In 2016, East Street Arts opened the doors of Leeds’ first social enterprise hostel with the aim of changing the way we explore and experiment in the city. Located on Kirkgate in a converted seed warehouse, the Art Hostel boasted eight beautifully crafted rooms, designed and created by a group of talented artists.
“Fresh Jive represents the spirit of hip-hop and giving the community a taste of the ‘hip-hop flavour.” – Shane Fenton, 2018.
Looking for something to do in Leeds this weekend? Well, Fresh Jive is back for part 1 of its 20th anniversary celebration. A night packed with real hip-hop, local talent and a revival of the original Fresh Jive party, the event is set to be unmissable. Here, our duty supervisor, Jess Horton, explores what makes Fresh Jive so great.
“For those unaware of Fresh Jive’s legacy, it is a Leeds-based company started by Tony Green, an influential DJ known as T-Breaks, in 1998. He was then joined by UK b-boy champion, Shane Fenton (or 10tonn) in 2002. Together, they have put their energy back into the hip-hop scene in Leeds and have created great memories and loads of legendary hip-hop parties.
“Their efforts and talents soon rang throughout the UK, and the world, becoming the infamous beacon of hip-hop they are today. Fresh Jive is one of the UK’s biggest breakdance events and has brought some of the biggest and most influential hip-hop acts to Leeds, including Method Man, Public Enemy, Mos Def, DJ Premier, Masta Ace, Sugarhill Gang, Blak Twang, among a vast list of others.
“Shane Fenton and Tony Green have brought the magic that 10tonn and T-Breaks encompass to friends all across Europe, continuing to promote hip-hop culture locally and internationally through classic elements, such as breakdance, DJing and Emceeing.
“One of UK’s biggest breakdancing competitions, ‘Dirty-30s’, was co-founded by Shane and Tony, for the first generation of b-boys and b-girls to continue dancing. ‘Speak to the Streets’ was founded as a ‘Legacy of Pat Regan’, which works towards promoting positive hip-hop culture in the youths around the UK. Their efforts in hip-hop, throughout all their projects, have put the dynamic duo on the map and have shown the world the talents Leeds has to offer.
“The hip hop fans of Leeds have been screaming encore since their last event in 2015, asking for one more ageless Fresh Jive party. Finally, the people have been given what they want. Consider yourself lucky if you find yourself at Fresh Jive’s anniversary this weekend.
“On Saturday 23 June, Fresh Jive will bring their funk back to the people of Leeds with the 20th anniversary reunion party going down at The Hyde Park Book Club, exhibiting some of the elements they are best known for.
“During the day, ‘Speak to the Streets’ will be going family friendly with live performances, workshops, games and competitions. When night falls, you can expect a slightly different scene. From 5pm there will be dance cypher battles, live hip-hop acts, DJ battles and special guests. The night will be hosted by 10tonn and DJ Junk, two UK b-boy champions, and will feature DJ battles between T-Breaks and DJ Lubi. Friends of Fresh Jive, J Bravo and DJ Agent M, will be hosting additional live acts and performances in the Sedgwick Avenue room.
“Find out more about the event and how to purchase tickets on the Fresh Jive event page. Tickets are selling fast, so be quick!”
And remember…this is only the first part of Fresh Jive’s 20th anniversary celebration. Keep your eyes peeled for more to come on Fresh Jive’s Facebook page.
Whether you’re visiting Leeds or a resident in the city, there is lots to see and do that you may not know about. Luckily for you, we’ve got the skinny and we’re ready and willing to let you into a few secrets in our super insiders’ guide to Leeds. But keep it to yourself, yeh?
Books, books, books
Looking for something with tonnes of history that will look awesome on your Instagram? Look no further than The Leeds Library. Hidden above The Co-operative Bank and Paperchase on Commercial Street (the main shopping street), the little library is more like a little TARDIS (see Doctor Who) of culture. It’s open to the public between 5-7pm on a Thursday so it’s your prime opportunity to pay a visit. Find out more, here.
