Ever wondered how our lovely hostel ticks over? Who are all the smiley faces are behind our hostel desk? Who makes sure there’s always tea for that early morning cuppa? The answer – our volunteers!

We are lucky to have a wonderful group of ever changing volunteers, some local and some who have travelled from much further afield, they all make up our hostel family. Many of the group come to us from Worldpackers, a service which allows people to exchange their skills for a place to stay.

We thought it was about time you got to meet some of our volunteer squad!

Anna

“Hi my name is Anna and i’m from Panama in Central America. I chose to come to Art Hostel to meet people from other countries. I don’t have any talent for art myself, but I have met a lot of incredible artists and so I was sure, being at Art Hostel was going to be an amazing experience. My favourite thing about the hostel is that it is arranged in a way that everyone interacts and connects with each other; I think this is really great, as not a lot of hostels have this.”

“I love Leeds! There is so much diversity, I have never seen a place like it. My favourite thing to do is to go skating in Hyde Park, the skate park is great! My plan after Art Hostel is to go back to Panama for a while and then live in Africa for six months.”

Lauren

“Hey, I am Lauren! I am one of the Art Hostel’s local volunteers. I found out about Art Hostel through East Street Arts. Before working here, I taught English in a variety of places. I wanted to work at Art Hostel to gain experience in reception work, so I can take what I learn forward into future work. I love how bustling the hostel is and that it came from an arts charity. My favourite place in Leeds is Wharf Chambers and I have always wanted to visit Leeds Industrial Museum in Armley.”

Felix

“Hello, my name is Felix! I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I visited Art Hostel last winter and now I have returned! I am a retired architect and wanted to travel, so why not travel to UK, and Leeds really!”

“While I am at Art Hostel, I hope to improve my English. I returned to volunteer again because I love Leeds, there is so much culture here: opera, dance, theatre and music – you will always find something to do!”

Manuel

“Hello, I am Manuel! I was originally born in Chile, but have lived in Spain for eight years, where I studied psychology. I found Art Hostel through the website WorldPackers, it was the only hostel I found that was offering the opportunity for me to volunteer and live in. Friends had told me Leeds was a beautiful city, with lots to do and a great atmosphere and they were right! I have just began my time at Art Hostel and am really excited to see what the next month brings.”

Andrea

“I am Andrea, I am 22 years old and I am Spanish. I came to Leeds and Art Hostel in particular to improve my English. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and explore a different place. I love all of Art Hostel! The walls, the beds, all of it and of course, the people. The people here are what I love the most. I really like that you don’t need to use the bus, if you don’t want to, you can walk and see all of the city itself. It’s a small city centre with so much in it, it is just lovely. I worked as a teacher before Art Hostel and I hope my time here will improve my English before I return to teaching.”

Morgan

“Hi, I am Morgan and I am originally from Texas. I have just finished studying my masters at Leeds Beckett, and while I was studying, I was an intern at Art Hostel. My lease ended and I figured, why not try hostel life for a bit, as I had really enjoyed working there while I was studying. I didn’t know Leeds had any hostels before I found here. I went to a few events by City Life International and made some connections on social media and discovered Art Hostel! I needed a plan what to do next, I was interested by the idea of working/living at the hostel, I met with the manager and really liked the vibe.”

“The best place in Leeds for me is Belgrave Music Hall! Me and my friend would go there on study break to go get pizza and a beer and sometimes catch some live music in the evening if we were lucky! I think after Art Hostel, I will move back to Texas, to go home and work a few months and save up some money. After that, I would love to go to Australia and do some more hostel work.”

“There is so much love in this hostel.” , Angela

Have you recently moved to the city as a new student? Or are you just a traveller visiting our humble city? Want to know the best places for art, music, culture, food and a cheap pint? You’re in luck! We have come together and created a plan for how we’d best explore Leeds’ greatest independent spots in a week! Enjoy!

Monday – take a trip to Kirkgate Market

Let’s start the week just round the corner from us, with a visit to our lovely neighbour Kirkgate Market (open Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5.30pm). Boasting a maze of stands selling local fresh produce, plants, fabric and so much more, the market is definitely worth a visit! With such a diverse range of stalls and great student-friendly prices, you’re bound to come away with what you were looking for (and maybe a few extras you weren’t!).

Afterwards, (if you have managed to resist Kirkgate’s plentiful street food) take a five minute stroll down Kirkgate to Cafe and Gallery 164. Check out its current exhibition and enjoy (probably) one of the best homemade sandwich in Leeds!

