a large stock of fabric to buy off the roll in the basement.

B&M Fabrics

B&M Fabrics is a small, family run stall residing in Leeds’ famous indoor Kirkgate Market. Situated on Row E near Jack Fulton, you will not be able to miss this shop which is crammed to bursting point with a dazzling array of practical cottons and linens, as well as fun, printed fabrics to suit every occasion.

Many of the lines sold are based on designs created by well known, high-end fabric designers, but without the hefty price tag to match. The B&M Fabrics team not only cut and sell fabric off the roll to you, but can also advise on the best choices to make and share their wealth of knowledge in textiles.

Sugarcraft Supplies

Sugarcraft Supplies caters for both trade and retail customers to ensure the creation of perfectly decorated cakes from beginning to end. Operating from a large unit on a site in Garforth, they boast the largest range of cake decorating stock in West Yorkshire. In fact you can buy all the best known brands in the industry including Regalice, Sugarflair, Squires, Wilton and FMM to name but a few.

Additionally a plethora of tools, boards and non-edible decorations is also available. They understand that not all their customers are master cake decorators and that is why there is also a range of courses on offer to help nurture hidden skills within their students. Check the website for a current list of courses.

So whether you are into knitting, beading, textiles, haberdashery and sewing you can be sure to find art and craft shops in Leeds to stock up on all the essentials. The range of specialist shops in Leeds highlights just how passionate we northerners are about our craft.

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Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Art and craft shops for creative minds

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We all get tired of trailing round the supermarket seeing the same old brand name goods, and so it makes a heartwarming change to go to a local farmers’ market where you can buy local produce that has pretty much come straight out of the field or the kitchen, from vegetables that still actually have mud on them to freshly baked cakes from small producers, and a whole host more besides. Wherever you live in and around Leeds, you are never far from a regular farmers’ market, so here is the pick of the crop:

Leeds Kirkgate Farmers Market

The market takes place on the 1st Sunday of the month. 9am-2pm, and 3rd Sunday of every month on Briggate 10am-4pm. Leeds Kirkgate Farmers Market brings all the good things of the countryside right into the heart of Leeds, with a plethora of stalls selling fruit, vegetables and meat fresh from the farm. You can get really good sausages here, and even sausage sandwiches, to eat while you look around. There are cakes and pies, chutneys, jams and honey.

Recommended is Salts Deli for their tasty sandwiches, and Pickles and Potter for salads, soups and cakes. The market is so popular that many of the stalls are starting to sell out by about midday, so be sure to get there early.

The market has plenty of organic veg too, and those who like lean meat will love the ostrich burgers. The farmers’ market now also incorporates a craft market with unusual and handmade goods that make great presents.

Oakwood Farmers’ Market +

The Oakwood Farmers’ Market takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each month, 9am-12.30pm, at Oakwood Clock. Note the plus sign which is part of the name of event, indicating that this is a farmers’ market and more besides. Set up by Roundhay Environmental Action Project with the focus on sustainability, this market is a plastic bag free zone, and most of the food and produce has travelled less than 30 miles.

Here you will find Swillington Organic Farm, Yorkshire Highlanders beef, lovely bread from Straws Bakery, Church View Eggs, tempting cakes and pastries from Cutting Cake Patisserie, Hebdens Whitby Fish, jams and chutneys from Perfectly Preserved, and loads more in terms of organic fruit, veg, meat, cheese, pies, cakes, honey and other good stuff.

As well as the regulars, the market also has guest stalls, such as cake stalls run by local charities, and a variety of foods ranging through Moorish, Thai, and Indian.

Gardeners and allotment holders will find very handy the plant swap where you can bring along any surplus plants you have and exchange them for ones you don’t have. The market is frequently accompanied by street musicians, such as Waz and Dave who play a mixture of bluegrass, country, and folk.

Headingley Farmers Market

The farmers market takes place on 2nd Saturday of each month. 9am-12.30pm at the Rose Garden, North Lane, (outside the Arc). Being very much a student area, Headingley has always been a little bit on the Bohemian side, and Headingley Farmers Market is no exception, with plenty of delicious and rather unique goods that you might not find on the high street or in the supermarket.

Run by Headingley Development Trust the market adheres to strict standards which ensure that all the produce sold there is sourced as locally as possible. Watch out for Autumn Harvest with their fine collection of fresh and dried mushrooms, including Portobello, Shiitake, and Oyster mushrooms. Especially tasty on a hot summer’s day is the locally made ice cream and yogurt.

