We are so proud of Leeds’ amazing independent businesses that put art and culture in the heart of the city. It is so important to support your local independent businesses who are striving to make Leeds an exciting and unique city. We took a little walking tour of some of our favourite hangouts who are supporting our crowdfunding campaign to help put the art in the Art Hostel. Whether you are just visiting or a Leeds local, these places are a must visit on any trip around the city!
Wapentake
92 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Our old neighbour and stop for a brew! They are all about supporting local businesses, which we love! Sourcing all their ingredients daily from Kirkgate market and coffee from Coffeecare, Skipton and tea from Taylors of Harrogate. Their beer is also made not too far from home, with pints from the Brethren at Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery & North Brewing Co. on offer, three of our most local breweries!
Cafe and Gallery 164
Munro House, Duke St, Leeds LS9 8AG
Independent art gallery, café, exhibition and event space with the best sandwiches in Leeds, if not the entire north (probably)! Grab some lunch from their extensive selection of delicious sandwiches, soups and indulgent cakes and enjoy their relaxed and cosy cafe filled with local artwork. There’s also a fab range of vegan options too for the plant-based eaters amongst you. 164 will definitely be a popular brunch spot for our new Art Hostel guests!
Colours May Vary
Munro House, Duke St, Leeds LS9 8AG
After a yummy lunch at 164, head over to their neighbour Colours May Vary for a browse of their beautiful homewares and funky prints! If you are a fan of illustrations, graphic design and colour, this will be right up your street! Alongside the shop, they have a beautiful gallery space, where they regularly hold exhibitions which range from group shows to solo shows as well as book signings, magazine launches and workshops! If you are in need of an instalment of vibrant art, give Colours May Vary a visit!
Outlaws Yacht Club
38 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY
A European style café/bar, exhibition space, record shop & creative hangout tucked away on New York Street in Leeds. We loved hanging out here when we were in the Kirkgate hostel and playing a board game or three. Check out their event listings for regular record and quiz nights!
The Old Red Bus Station
104 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL
The Old Red Bus Station is home to a bar, gallery and Leeds’ first all vegan eatery, Cantina! What more could you ask for? Taking a fresh look at plant-based grub, they have created a delicious menu of vegan junk food. Old Red is your go-to for innovative eats and chilled vibes!
Leeds Print Workshop
130 Vicar Ln, Leeds LS2 7NL
Our friends over at 130 Vicar lane run a co-operative printmaking studio. From beginners to well-established printmakers they cater to all skill levels and run a range of courses. Want to try your hand at printmaking? Check out what courses they currently have on offer and book your place!
Eat Your Greens
42 New York St, Leeds LS2 7DY
What do you get if you combine Grub & Grog and Outlaws yacht club? Answer… Eat Your Greens! Combining a bar, restaurant, relaxed cafe and organic grocery store, this chilled hang-out is a great spot for the environmentally conscious amongst us. The responsible sourcing of their food is a top priority on their list, using locally sourced organic veg and produce to create their unique and delicious menu!
Kirkgate Market
34 George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
From fruit to fabric to furniture to flowers, you’ll find anything you need at the market and more! Find the extra ingredient you need for that recipe, a rare vinyl or simply explore all the market has to offer. Don’t forget to refuel after that busy day shopping with a trip to the food court. We recommend trying the masala dosa from Manjit’s Kitchen! Yum!
Doghouse
93 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Next door to Wapentake, another of our old neighbours was Doghouse. They haven’t been there for more than a few years, yet have created a proper cosy local pub feel. Spanning across three floors, Doghouse hosts an eclectic mix of furniture and local art hanging from the walls. Not only is Doghouse a bar, but also a record store! What more could you ask for! Browse some vintage vinyl, enjoy a seafood bar snack and relax in their comfy local boozer.
Live Art Bistro
1, 2 Regent St, Leeds LS2 7QA
Just a short walk from the new hostel site, Live Art Bistro is the place to go for anything live art and performance! Run by artists, for artists. They champion unique talent and have created a safe and welcoming space for all to show their work. Whatever you go to see here, you are in for a treat!
Crowd of Favours
Harper St, Leeds LS2 7EA
Crowd of Favours was our local watering hole at the Kirkgate hostel and will definitely still be one of our regular pub visits in our new home! If you like a proper cosy local pub feel, the Crowd will be right up your street! They have an eclectic selection of beers, brilliant spirits, an excellent wine list and a super, locally sourced, freshly prepared menu. They also have a free to hire exhibition space in the basement, so you can catch some local art whilst you enjoy a pint!
The Corn Exchange
Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BR
One of Leeds’ architectural masterpieces holds host to an array of beautiful independent boutiques, including Little Leeds Beerhouse, Released Records, The Plant Point and so many more…! If you are looking for a quirky gift, the Corn Exchange is the place to look. It’s worth a visit just to marvel at the beauty of the place!
Village
3 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LQ.
We love multi-functional spaces and here is another! Village is a bookshop and gallery space based in the historic Thornton’s Arcade. Stocking books on contemporary art, design, fashion to small press artist zines, it’s the place to go to pick up a read to get your creative juices flowing!
Kapow Coffee
15 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6LQ
46 The Calls, Leeds, LS2 9EY
After all that reading, you definitely deserve a coffee. Head just a few feet out the door and you’ll find the neon sign of Kapow Coffee, head inside for quality coffee and a slice of delicious cake! Kapow also shares our love of all things art and so you can enjoy the local artists work on their walls while you brunch.
North Bar
24 New Briggate, Northern Quarter, Leeds
Tucked away on New Briggate and just a short walk from the Grand Theatre, North Bar hosts an eclectic mix of beers and spirits. None of your ordinary brand beers will be found here so If you are into trying something a little bit different, North Bar is definitely worth a visit. North is also another art-loving watering hole on our list and regularly hosts exhibitions and local art on its walls for you to enjoy over a cold pint.
The Brunswick
82 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
A bright airy bar/restaurant/events space, that’ll be a local to the new Art Hostel guests! The Brunswick hosts a wide range of beers from around the globe but still keeps a strong focus on good ol’ Yorkshire breweries. The Brunswick is up there with the best place for a Sunday lunch in Leeds (It’s our favourite!) With a choice of Beef, chicken, lamb or nut roast, they have a delicious option to please everybody. Be sure to book though as it’s no secret amongst Leeds folk that they do an amazing roast!
The Reliance
76-78 North St, Leeds LS2 7PN
Last but certainly not least…The Reliance! Our friendly local which will be another watering hole just a short walk from the new hostel. Pop in for a coffee or a pint in their very informal cosy pub and don’t forget Sunday is quiz night!
That’s our whistle-stop tour over for now! There are so many great independents in Leeds, we couldn’t possibly squeeze them all in but there’s a round up of a few of our favourites! Please remember to support your local independents and help keep Leeds a creative and unique city.
Look out for our donation boxes in some of our favourite hangouts and check out our crowdfunding campaign to help make the Art Hostel a permanent creative space for all in this amazing city.