Tuesday – welcome to Hyde Park

Go just outside of Leeds to Hyde Park, (a more student-y Hyde Park, than the one in London). Take a walk through the green and leafy Woodhouse Moor. Bang in the middle of Hyde Park, it’s a good nearby spot to escape from the bustle of the city and stop for an afternoon picnic in the sun! In the colder months, the park is a beautiful place for a snowy winter walk. With tennis courts, allotments, a skatepark, a weekly Park Run and yearly Unity Day, there’s always something happening there.

Start your day with a coffee in the cosy arts and music cafe, Hyde Park Book Club. Play one of its many board games or treat yourself to a slice of cake, and don’t forget to pick up a print from a local artist before you leave.

At the heart of this student suburb is the Hyde Park Picture House. Catch an independent or classic film in this charming old school cinema. Feeling bit peckish after the film? It’s just a short stroll to LS6 Cafe. Choose from a range of yummy food and enjoy relaxing in this rustic art filled cafe. They often host dj sets, comedy nights, mini-markets and much more!

Afterwards, pop next door and take a wander round a vintage and antique haven, Retro Boutique and see what treasures you can find. Finish the day off at Brudenell Social Club with a well priced pint, a game of pool and a gig!

Wednesday – marvel at The Corn Exchange

It’s Wednesday and time to take a trip to another one of our architecturally beautiful neighbours, The Corn Exchange. Boasting a hive of independent businesses, from fashion to food, this impressive building is definitely worth a visit. Take a wander round little green paradise, The Plant Point and pick up a leafy friend to brighten up your new abode. Fancy yourself a bit of a photographer or just want a new camera to capture this colourful city? Head over to WY Cameras for all your camera needs, they even stock their own branded 35mm film!

Getting a bit peckish from all that shopping? Grab a bite at Humpit. It’s a hummus lovers heaven! If you have a vegan in your party, this spot is a must try and even if not, we would definitely recommend giving it a visit.

Before you leave, treat yourself to a can of independent beer to take home from Little Leeds Beerhouse.

Running right across the front of The Corn Exchange is Call Lane, probably one of Leeds’ most well known streets. Call Lane is renowned for its numerous bars, however there are a few hidden, lesser known gems in-between the cocktail bars, one being Blue Rinse. If you prefer to shop vintage/second hand, look no further than this brightly blue painted corner shop. Get lost in three floors of paisley, cord and gingham garms!

If you don’t want the night to end yet, sample some of Call Lanes finest watering holes. We suggest a trip to Oporto – live music venue, bar and vegan junk food kitchen.

Thursday – explore Leeds’ arcades

Start your day with a full mind-body workout with a free yoga session at Belgrave Music Hall. Feeling like you need a refuel afterwards, pick up a (very large) slice of pizza from doughboys. To continue your peaceful day, take a stroll around Leeds arcades, with Queen’s, Grand, Thornton’s and Central arcades as well as Victoria Quarter, there is a lot to explore! Look out for Britain’s largest stained glass window, a vibrant skylight of orange, yellow, green and blue that forms the roof of the Victoria Quarter.

If you are feeling like continuing your healthy day, pop into Roots and Fruits for some vegetarian grub! Alternatively, if you feel like treating yourself, head over to Just Grand Vintage Tearoom for afternoon tea and enjoy their floral vintage decor with a scone and jam!

Image credit: Leeds List

Friday – take an art tour

Leeds has so many arts spaces, some more well-known than others, such as Leeds Art Gallery, and some more tucked away, such as Old Red Bus Station!

Start your day at The Tetley, a former brewery turned contemporary arts centre. Another impressive building with a variety of changing workshops and exhibitions. Before exploring what’s on upstairs, head to its popular bar and kitchen, located on the ground floor. Set yourself up for the day with a cup of freshly ground coffee, and why not try something off the Yorkshire inspired menu – there’s 10% student discount every day on food and drink!

Once you’ve explored The Tetley, head back into town past Kirkgate, try and spot the ‘Welcome to Leeds’ mural by Nathan Evans on your way (it’s quite hard to miss)! Other public art to look out for on your way – ‘Cornucopia’ on Call Lane and the large mural quote ‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, design from tomorrow’ by Ian Kirkpartick. This latter work is just off of Vicar Lane where you’ll find 130 Vicar Lane, home to Leeds Print Workshop. Check out what the print coop is up to and try your hand at printing at one of the many workshops and programme. You’ll also be able to spot a variety of East Street Arts’ A City Less Grey pieces on your travels too!