There is venison from Round Green Farm near Wakefield, and Asian food from Mays of Bradford. There are plenty of organic options amongst the entire farm produced meat and veg. There is also fish from Hebden Seafood’s of Whitby, and free range eggs from Church View Farm of Wakefield. The lively atmosphere of the market is frequently enhanced by the folk bands and street musicians who play there.

Otley Farmers Market

The market takes place on the last Sunday in every month. 9am-1pm at Otley Market Place. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the pretty town of Otley has a regular farmers market with the freshest of produce, and plenty of it organic too. There are a wide variety of tempting stalls selling honey, jams, preserves, fresh eggs, plants, herbs, cakes, pies, pork and bacon products, fishcakes, local cheeses, fruit and vegetables.

Those in search of something a little out of the ordinary will certainly not be disappointed here either, with ostrich meat, speciality mushrooms, unusual handmade chocolates, and other exciting edibles. There is also an adjacent craft fair in the Otley Courthouse offering plenty of gift ideas with greetings cards, knitted items, world crafts, and artwork.

Wetherby Farmers’ Market

The Wetherby Farmers’ Market Takes place every second Sunday of the month, except November when it is held on the third Sunday. 8.30am to 1pm, around the Town Hall in the town centre of Wetherby. The pleasant market town of Wetherby on the River Wharfe also has a lively farmers’ market. It has been the place to go since 2001, and has around thirty stalls with meat, fish, vegetables, and baked goods, as well as stalls selling a variety of items ranging from the useful to the unusual including household linen, curtains, cushions, towels, rugs, and ornaments.

At the market there is a decided emphasis on the green and the natural, and talking of which you can also find gardening bits and pieces here, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor plants. Another thing to watch out for is the second hand stalls with all manner of things old, vintage and antique, including interesting old photographs of Yorkshire.

If you feel hungry while you are browsing, then try H&P’s Pantry for their delicious soups and quiches. Watch out also for The Partons Speciality Breads who specialise in baking by traditional methods. So if you feel like doing some shopping that makes a change from your usual weekly big shop, then head for a Leeds farmers’ market for something fresh, unusual and appetising.

Map of Leeds Farmers Markets

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Shop local at Leeds Farmers Markets

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The Light is a great place for eating out, shopping and enjoying some entertainment. Situated at the top end of town there is plenty of car parking as well as somewhere to stay at the Radisson Blu hotel. Lots of events happen within the building throughout the year and so it is worth checking out the website to see what is up next. If you are a regular visitor the Elite club is also worth a look, a free rewards scheme which informs you of offers, promotions etc. happening in The Light.

Places to Eat in the Light

The Light is full of a variety of places to eat, whether it’s a bite to eat over lunch, or dinner. For lunch you can venture to La Bottega Milanese. Following their success on The Calls for their luscious Italian coffee they have opened up another shop.

If you’re just passing through it’s a great place to grab an Italian inspired sandwich, normally on fresh ciabatta or foccacia. They do have quite a bit of seating as well, so if the shopping has got too much then it’s a good place to rest and grab a coffee. Couple this with their friendly service it’s a good place to support local business.

On the ground floor there is an alternative in the form of Bagel Nash, again where you can take in or out. You can choose from a variety of bagel types or you can opt for a coffee, which is 100% fair trade or try the alternative of a fruity smoothie. There are a couple of other options for light snacks including Greggs, Brio Pizza, Salts Delicatessen and Starbucks. Barburrito is another choice for a light Mexican snack where you can either pick up some cheesy Nachos, tacos or the expected burrito. There is a wealth of choices for lunch or just a snack.

Nandos is another option, which crosses into any time of the day. Serving their traditional spicy chicken it’s a hit whether you’re catching a bite to eat before the cinema or want a bit of a longer lunch. Make sure you pick up the loyalty card so that after only a couple of visits you start getting some free chicken.

Next door you can find Cafe Rouge which offers a French option, again for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They often have specials to look out for, but you can always guarantee a steak cooked to perfection. Normally a quick scour of the internet will secure a discount voucher for here.

An alternative is the Red Hot World Buffet serving a complete variety of cuisines including Indian, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and Japanese, so something for everyone. Recently opened, Zizzi’s offers a great place to grab a pizza and a glass of wine. The large space has been transformed and again you’ll be sure to find a voucher if you look hard enough.