Down on Dock Street
One of Leeds’ most beautiful streets can be found at the bottom of the city. Head over the bridge to Brewery Wharf, turn right and you’ll find yourself on this lovely little “snicket”, with cobbles and beautiful bricks to boot. Cha Lounge is the best spot for a coffee or a spot of lunch and you can get your beer on at the Adelphi which is just a hop, skip and a jump away.
While you’re there, make sure you get a few snaps in the Monet Garden and the Mene Mene signpost. You may well spot one of the famous yellow Water Taxi’s too!
A City Less Grey
Fancy going on a bit of a public art hunt? You won’t have to wander far to see some excellent examples. The award winning project, A City Less Grey, comes from East Street Arts and LeedsBID. The collaboration commissioned some talented artists to create public artwork to bring the city to life! Head up Kirkgate (home of the hostel) and you’ll see Joe Dickinson’s piece on the hoarding at the top of the road. Find out where the others are, here.
Getting around
We’ve mentioned it once, but we’ll say it again…the Water Taxi! It’s free! It’s yellow! It’s fantastic! What else could you want? Hop on at Granary Wharf and head down to Leeds Dock to visit the Royal Armouries (also free) and have a coffee at North Star.
Our other little tip will help you getting to and from the airport. Don’t stand in the taxi queue once you’ve made your way through arrivals. Order an Uber to the nearby Travelodge or catch the 757 bus. The latter will get you into town on a budget and the former will save you a quid or two. It may even boost your star rating as well!
Found Fiction
Started in Leeds, Found Fiction is an underground literary phenomenon. If you spot a little brown envelope in an unusual public spot and it has the words “read me” or “confidential” on there with two red “F”s, you’re in for a treat! Short fiction left around the city for people to find, read and pass on; what could be better? We suggest you keep your eyes peeled!
Hiding in Hyde Park
If you’re into film then you really should head across the Hyde Park to visit the beautiful Picture House. It’s like stepping back in time and you can get popcorn as a reasonable price too. In November, the little cinema hosts a large amount of the International Film Festival programme but there’s loads of events on during the year which you can enjoy too. It rains quite a lot in Leeds, so it’s one to keep up your sleeve for sure.
That’s just a whistle stop tour of some of our favourite things about Leeds. What’s your insiders’ guide suggestion?
The summer of football is upon us. From June 14th, you can expect office sweepstakes, soccer chat and lots of complaining about England’s performance. Here’s our list of the best spots to watch the beautiful game in Leeds this summer.
The Palace, Kirkgate
From Russia with love this summer, our almost neighbour, The Palace will be showing every single game of the tournament. You can book a table to make sure you secure a top notch seat to cheer from. No stranger to screening sport, The Palace will provide you with a traditional atmosphere and strong pint too. Find out more, here.
Wapentake, Kirkgate
Our neighbour on the other side, Wapentake, is also a great choice when it comes to football viewing. If you’re looking for a hattrick of great food, nice beer and cosy surroundings, this one is for you. They also do a fantastic selection of cakes and coffee, if you’re watching the game while nursing a hangover. Check it out, here.
Lucky Number 7, Grand Arcade
The former home of Ham & Friends in the Grand Arcade, this New York Ale House has more than 20 beer taps, shuffleboard and some US-style bar snacks to boot. It’s the new kid on the block but not one to be overlooked when it comes to the football. Take a look, here.
Belgrave Music Hall, Belgrave Street
If Lucky Number 7 is a little crowded and you “think it’s all over” (we’re sorry, we couldn’t help it!) for your chances of watching the game, fear not! Belgrave will also be screening the tournament and you can grab some pizza at half time too! All you need to know is here.
The Faversham, Springfield Mount
The final spot on our list has to be The Faversham. A little more further afield, but a good choice all the same. Nip out to the terrace if you can’t stand the tension of the penalty shoot-outs and enjoy some awesome food, craft beer or a cocktail or two while you watch. Avoid a footy viewing “own goal” and visit here.
Where will you be watching the football this summer?
One of our former volunteers, Thea Flindall, is no stranger to travel. Having stayed in hostels across the world, here she shares her top travel tips and hostel hacks to help you find your feet if you’re taking a trip.