A few doors down from Leeds Print Workshop, you’ll find The Old Red Bus Station. While it is mainly a bar and kitchen, it hosts a range of music and arts events, so keep an eye out for creative happening in that space!

Later on, head over to recently renovated Leeds City Art Gallery, and you might just be in time to join in their weekly meet and make sessions!

Saturday – chill out in the city

It’s our favourite day of the week! We’d recommend that you head to The Ox Club at Headrow House for a fabulous brunch (the french toast is to die for!), drop in the Beer Hall for an afternoon of chat and chill and if you don’t fancy brunch there’s also a wallet friendly steak and chips deal which you’re sure to love the sound…and taste…of.

Fancy flicking through some vinyl? While away the hours at Jumbo Records or Crash Records are both a good shout and very close to Headrow House!

Image credit: Kirsty Garland

In the evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Nip to the waterfront at Water Lane for pizza and beer at Water Lane Boathouse or head to Northern Monk for some relaxed vibes; stay at the top of town and see what Merrion Street has to offer (Belgrave and North Bar are great choices); or venture back to Call Lane (see above for details).

You could also catch yourself a train out of the city… see The Piece Hall in Halifax, head to the The Hepworth in Wakefield or ride that rail to Hebden Bridge to see a quaint Yorkshire town at its best – there’s a great Saturday market and cinema there too!

Sunday – become a fully-fledged Leeds expert!

Take a Sunday stroll along the canal and maybe even hop onto the water taxi for a free scenic tour. Hop off at Leeds Dock and head back through Kirkgate to our friendly neighbour, Wapentake for a hearty sunday roast. A firm favourite of ours! While you are around the Kirkgate area, pop over the road to Fred Aldous and pick up some art supplies. They have everything you could ever think of for your next creative project.

In the evening we’d suggest heading across to the Sunday pay as you feel theatre at Holbeck Underground Ballroom. Alternatively, if you are feeling like a boogie, try the Sunday Joint at Hifi Club and enjoy a night of free live jazz and soul!

Let us know the best place you discovered in your first week in Leeds in the comments below.

Art Hostel, Leeds
16th October – 30th November 2018

Seeding your idea:
Have you visited, stayed or volunteered at the Art Hostel? If so, what idea did you take away from your experience? We want you to share this concept on a map, which is a central part of the project Seeding Art Currency.

Taking part:
• Tag your current location on our Seeding Art Currency map using a pin.
• Add a sentence responding to the question – what idea did you take out into the world after your Art Hostel experience?

Your contributions to our virtual world map will become part of a real-world mural in the hostel project space. Painted by artist, Bobbi Rae directly on the hostel wall, the pins will be represented with real seeds. You will be able to see the mural in further postings, surrounded by other artworks, all linked by themes of currency, seeds and transience.

There’s also a special launch event on 16th October from 6pm at the Art Hostel. Find out more and book your place, here.

Your collective ideas will go on to become other forms of art through the project’s open programme of events, the details of which will be posted at the launch on 16th October.

Seeds of the project:
The project emerges through the shared ideas of researcher Janine Sykes, East Street Arts, contributing artists and collaborators (see below). Janine is exploring curation as a blended practice, where the project space is both online and physical. She is interested in placing citizens’ at the centre of art projects (citizen occupation) to achieve an ethical practice.

Art as living currency
We will use the notion of art as ‘living currency’ to celebrate the Art Hostel, which is a social enterprise that encourages creative exchanges and ethical travel – both life-enhancing and transient activities. Like seeds, many friendships and creative ideas grow within the walls of the hostel, then disperse and flourish elsewhere.

Seeding art
‘Seeding’ is a phrase reappropriated from the digital industries to focus the achievement of the hostel, in the creation of a ‘commons’ – where global citizens ‘make, create, debate, sleep and explore’.

Collaborative events
Located at the Art Hostel on Kirkgate, in a former seed factory, the project brings together a mural with a series of artists’ works. A participatory and sensuous open events programme will also take place on the themes of currency, seeds and transience. All details of the programme will be announced on 16th October and the project runs through until 30th November.

Artists and collaborators
Paul Bennett-Todd
Sherelene Cuffe
Joy Hindmoor
Bobbi Rae
Gry Worre Hallberg
Found Fiction
Tales of a City

This project is supported by East Street Arts and forms part of the charity’s own programme within the Art Hostel.