Tiger Tiger is a good place to relax after work, but can get a bit busy on a weekends especially during term time when students descend. The final place to try which will offer a bit of a pricier menu, but delicious, is Browns. Situated underneath the Radisson hotel, Browns is the place to go for a cocktail. Or book a table for a really yummy meal where you can sample the delights of freshly cooked food. You might expect them to be overly priced, but it is well worth it for the yummy treats and they even do a very reasonable Sunday lunch.

Things to do in the Light

The Light is most famous for housing a Vue cinema with 13 screens, showing all the current box office hits. Orange Wednesdays will guarantee a packed entrance area so it’s worth remembering to turn up a bit earlier for a showing. Esporta gym can be found next to the cinema, where you can sign up for membership that includes use of the facilities including a swimming pool. There is always the option to try it out for a day before deciding to join. As well as a gym there is a spa and hairdressers which can offer a mixture of pampering options as well.

As well as the cinema there are a few other things to explore within The Light. If you fancy a bit of pampering that is a little out of the ordinary then Appy Feet is the place to head. They are one of the first fish pedicure places that popped up in Leeds. The process involves putting your feet into a tank full of Garra Rufa, also known as doctor fish, whilst they nibble off any dead skin. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea they have started to offer Minx nails.

Shops in the Light

To match the array of eating places, The Light has a variety of different shops. For the sport lovers you can find all you need in O’Neills or next door is Joy where you can find beautiful clothes or indeed quirky gifts for that difficult birthday present. Ark is a different option to find big brands for both men and women. Doll’s Boutique is a small designer store where you can find individual products, not found on the high street. If you’re looking for something a bit different it’s a good place to find, especially if you’re bored of the high street.

Miss Angel is a place for jewellery lovers who fancy a bit of costume jewellery or scarves. Alternatively there is Philip Stoner who caters for those wanting the real thing. Sandwiched in between is The Body Shop where you can pick up all the standard beauty treats. The staff are always really friendly and ready to advise on make up or items you might be unsure of. Then there is the Music Room where you can make a big purchase for a guitar or just pick up some advice on music related queries.

The Light joins an array of shopping centres in Leeds city centre, but it is definitely one of the more pleasurable ones. With new boutiques or eating places popping up on a regular basis you can be sure that you’ll discover something different every time. This is especially true once you venture downstairs or even take a walk outside to see the different clothes shops.

Rosie Driver writes a blog that is designed to bring you updates from a life in Leeds whether it is good places to eat, get your hair cut or reviews of recent gigs from the area. As a Londoner moving to the North there are some funny tales if not a few observations of the Northern way of life.

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Tour around the Light in Leeds

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Whether it be a fashionable cupcake, handmade chocolates or some old school candy, Leeds city centre has an abundance of sweet treats on offer to satisfy your sweet tooth or act as the perfect present for a loved one. Here are a few of the best places in Leeds City Centre to pick up a sweet treat.

Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop

We all have a favourite sweet from childhood, and Mr Simms stocks them all, from cola cubes and humbugs, to liquorice, sherbet and a range of Mr Simms own chocolate. An old fashioned sweetshop, in a Victorian setting this shop is frequently busy at lunchtimes with business men picking out their mix up (worth a visit to witness this alone). This is a definite winner for anyone feeling nostalgic, or just in need to some good old fashioned boiled sweets.

Bon Bon’s

At the higher end of the sweet market Bon Bon’s is worth visiting just to have a look in the window, it looks like a traditional Belgian chocolate shop. Bon Bon’s boasts a beautiful collection of Belgian, Swiss and French continental chocolates, speciality gourmet liquorice and traditional childhood favourites.

You can pick your own truffles and speciality chocolates to make your own chocolate box giving it a true continental feel, or if you’re in a hurry, choose from a range of readymade boxes. If you appreciate good quality confectionary Bon Bon’s is the place for you.

Patisserie Valerie

It would be difficult not to be wowed by the cakes and pastries on display in Patisserie Valerie. Patisserie Valerie, born from the idea of the Belgian born Madam Valerie in 1926 with the vision of bringing a taste of the Continent to England, has expanded to the point that you will find one in most major cities across England.

Despite the expansion the quality of their products has not suffered, offering an abundance of cakes pastries and gateaux all made with care and beautifully presented. It is a little small inside and can get cluttered at times, but a take away option is available.

Charbonnel et Walker

Charbonnel et Walker have been hand making chocolate in the UK since 1875 and have been endorsed by the Royal Warrant as chocolate manufacturers to Her Majesty The Queen, high praise indeed! They focus on making high quality chocolate and sugar confectionary with care.