1. Do your homework
Make sure you’ve read up on where you’re heading. Knowing a bit about the history and politics of a place while you’re there means you’ll probably get a lot more out of it and avoid a Jeremy Clarkson-esque blunder of ignorance.
2. Keep a diary
Maybe this point is true of life in general and not just a suggestion for the wandering folk, but a lot can happen in the space of a few days when you’re on the road and the places and faces will inevitably blur together in the recesses of your brain.
I’ve never been one for capturing every emotional detail but making a note of the city, the hostel and the people you met, can be enough to trigger the stories and momentary occurrences that will make you smile with nostalgia years down the line. Using Instagram or Twitter to purposefully capture clips of where you are can have the same effect and creates a breadcrumb trail back through your journey.
3. Get your disposable cameras on
Unless your trip has a genuine artistic aim, why not leave the DSLR behind? Disposable cameras are cheap, light and will encourage you to take only the pictures you really want to capture, instead of a stream of identical shots you’ll never look at again. They’ll also cheer you up when they come back from the darkroom just as post holiday blues set in. It also means you’re less of a target for thieves.
4. Make friends with the hostel staff
Since they live in the area they’re likely to know the cheapest and most original places to go, eat, drink, and will be able to nudge you in the right direction to avoid tourist traps. They’ll also be the ones you have to turn to when your passport has disappeared into a watery abyss or whatever other disaster strikes. So, however tired, hungry and sweaty you are when you turn up remember that a smile can go a long way.
5. Be nice to everyone
Even the people who make it really hard. You never know who’s going to catch up with you in the same hostel a couple of weeks down the line and no one needs bad vibes following them from town to town. Travelling can bring out someone’s deepest insecurities, as they’re constantly confronted with new people and challenges, so breathe deep and take the high road.
6. Pack light
If you’re doing a long trip, anything you take will be in tatters by the end. If it’s a quick one, then you don’t need to take much anyway! The lighter your luggage, the more freedom you have to chase an adventure, if one happens to present itself, with no bulky cases to lug around or piles of clothes to pack up. Shocking as it may seem, most countries do sell the essentials and probably much cheaper than back home, so leave the year’s supply of Herbal Essences at home.
7. Always take the cheap route
Occasionally it’s worth spending a little bit extra (meals involving seafood spring to mind as an example although I imagine that’s not a foolproof rule…) but for the most part the cheapest dorms are where the best people will stay; the budget bus is where you’ll have time to see all the views; and the tiny corner bar down a side street is where you’ll eat some proper local food. You’ll end up more patient, appreciative and will generally find yourself with a more down to earth understanding of the culture you’re visiting.
8. Be comfortable being on your own
Sitting alone in restaurants or walking around museums can feel really uncomfortable when you’re not used to being on your “todd”. As you get used to flying solo it can be really liberating so try not to scroll endlessly through your phone in an attempt to appear less alone. Independent and lonely are two very different things!
9. Download Duo Lingo
Learning languages can be difficult if your brain doesn’t work that way. There are so many apps available that can help you pick up at least a couple of phrases while you’re sat on a bus or in a hammock with nothing to do. You can make friends with locals more easily and even chat people up with (hopefully) more success too!
10. Learn to make friendship bracelets
They start conversations, give you a purpose when you don’t know anyone at the bar and are a nice thing to be able to give people you meet.
11. Make few plans
Have an idea of the general direction you might go is useful but if you can avoid it, don’t pre-book buses and hostels. Just wake up every morning and decide if you’re staying or going. If you confine yourself to too rigid a schedule you leave no time for spontaneous trips with new friends, an extra night with the love of your life or that monster hangover that was the result of clearly and definitively assuring everyone that you were ‘definitely having a night off from drinking’.
What are your biggest travel tips? Share them in the comments below.
Islands, full moon parties and beer… that’s all there is to Thailand, right? Wrong.
Before reaching the well trodden Thai backpacker path, I had been a little dubious about what type of culture I’d encounter. I am guilty of being that Western traveler who feared that all Thailand held for me was your typical tourist trail – just more beaches, beer and memorabilia. This image I’d conjured completely dissipated the moment I arrived in Pai.