It’s getting a bit colder and the wind and rain has been giving the city a battering over the last week or so. Don’t let the weather put a dampener on your spirits though, Light Night returns on 4th and 5th October and is certain to illuminate your life (see what we did there?) with a full programme of dazzling fun.

Overwhelmed by all of the events on offer? Don’t be! Here’s our guide to the top Light Night Leeds picks.

The light of Leeds’ skyline, Leeds Beckett at Art Hostel on Kirkgate (yes, that’s us!)
Ok, so this one is a tad self-serving but bear with us. We’ll be opening up our little city centre hostel to a group of print students from Leeds Beckett University on 4th and 5th. They’ve been exploring the light of our beautiful city’s skyline and have created work inspired by exactly that.

Lucent with talent, we’d advise that you start your night off here, before heading out into the evening to experience the city’s light, and other Light Night pieces, for yourself.

Ultiverse at The Tetley
Akeelah Bertram first exhibited her work, Ultiverse, at Patrick Studios (East Street Arts) back in 2016. Two years later, she’s come a long way. Having developed her piece with a variety of collaborators at Union 105 this summer, you’ll be able to experience Akeelah’s piece for yourself at The Tetley. An immersive installation combining light and sound, this is one of our very best suggestions. Check it out, here.

Evaporation, cALLective at Leeds Dock
Leeds Dock always has an extra-special Light Night treat up its sleeve! Remember the suspended moon last year or the whale from 2015? The description of Evaporation promises to leave you with “a sense of awe, deeper understanding and appreciation of the surroundings and technological progression” which sounds pretty good to us!

It’s another immersive installation which will make your Instagram feed look fantastic! Curated by Alex Webb and Stephen Bickers the piece includes videography from Sonder Studios and was created in consultation with Pop Up and Play Company. Find out more, here.

Neon Nights, East Street Arts at 34 Boar Lane
Ok, ok, here’s another one we have a vested interest in but that’s not the only reason we’ve included it in this post. For two nights only, five talented artists will take to 34 Boar Lane (near the station) for a group exhibition. If you’ve not been to this space yet, we would highly recommend that you take a look.

On this special Light Night, Debi Keable will show TRACES, her piece which explores the phenomenon of ghost signs and Romily Alice Walden’s Utopias will make you question modern western society’s relationship with looking and being looked at.

Alongside these two fantastic pieces, The Young Alchemist artist, Jonathan Lang, presents his series of rare gas filled glass objects in partnership with Neon Workshop. If that’s not enough, you can feel the “amour” with 12 Months of Neon Love from Richard Wheater and Victoria Lucas too. You may have seen some of the pieces in situ around Leeds, remember when Drake was up in lights at Headrow House (“You used to call me on my cell phone”)? Check out more, here.

Loops by Jonas Vorwerk at Granary Wharf
Let yourself be transported back in time to the music labs of the 50s and 60s at Granary Wharf as Vorwerk explores the experimentation with analogue magnetic tapes which paved the way for modern music production. Roll up your sleeves and get fully involved. Find out more.

50 Years Leeds-Lille Partnership at Leeds Town Hall
Explore the 50 year relationship between our own city and Lille in France in this collaborative exhibition. What have been the exchanges between schools, creatives, businesses and residents in Leeds over the years?

Have a look through this exhibition of memories. Although it’s not as “lit” as the other Light Night pieces, it’s a good one to catch…especially if you’re visiting the hostel from France. It’ll be in place until January so don’t worry if you miss it on the night.

The Stars Come Out at Night, Stellar Projects at Holy Trinity Church
This is our final recommendation which is located at an amazingly stunning venue. Be captivated by the beauty of the night sky in this impressive installation. The large sculpture slowly reveals beautiful star patterns on the Holy Trinity Church, beneath the stars of our very own city. Take a look, here.

What have we missed? Is there a Light Night event you’ll be heading to which we haven’t mentioned.

Since we opened in 2016, we have welcomed guests from a whopping 114 countries. Many bring with them their own language and we love the multi-lingual buzz of our hostel. That being said, today is about our home county (if you didn’t know, it’s Yorkshire Day). Those visiting would be forgiven for struggling with some of our Yorkshire terms and phrases. Our accents can make it all the more difficult too.