You won’t get a lot for your money but their luxurious range of sugar fondants, chocolate bars and champagne, fruit and chocolate truffles could prove to be the perfect special gift.

Hotel chocolat

Hotel Chocolat is the perfect place to find a fine array of quality chocolate on the high street. Bored of the mediocrity of chocolate available in England, the owners of Hotel Chocolat set themselves a challenge to make a better type of chocolate. The chocolate is made with authentic, wholesome ingredients and the cocoa is grown in the West Indies.

With a number of chocolaty products available ranging from chocolate slabs, boxes and gift bags to cocoa pasta, meat and fish glazes Hotel Chocolat is a must for all chocolate lovers.

Cupcakes by Charley

Cupcakes by Charley is a new addition to the Queens Arcade. A modern, gourmet cupcake boutique with a philosophy of using good quality simple ingredients sourced from local suppliers that taste as good as they look. Cupcakes by Charley was established in the Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate, the Leeds shop is the first to open out of Harrogate, they offer both a café service and take away.

The ‘signature range’ including tiramisu, strawberry pavlova and cookies and cream is available freshly made daily and a selection of seasonal flavours are available throughout the year. Bespoke cupcakes can be made to order for that special occasion.

Harvey Nichols

At the forefront of quality and fashion in the biggest shopping cities in the UK, the exclusive Harvey Nichols does not sit as an obvious choice in this guide to all things sweet. However, hidden away on the 4th floor is a beautiful food department boasting a collection of quality food stuff from the UK and across the World. If you’ve ever lived abroad or been on holiday and thought “I wish I could get this at home” Harvey Nichols should be your first stop to try and find it.

Stocking a range of South American cocoa products, the popular US brand Reese’s and the Cadbury cherry ripe bar from Australia amongst many more exclusive international brands. Slightly stranger combinations include the yoghurt coated edamame bean and chocolate covered ants.

These are some of the highlights of the sweet world in the centre of Leeds, if you get that sweet pang, or want to treat your loved one, Leeds is a great place to be!

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Best sweet shops for a treat in Leeds

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Leeds Kirkgate Market is an object of discussion for a lot of citizens of Leeds, good and bad alike. For the uninitiated it can appear daunting – so here’s my virtual tour of the great food stalls I love and shop at every week. Starting in the oldest part of the market, entering opposite the Victoria Quarter and turning right:

Paninoteca Deli

Buying rubbish Greggs sandwiches every day for work? Thinking to yourself ‘Why?’ (and then, ‘ugh’). Pop over to this lovely little deli and grab a few slices of whatever takes your fancy for your lunchtime grub: turkey, beef, Serrano (and just a few other types) ham, Spanish sausages, little pasties…it goes on. You can get Italian import pasta and great Polish bread here too.

The Nut Shop

If you bake or snack, you will know The Nut Shop. Stacked from top to bottom in brazils, walnuts, dried apricots, sultanas, cranberries, chocolate drops and a myriad more things in paper bags, this is the place to go before you snatch something out of the queue at M&S. For culinary cake-makers, their range of tins, decorations, ingredients and toppers is to die for.

Making your way down slightly and to the left, onto Butchers Row:

B & J Callard

Maybe not one for the vegetarians, but carnivores should delight in Leeds Butchers Row. Steak, lamb chops, beef mince, ox tongue, liver, kidneys, sausages you could use as doorstoppers, joints to feed a hungry family and barbeque ribs are just some of the wonderful produce on display. Don’t forget to ask about what you’re buying: the butchers here are friendly, helpful, and always help you get as much meat for your moolah.

Turning right before the end of Butchers Row and winding round the newer section to the location of:

Grocers with fresh fruit and vegetables within the market

Tony Banks Grocers

Just like butchers, the choice of grocers in the market is huge. My personal favourite is Tony Banks. Give them a tenner and you’ll get more veg than you can carry, and their knowledge of seasonality knows no bounds. As well as exotic fruits you’ll find English apples and pears, bright pink rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, and root vegetables that will form your entire diet for the winter months.

Exiting the other way and finding yourself on Fish Row:

S Myers Fishmongers

A lot of people are squeamish about fish. But if you’re a seafood lover, Leeds Kirkgate Market will thrill you. From the bizarre and beautiful – squid still covered in ink, lobsters flailing in their little rubber handcuffs – to the stalwart and economical, Fish Row really does what it says on the tin. As always, the traders are more than happy to offer advice and give you a variety of ways to finish your fish: top and tailed, gutted, filleted, scrape down, skinned. Unsure of what I’m blathering about? Ask one of the lads down at Kirkgate!