“If you go anywhere in Thailand, make it Pai” – the wise words of fellow backpacker, Beth. So here I am, in the hippy highland town of northern Thailand. A place that is hundreds of miles from the coastal cries of “massage, massage”, far from buckets of cocktails and views of sunburnt Brits. Instead, I am surrounded by lush green fields, hoards of tie dye and heads of dreadlocks.
We are staying at Easy Guesthouse which, unbeknownst to us, is a hostel-come-gallery. The hosts are artists and musicians -their hostel, in turn, has become an extension of their creativity. The lounge is a space filled with futons, walls adorned with artwork and the sounds of guitar strumming. Since opening, Easy Guesthouse has also become a location for workshops that promote indigenous skills. The hostel oozes a relaxed, creative energy – an energy that is so at home in the hippy haven of Pai.
Backpackers often come here for a matter of days, yet manage to find themselves lost in the magic of the place weeks later. It was only when I was riding my bike through the rolling hills of Pai’s countryside that I began to understand why.
A typical day in Pai could begin with a meditation session, followed by a trip out to the Strawberry cafe, ending at a smoky acoustic night in the town centre. Even a trip to Boon Ko Ku So – a memorial bridge, and one of the most historic of sights in Pai – entails watching a Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike chasing across the wooden slats armed with a sword and face full of black eyeliner.
The quirky character of the town emanates a contagiously relaxed atmosphere. Charming little eateries – decorated with wall hangings, fairy lights and futon booths – invite you to join in the bohemian way of life as you sit cross-legged to enjoy vegan-themed Thai food. Whilst a walk through the night market could see buying hand crafted jewellery, rummaging through heaps of tie dye and tasseled clothing, or even sitting to get dreadlocks…
I finally managed to pry myself away from Pai and I thought my days of eccentric Thai arts and culture were over. I was wrong. It seems its creative ambience is infectious – spreading through the hills of northern Thailand, reaching the towns of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Touring Thailand can, at times, feel like a continual temple trail. But there was something rather unique about Chiang Rai’s many Wat’s, which seem to blend the importance of religion here in Thailand, with art and creativity. Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple), is a contemporary art exhibition that has been completed in the style of a Buddhist temple. The design completed by local artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, is rich with symbolism.
The main building features a bridge that crosses over a lake of outreaching hands, intended to show unrestrained desire. The bridge teaches the way to happiness is to forego temptation. This creative display holds religious significance – whilst the site is also home to a meditation hall, an art gallery and living space for monks. The White Temple is an example of how Thai culture and faith have blended seamlessly with artistic talent and creation.
The newest addition to Chiang Rai’s exhibition temples, and my favourite, is Wat Rong Sear Tean (The Blue Temple). Designed by the student of Kositpitpat, the lesser known temple is adorned with yes, you guessed it, blue artwork. This artistic impression of a Buddhist temple displayed a truly unique style. Vivid blues and golds of the exterior are matched by the blue and pink hues of the psychedelic-style paintings inside, which frame a great white Buddha.
The finale was perhaps the most famous artistic museum in northern Thailand – Baan Dam, also known as The Black House. The grounds of the museum-come art studio is also the home of its creator, Thawan Duchanee. Nothing could really prepare me for the ‘Black House experience’. An eclectic mix of dark wooden outhouses and eccentric domes display an array of the local artist’s work. He explores themes surrounding Buddhist philosophy, including human desire, sickness and suffering, in a unique way – with the controversial use of animal skins, bones and furs. This dark imagery is paired with eerie atmospheric music to create a surreal and unconventional experience of Thai art.
The temples of Chiang Rai bring a creative element to the spiritual side of Thailand. Symbolism and artistic interpretation has led to a new wave of tourism – an innovative, creative and captivating temple trail experience. It’s this, along with the uniquely bohemian vibe of Pai, that has introduced me to the other side of Thailand – to its hippy haven of the north.
Words and images by Emily Baldwin.