Do not fear, we are here to help you decipher our dialect and celebrate our wonderful county in one fell swoop…

Alright? – means hello. You usually don’t need to tell someone how you are in response to this but you can. No Yorkshireman (or woman) will be offended.

‘Aye – in Yorkshire a simple ‘aye is a term of agreement or a straightforward yes.

Be reight – it will be alright.

Brass – money.

Champion – fantastic. “My stay in the hostel was champion”.

‘Eck – this one is a toned down term for hell and is used in the place of a curse word.

Ey up – hello!

Faffin’ and flaggin’ – faffin’ means messing about or taking too long and flaggin’ means struggling.

Ginnel – now this one is controversial, especially if you cross the border to Lancashire as the people over there prefer the word ‘snicket’. However, a ginnel is a narrow passage between two buildings. If you’re given directions to one of the hidden pubs in Leeds city centre, you may way encounter this term.

Wapentake and Slocken – two of our neighbouring establishments but also two Yorkshire terms. Slocken means to quench while Wapentake is a historical term that you’re unlikely to encounter so we won’t explain…unless you visit the bar of course (which we recommend).

Lass – girl.

Love – a term of endearment, used for and by both women and men. It’s a good thing, so take it as a compliment.

Manky – not very nice or rotten.

Mardy – miserable or sulky.

Nowt and owt – nothing and anything.

Now then – Hello or how are you?

On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at – a song you may encounter if you head across to Ilkley. Translates to on Ilkley moor without your hat.

Sarnie – sandwich.

Scran – food. Join us from some scran at Tuesday tea ;).

Summat – something.

Sup – drink up. “Sup that pint and we’ll move on”.

Ta – thank you.

Have you encountered any terms we’ve not included? Share them and we’ll translate.

Strawberries and cream at the ready! It’s Wimbledon time! We love a bit of tennis here at the hostel and thought we’d make things easy for you with another of our ultimate round-ups (we know you love them). Here’s a rundown of the best spots to catch the action (advantage, you).

All events take place between 2nd and 15th July.

Millennium Square

Head to our very own Murray Mound for perfect match viewing. Shown on the big screen, you’ll be able to see every point in amazing detail. There’s a fantastic atmosphere too. This year, some matches may not be shown because of the football, so check before you head up. Find out more here.

Victoria Gate

Looking for a little luxury? A glass of Pimms or a sneaky gin? Head to Sidney Street outside Victoria Gate to grab a deckchair and relax in the sun (**crosses fingers**). Match point. Here’s more.

Toast, Wellington Street

This little gem is tucked away on the ground floor of West Point, next to Lazy Lounge. There’s a great feeling to the place when sport is on the big screen and you can get yourself a nice spot of lunch too. Again, check listings to make sure you’re not met with football instead of tennis. Read all about it, here.

Wapentake and The Palace, Kirkgate

Our two lovely neighbours featured in our World Cup round up but we just couldn’t let this blog happen without another shout out. Head across to find out more.

Summer in the city at Bond Court and Wellington Place
LeedBID is bringing back its big screens at Bond Court and Wellington Place for the duration of the tournament. There’s also set to be an extra special event of the finals too. We love it!

Have we missed your favourite spot? Tell us in the comments below.

If you haven’t seen our Art Hostel map, you’re missing some vital Leeds intel. It not only helps you make your way around our glorious city, it also gives you a few recommendations along the way. We’re paying homage to some of our favourite independent friends in Leeds this week. You’ll be sure to want to visit them all when you’re staying with us.

Places of interest in Leeds and beyond

Whether you’re visiting Leeds for 24 hours or you’re staying with us a little longer, there’s much to see and do in the city and further afield. We’re well connected with public transport so you should find it extremely easy to get around.

Two spots which are just up the road from the hostel at Kirkgate Market and The Corn Exchange. Head to the former for local, good quality produce and the latter for architecture galore, and good gift options.

Leeds City Art Gallery is a no brainer when it comes to sightseeing. It’s recently been rehung and there’s always an impressive events calendar to get involved with too. See details of the Tiled Hall Cafe below!

If you have a little more time on your hands, take a wander to Left Bank Leeds on Cardigan Road. Based in a Grade II listed building and former church, Left Bank offers everything from beer festivals and cinema clubs to art exhibitions and guest talks. Kirkstall Abbey is another must-see (accessible by bus). The remains of a Cistercian monastery, it boasts a lovely public park space and is the perfect spot for a picnic and wander.