Back up Fish Row to the older section of the market, in a central location:

Firth and Payne Bakers

Right, we’ve rocketed round the market and picked up enough chow for the next week. You deserve a little break. Aside from all the friendly and gob-smackingly cheap greasy-spoons in the market, where you can get a cup of tea you can drown in, this little baker is lovely for a little afternoon pick me up. Muffins, millionaire’s shortbread, buns, cream cakes and biscuits line the shelves. Don’t drool on the glass; just pick up a treat (or two) and a few breadcakes for your sandwiches next week.

Shop local and support Leeds Kirkgate Market

As you can see, Kirkgate Market is a great place to find your weekly shop at a much better price than the supermarkets, much better quality, and – even better than that – great advice and banter with the traders. And that’s just the food: don’t forget the clothes, hair and beauty, household, textiles, and everything else. Take your time, explore the place, and support your local market!

Eleanor Snare is a contributing writer on numerous websites in Leeds, and studies part time at Leeds University. She can be found on Twitter as @ebsnare or on her blog. She is also a member of Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market who support traders and help improve the Market.

Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Tour around Leeds Kirkgate Market

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There is no shortage of distinctive Victorian architecture in Leeds, and with its beautiful oval shape, arched windows and fancy pillared entrance the Corn Exchange is yet another fine example – completed in 1864 and now a Grade I listed building it was designed by Cuthbert Broderick who also drew up the plans for Leeds Town Hall.

The Leeds Corn Exchange

Once upon a time corn traders eagerly haggled here, and the commercial spirit lives on in the Corn Exchange of today – step inside and you’ll find a well-lit and attractively curving interior with a remarkable selection of innovative shops, boutiques and places to eat, composed mainly of independent retailers.

Boutique and designer clothes shops

If you love American retro then you’ll love All American Vintage with its high quality clothes and accessories direct from the USA. The clothes are mainly 1940’s to 1980’s and brought in predominantly from the New York City area, a place long renowned for its style and elegance.

For original designer clothes don’t miss The Hidden Wardrobe specialising in unique garments, and for dresses there’s Dawn Stretton with its range of prom dressses, cocktail dresses, little black dresses, and dresses for every occasion. On the upper level you will find Mad Elizabeth, a shop dedicated to selling vintage and recycled clothes, accessories & jewellery.

For lovers of cool, it’s worth taking a look at Miki which gives a distinctly Japanese take on the Ivy League look. Rude boys and girls will like Upstart Clothing with its iconic British gear, where you’ll find everything you need for a ska revival night and other traditional British pop gatherings. And not forgetting a treat for feet, there’s Russo Italia Shoes selling very chic Italian leather footwear.

If there’s a baby on the way, then how about Mummy and Little Me, which does an impressive range of pretty clothes and products for mothers and babies, making it also the perfect place to shop for eye-catching baby gifts if you have friends in the family way. The maternity wear ranges from casual maternity jeans to more formal maternity evening wear.

Jewellery and pampering for a loved one

The Corn Exchange has plenty of places to find interesting jewellery: Outrage Jewellery do hand-crafted jewellery, with unique items made from precious and semi-precious metals and stones. If you like the sparkly stuff, then there’s Bling with a glittering range of contemporary crystal jewellery. Lovely for novel gifts is the Little Pink Jewellery House which is set in the style of an elegant dressing room and has very much a boudoir feel.

Those in need of serious pampering in the bath department had better head for Body Lush with its brilliant selection of hand and body lotions, facial washes and treatments, bubble bath, shower gel and lots of other tonics and treats. Love cupcakes? How about getting a bath bomb that looks like one? Soap Star Gifts do these and lots of other bathtime goodies.

Art and music shops at the Leeds Corn Exchange

There are plenty of things for the home at the Corn Exchange as well: Yellow Sunrise has some colourful soft furnishings and home accessories, and if you want to liven up your walls with some art or your own family photo, then Xpress Art do canvas prints of any image in any format. Up on the balcony is Northern Acoustics specialising in acoustic guitars from beginner’s guitars to some real top of the range guitars, along with all the accessories, including strings, capos and the like.