It’s June! One of our favourite months here at the hostel. The days stay lighter that little bit longer and if we’re lucky, there’ll be a bit of sunshine too. As always, our calendar is jam-packed! Here’s just some of the things you can get involved with this month.
Yoga with Calm Collective Leeds (Monday and Wednesday, all month)
Any hostel regulars will know that Calm Collective hosts weekly yoga sessions with us on a pay as you feel basis. Get your zen on with Kate in our basement project space. We promise you’ll feel the benefit! Book your place.
It’s also International Yoga Day on 21st June and we’re celebrating with some extra special sessions. We’ll see you there!
Tuesday tea
We’re always banging on about Tuesday tea…but that’s because it’s just so awesome! Join us and you’ll see. It starts at 6ish and our food is always vegan friendly too. Check out some of the previous recipes.
Retro Bar at the End of the Universe, #GE18 from John Ledger (Thursday 21 June, 6.30-9pm)
Artist, John Ledger will be taking up residency at 130 Vicar Lane throughout June and for one night only, he will be coming to the Art Hostel for the culmination of General Election of Governing Emotions (#GE18).
Head to Vicar Lane to see a brand new body of work based on a reality where counselling and care blend with politics and then pop across to see us at the hostel for “Election Night”, complete with interactive voting booths.
John is currently studying an MA in Fine Art at the University of Leeds and his practice explores a collective longing for a holiday from capitalist realism and the impact of political ideologies on collective consciousness.
What will you be getting up to in Leeds this month?
It’s almost the bank holiday! Yippee! An extra day off work and time to explore whatever city (or non-city) you happen to be in. As you’ll know, we’re based in Leeds and as always, there’s lots to do this weekend. Here’s some top notch inspiration to get you started.
Friday
Looking for somewhere to kick off the long weekend and take advantage of the Friday buzz? We’d recommend heading to Northern Monk. You can wander along the canal and enjoy a beer outside (sun permitting) and a good feed in the The Refectory, which is currently hosting our neighbour, Wapentake as its resident foodie.
Once you’re fed and watered, head down to music festival, World Island, which is happening in Leeds all weekend (remember, you do need a ticket). Tonight it’s Sampha and Badbadnotgood! Or if you’re looking for something a little different, you’ll find Afrobeat, funk and reggae at Howard Assembly Rooms as all-female supergroup, Les Amazones d’Afrique take to the stage.
(Image credit: World Island)
Saturday
After you’ve had the mandatory Saturday lie-in, head to Northern Print Fair at Duke Studios, and grab an awesome brunch at Sheaf Street Cafeteria while you’re there. Hop on the best mode of transport in Leeds, the Water Taxi (if you can miss the queue) and dock at one of the best places (if not the best) to be on a sunny day, Water Lane Boathouse.
Another awesome lunch option is Eat North at North Brew where you’ll find Meat Stack, What a Donut, Rabbit Hole Coffee and I Knead Pizza (to name a few). You can also enjoy the tail end of Leeds Indie Food where The Reliance will be “cooking the books” from 6.30pm to 10pm.
If you’ve had enough of the sunshine we’ve been promised, head to Hyde Park Picture House to cool down with a good film. Tomorrow they’re showing Nothing Like a Dame and The Breadwinners. Alternatively, West Yorkshire Playhouse has two cracking shows on this bank holiday weekend, The Girl on the Train and Hard Times – two novel adaptations which are not to be missed.
Live Art Bistro has a treat in store for you too with Pink Suits: Political Child & Sam Kennedy as part of Yorkshire Dance’s Performing Gender Week. Alternatively, you can opt to “get your Spain on” at Arts@Trinity’s Flamenco Festival. Castanets and fans at the ready!
(Image credit: North Brewing Co)
Sunday
Make the most of Sunday sans blues with a trip to Kirkstall Abbey Market. Explore the beautiful ruins with food and treats from some of Leeds’ best businesses.
No Sunday would be complete with a roast, and we certainly have a few favourites. Dock 29 is fantastic for veggies and meat eaters alike but if you fancy something a little more traditional, head to The Cross Keys for your Yorkshire puds.