Eating and drinking at the Corn Exchange

The Corn Exchange also has plenty of places to grab some food and drink as well. Good for a snack and a coffee is Esquires Coffee House with its fairtrade expressos, lattes, and cappucinos as well as teas, muffins, and pastries. For a light meal there’s Primo’s with gourmet hot dogs, salads, nachos, bagels and other tasty stuff. For a more gourmet meal then look no further than Piazza by Anthony which covers the entire ground floor of the Corn Exchange, and offers a wide ranging top-quality menu.

For lighter meals Anthony’s also run La Cantina which is superb for sandwiches and quick lunches. Anthony’s at the Corn Exchange also have a Bakery doing a wide variety of artisan breads, a Patisserie with high quality cakes and pastries, a Fromagerie with a wide range of cheeses, a Chocolaterie, and even a Champagne Bar for some real chilling out.

Events at Leeds Corn Exchange

As well as its regular shops, the Corn Exchange frequently hosts vintage fairs, craft fairs and other collectors’ fairs.  So if all this is making you want to take a look for yourself, then the Corn Exchange is very easy to find: it’s on the corner of Call Lane and Cloth Hall Street, and only a short walk  from both the railway station and the bus station.

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Leeds Map

Browse the map and click on the pins to find the location of the places featured in this guide.

Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Tour around the historic Leeds Corn Exchange

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Brighton has its Lanes, Tunbridge Wells has its Pantiles, and Leeds has its wonderful arcades. Like a lot of the northern cities, Leeds rose to prominence and wealth during the Industrial Revolution, and the latter parts of the Victorian era saw the construction not just of impressive civic buildings, but also of ornate Victorian arcades where ladies and gentlemen could go shopping away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets, and the clatter of horses and carts. Nowadays you can still enjoy the opulence of the arcades where there are unique shops and exclusive names residing under elegant arches, where you can happily shop and browse indoors.

County Arcade

The most stunning arcade in Leeds has to be County Arcade which runs between Vicar Lane and Briggate, and was designed by none other than renowned architect Frank Matcham who also created the famous London Coliseum, as well as other big-name theatres and buildings up and down the country. Step into County Arcade and you are surrounded by tall marble pillars, elegant lacy wrought iron archways, mahogany shop fronts, and elaborate mosaic flooring.

You’ll find many famous names here, such as Vivienne Westwood and Reiss, as well as other smaller and local shops. Look out for Neal’s Yard Remedies, which started life in an obscure yard in Covent Garden, London. Also worth a look is the locally-based and family-run business Teddy and Co, where you will find a great range of cuddly teddy bears, personalised cards, and gifts.

Cross Arcade

Running between King Edward Street and Queen Victoria Street is the smaller Cross Arcade, also designed by Frank Matcham, and in a very similar style to County. Worth a look is the rather snazzy Paul Smith for some top-notch clothing and accessories. Queen Victoria Street was covered over by the largest expanse of stained glass in Europe in the nineties, and this has created a complete indoor shopping area comprising County Arcade, Queen Victoria Street and Cross Arcade, now known as The Victoria Quarter.

Thornton’s Arcade

Walk across Briggate from the County Arcade and you come directly to Thornton’s Arcade, which was designed by Leeds architect Charles Fowler, and completed in 1878. Although this is a narrower and more modest arcade than County, it is packed with exciting and trendy small shops, and has an elaborate clock at its far end which incorporates four dramatic life-sized figures. Look out for Yumyum Beads where you can buy colourful and unusual beads made from glass, metal, bone, horn and resin.

Yumyum has only three branches, the other two being in Dinan, France and Kardamili, Greece. If you love sweet things, then pop into the family-run Bon bons of Leeds who do a mouthwatering range of wonderful sweets, including fine chocolates, marzipan fruits, and other delightful arrays. They even do a chocolate in the shape of asparagus!

Queen’s arcade

Further down Briggate from Thornton’s is the lovely Queen’s Arcade which opened in 1889, and in more recent years has been compared to Carnaby Street due to its shops. Take a look at the newly opened Shabby Chic, where you’ll find things for the home that are both pretty and unique – definitely not standard high street goods. Also rather amazing is Unfake with its fresh and funky international urban fashion.

Grand Arcade

Further up on New Briggate, near Leeds Grand Theatre, is Grand Arcade, built in 1897 and designed by Smith and Tweedal. These days Grand Arcade is perhaps a little in need of a facelift and its clock is in need of repair, but it certainly has a few hidden treasures. A good place to get a tasty vegetarian meal is the warm and friendly little veggie cafe Roots and Fruits. If you are into vintage, retro and theatrical fashion, then take a look at Upstaged! where you’ll find plenty of clothing from yesteryear.

So if you are coming to Leeds as a tourist, or if you are lucky enough to live or work here, you’ll always find something of interest in the arcades, be it quirky domestic goods, the latest innovative fashion, a bit of the old vintage stuff, perfect gifts, delicious choccies, or a wholesome veggie meal. I’m sure those elegant Victorians would be delighted to see that the arcades of Leeds are still going strong.

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Historic shopping arcades of Leeds

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Leeds is well known for its huge number of high street shops, shopping centres, malls and department stores. Thousands of people visit Leeds every week to peruse these shops at their leisure, but many are likely to miss the abundance of unique and boutique stores that the city has to offer. Often located just out of view from the city centre, these hidden gems could go unnoticed. There are a handful of independent confectioners, bakers, furniture stores, clothes stores and antique shops.

Here are five of the best.

All American Vintage

Situated in Leeds’ renowned Corn Exchange, All American Vintage is a vintage store with a bit of a twist. All clothes, bags, shoes and accessories are sourced directly from New York including pieces from 1940’s – 80’s. Leeds is home to a growing number of vintage and vintage re-production stores, however this one is definitely the most unique.

The ‘second-hand / recycling ethic’ amongst environmentally friendly shoppers is on the rise, as is interest in vintage fashion in general. Anyone can buy vintage re-production pieces from high street brands, but why not opt for something more unique, whilst also saving pennies and the planet?

An absolute must for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Crash Records

Crash Records was established in 1985 in a tiny shop on Woodhouse Lane, and since moving to The Headrow in ’87, has played a fundamental role in establishing the local Leeds music scene. Spread out across two floors, the store is small, but boasts a broad variety of CDs, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs and merchandise.

The range of Rock/Indie and Punk/Hardcore on the ground floor is more than impressive and includes a handful of rare/limited edition vinyl. Crash Records caters for almost any music fan and is also a ticket agent for a number of venues across the UK. You can often catch well known acts performing in-store.

Radish

Radish is a unique and independent bookshop stocking music, films, art and fair trade clothes. Its three rooms house a whole range of cool and unusual items such as recycled gifts, eco-friendly furniture and handmade cards.

Book-wise, regardless of their size and affiliation with any larger bookshop, Radish stocks a vast and varied range of literature and reading materials, with emphasis on books detailing green issues, politics, cookery and gardening as well as devoting a large section of their shelves to children’s and young adults. A refreshing and unique book-buying experience in a fair trade and eco-friendly environment.

Travelling Man

The self-declared ‘comic book geeks’ at Travelling Man are on a mission to get everyone in the world to love at least one comic book. With such an excellent range of graphic novels and comic books, they make it hard to pick just one. Selling all types of graphic novel which dabble in issues ranging from religion to politics. Travelling Man really stands out as a unique comic book retailer.

They also sell playing cards, figurines and collectables, merchandise and clothing. Perfect for hardcore comic books fans, or anyone interested in a little bit of light reading. Keep an eye out for in-store for singings from various well known characters and artists.

Mki Miyuki – Zoku

Hailed as the ‘newest, freshest and most exciting addition to the Leeds fashion scene’, Mki Miyuki – Zoku is a concept store based on a group of Japanese youths who were the first to adopt and adapt the ‘Ivy League look’ in 60’s Japan. Mki stock simple, but high quality clothes from a number of up and coming and underground clothing brands. Their apparel is unique and eye-catching. Based on the look of a more underground social movement, Mki is now setting the trend in street fashion.

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Independent shops for Leeds shoppers

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Not only is Leeds home to one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, but in the environs of Leeds you will also find some very pretty market towns that hold regular indoor and outdoor markets, where you can shop for a bargain and stock up your veg rack.

Leeds Kirkgate market

Housed in a beautiful domed Edwardian building on Vicar Lane, and extending all the way back to the bus station, Leeds Kirkgate Market has over 400 stalls selling everything from fine foods to flowers, haberdashery to electrical goods, along with a good selection of little cafes and eateries.

You can buy a profusion of goods here that includes toy walking elephants, delicious cream cakes, furry textiles, Caribbean vegetables and carnivores will be glad to see that there is even an entire row of butchers, all competing with each other to offer you a good bargain.

There is a traditional outdoor market too, with stacks of fresh fruit and vegetables, electrical goods, army surplus gear, and budget clothing. At the outdoor market you’ll find lovely vintage clothing on Mondays, and an interesting flea market on Thursdays. Look out too for the farmers market selling fresh produce on the first and third Sundays of the month from 9.00 till 2.00.