When it comes to arty adventures, you can look no further than Sunny Bank Mills which has its Clocking Off exhibition on this weekend.
Fill your Sunday evening with merriment and giggles by returning the West Yorkshire Playhouse for Bridget Christie’s stand up show. The living legend, Bryan Adams, is also on at Leeds Arena on Sunday evening, if you fancy rocking out to Summer of ‘69!
Finally, Whitelock’s is hosting a Candlelit Victorian Banquet from 6-11pm, if you’re yet to have your fill of bank holiday grub.
(Image credit: Brisbane Tailoring and Sunny Bank Mills)
Monday
Now’s the time to enjoy that extra day off (**sound of trumpet fanfare**)! Head to Otley for the Traditional Maypole event where a team of female morris dancers called The Buttercross Belles will be celebrating May Day the traditional way.
The Real Junk Food Emporium is still open for business, so nip down and grab what you need for a picnic, including some bread for the ducks before heading across to Roundhay Park to tuck into your treats. Our weather app is promising a sunshine filled treat.
Fancy feeling very Yorkshire? Then pop to The Carriageworks for We Are Bronte at 7.30pm.
And finally, finish off the long weekend with time on the Belgrave rooftop, with delicious pizza from Dough Boys kitchen, followed by the sounds of Femi Kuti and The Positive Force.
We hope that’s given you a little inspiration. What else do you have planned for the long weekend? Tell us in the comments below.
Welcome to our final blog of the week. We’ve loved looking back on the last two years and hope you’ve enjoyed reading our birthday blogs too. Today, we’re talking volunteers. Without this lovely lot, the hostel just wouldn’t function. Consider this a virtual round of applause for the people who give up their time to come and be part of our team.
We welcome help from Leeds locals and visiting travellers alike. Our volunteers range from 18 to 65 years old, from 18 different countries (Spain, France, Portugal, New Zealand to name a few)! Here’s an insight into hostel life from their perspective…
Our best bed
Did you know we have a dorm specifically for volunteers? Room 5 is a 10 bed dorm and it’s seen many sleepers over the past two years. There’s been much debate about which is the best bed in the room with position (corner/middle, top/bottom bunk) and storage seeming to be contentious criteria.
The “top bed”, also known as the “railway bed”, is a favourite among the volunteers, and you can consider yourself lucky if you manage to bag it. You can read more about this bed and East Street-er, Nathan Evan’s experience of staying with us here.
It is a sought after spot, often being passed on and agreed between our volunteers when people moved on.
Former volunteer, Bea says: “I was in the middle bed in the bunk that you see first when you enter the room for one month and then I moved to the ‘top bed’ and I was there for like four months.” She just didn’t want to give it up!
Whereas our Georgie was more bothered about getting into the highest bed in the room, the one that’s directly under the rooftop hatch which has bars which can be used to store things such as books, t-shirts and socks.
Sleep talking the talk
One of the joys of staying in a room with up to 10 other people is the funny things they say in their sleep; and we’ve had a great array of sleep talkers!
Gonzalo says he heard Bea “having conversations with herself in a mix of Spanish, English and bear sounds.”
Gemma said: “Well Kerstin often spoke in her sleep but I could never understand it because it was either German or Japanese! Someone did mention that I had once said ‘Andreea wins the tiger!!! Ssssssssssssssssss’ in my sleep too”.
One of our first volunteers Eliza said: “I heard John apologising twice during a dream, he was really worried about something. The next day we tried to figure out what would be but he had no idea what was about.”
Favourite place in Leeds (apart from the hostel)
Our volunteers love to get out and about in Leeds. How else could they recommend things to see and do to our guests? Our lovely Gonzalo recommends Roundhay Park and Martin loves Hyde Park – it’s student central so easy to make friends on a sunny day.
Gemma prefers a good night out at Key Club. Now she’s moved away from Leeds, she said: “Honestly I’m thinking of starting up my own one so I didn’t have to miss it so much”.
That’s a little glimpse into our volunteers. We’ll be profiling some of our volunteers over the coming months, so stay tuned to learn more about them. And if you’re passing by the hostel, pop in for a chat.