Pudsey market

The attractive stone built market town of Pudsey was listed in the Domesday book, and its traditional market place is still thriving with a lively open market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Here you’ll find fruit, veg, flowers, household goods, clothes, arts and crafts, and other items at reasonable prices. Watch out too for the farmers’ market on the last Thursday of every month from 9.00 till 2.00pm.

Morley market

Morley Market is known for being good for food, and also has a cafe where you can draw breath over a coffee and a sandwich in between doing the shopping. The market is in the centre of Morley and has two sections, with the original market hall and its new extension. In the old market hall you can buy fine foods including fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and deli items.

In the new hall you will find textiles, electricals, tanning and piercing salons, nail bars, and other interesting stalls and shops. The market also has a generous number of delis and bakeries, so you won’t be short of something to snack on as you wander around.

Otley market

On the serene River Wharfe and close to the green countryside, the pretty market town of Otley is renowned for its number of pubs and (amazingly) its number of troupes of Morris dancers. There are claims that Otley Market has been on the go for some thousand years, and the market even received a mention in the BBC’s League of Gentlemen.

The market is to be found, not surprisingly, on the Market Square, with a small market on Tuesdays, and then a larger one on Fridays and Saturdays that spills over into the adjacent streets with almost 100 stalls. You’ll find all the traditional market foodstuffs and household goods here, as well as a more modern twist with stalls selling clothing, jewelry, essential oils, and even Mediterranean produce. There is also a farmer’s market on the last Sunday of each month, 9.00am till 1.00pm.

Yeadon market

The charming old mill town of Yeadon, has a market in the Town Hall Square every Friday, 9.00am till 4.00pm. Here you’ll find fruit, vegetables, and other foods, as well as clothes, tools, books, plants, flowers and household goods. And if you need a break from all this shopping, Yeadon is home to The Oldest Fish and Chip Shop in the World, where you can grab a cod and chips to eat al fresco.

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Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Shop local at Leeds Markets

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The twinkling lights and dizzy excitement of Christmas seems a long way off in the dreary iciness of January’s grip doesn’t it? You’ve probably got a bit of Christmas money burning a hole in your too tight post-Christmas binge trousers but, as is always the way, the shops are merely flogging summer’s flimsy knits and things you didn’t want full price.

Not surprisingly, you may not be too tempted to part with your cash. However, there are many places in Leeds crammed full of inexpensive, locally made goodies that may prise those notes from your clammy grip and not give you that post-splurge guilt.

Artsmix market

The Artsmix markets, a locally grown not for profit organisation supporting local artists, are filled to bursting with local talent. Free entry, the markets are the perfect place to stock up on reasonably priced, quality, handmade Yorkshire goodies and they’re usually held at the Loft in Leeds city centre. However, you can also catch them at outdoors events at Brewery Wharf and the Royal Armouries and further afield across west Yorkshire too. Check out their website for upcoming events.

Farmer’s markets

If food is more likely to make you part with your money, stroll across to Kirkgate Market’s special farmer’s market. Held on the first and third Sunday of every month between 9-2pm, it’s any food lover’s dream with plenty of tastings on offer – meaning you can enjoy the experience even if you don’t splash any cash.

The Affordable Vintage Fair

These ever-so popular vintage fairs certainly live up to their name. An unique shopping experience, they frequently have live music performers, evoking the musical spirit of time gone by which provides a fantastic backdrop to browsing the groaning clothes rails.

A tiny entrance fee (usually a £1) grants you access to hundreds of stalls selling everything from vintage jewellery to wedding dresses. It’s worth the entrance fee to visit the frankly marvellous Marvellous Tea Dance Company which provides kitsch catering, cupcakes and cuppas in authentic vintage garb.

The Corn Exchange

Although unfortunately not quite the buzzing mecca for independent shops that it once was, the Corn Exchange has attracted back some of Leeds’ finest fashion folk. Inside what is surely one of Leeds’ most recognisable features (which is worthy of more than just a cursory glance) you’ll still find three independent designers championing their wares, providing you with the opportunity to snap up an one of a kind design.

Ultimately, Leeds is well known for its places to shop. You can waste many a hour browsing the shiny shops of the Victoria Quarter or get lost in the maze of stalls in Kirkgate Market. And, of course, if you just window shop, you can do it all without spending a penny too.

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Read our guide to Leeds for ideas on the best places to visit, stay and eat in the city.

Shopping on the cheap in Leeds

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