Spots to visit via train include, The Piece Hall in Halifax, a recently redeveloped Georgian square with shops, cafes and the Calderdale Industrial Museum. Head to Wakefield for a trip to Hepworth Gallery, where there is always something to see, or Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is a free bus away (check listings in Wakefield station for details).

Coffee and cake

We love coffee. We love cake. Here’s our top five spots for both.

You can find Mrs Atha’s on Central Road behind House of Fraser. Its selection of coffee is impressive and you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth for sure. With two levels of seating, there’s some interesting furniture to admire while you’re there.

Laynes Espresso is good for many things (they do a mean brunch), but if you’ve arrived to the city by train, you’ll need to refuel with a flat white and flapjack before you get to sightseeing. The clue is in the name, but their coffee is exceptional! Good work Laynes!

We’ve mentioned these guys in previous blogs but who can blame us, North Star Coffee Roasters is one of our favourite spots. If you’re visiting Leeds Dock or the Royal Armouries, you HAVE TO head into North Star. The filter coffee is to die for and if you manage to bag the tucked away sofa seats, you’re golden!

Taking a look at our wonderful Town Hall? The Tiled Hall Cafe is a great place to “pitstop”. It’s in Leeds Art Gallery (another one for your list) and its exceptionally beautiful. You won’t regret grabbing a seat in the stunning surroundings it has to offer.

The Arch Cafe can be found on Mark Lane and it’s a triple threat! It in a Grade II listed building, it’s a social enterprise and it serves awesome coffee, cakes and food. Check it out!

Breakfast and brunch

Brunch = happiness. Start the day right at our fave places.

Leeds has some lovely little arcades and we’d recommend that you take the time to visit a few if you’re wandering around. Use brunch as an excuse to make your way to Thorntons Arcade (look for the clock while you’re in there too) and visit Hepworth’s Deli and Kitchen. You may have to queue for a short while on a weekend, but it’s seriously worth the wait. Enjoy.

“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.” The next spot on our list is named after the famous Rudyard Kipling poem. If it’s good enough for him, it’s definitely good enough for us! If Coffee-Bar is situated at the bottom of Call Lane (not too far from the hostel) and its brunch menu is saliva-inducing. The decor is mellow like a Melbourne cafe and they do cocktails if you fancy spicing up your breakfast too. Cheers.

Wapentake. Our old favourite. If you’re feeling it from the night before, roll out of bed and walk a few steps up the road from the hostel and you’ll have forgotten that hangover in no time. Beans on toast, full English, sausage butty…take your pick!

Another hidden gem, Sheaf Street has some fantastic food to fulfill your breakfast and brunch needs. They’re homemade crumpets need no introduction and the surroundings are light, airy and thoroughly cool.

Lunch and dinner

There are SO MANY lunch and dinner places to choose from in Leeds. We have a variety of favourites and it isn’t really fair to name just a few…but we’re going to. Here’s some of our top picks.

When it comes to Indian street food, there is no place better than Bundobust. The little pots of joy they serve are just sublime and you can get a fantastic drop of beer too. It’s all vegetarian but we promise the meat eaters will love it as well!

Speaking of street food, Caravanserai is just at the top of the road (near the Corn Exchange) and serves up North African delights that you’re sure to enjoy. Pop your head through the window and enjoy street-side or ask to be let up to the small but lovely dining space. Bon appetit!

We’re taking you around the world with our culinary round up. Next stop Italia! Pizza Fella offers, by far, the best pizza in Leeds. It’s all wood-fired and there’s an excellent variety of toppings…you’ll be in heaven. The beer and gelato is good too!

Now, this isn’t the only spot for Thai in town and we do have some other recommendations. For this blog though, we’re throwing the spotlight on Thai Aroy Dee. It’s next door to Pizza Fella on Vicar Lane and is authentically brilliant. The food is good value and delicious.

Best for vegans

Are you strictly a herbivore? More and more people are and finding somewhere vegan friendly is probably going to be pretty high on your list.

Cantina is another Vicar Lane hotspot. It’s above The Old Red Bus Station and you’d be forgiven for passing it by if you’re up that way. It’s a little hidden gem and it serves up a vegan storm. We’d recommend the jerk fruit burger for sure.

Our nearby neighbour, Eat Your Greens, is a pretty new addition to the Leeds vegan scene. It’s on New York Street and it’s the perfect spot for vegan fare. Head next door to Outlaws Yacht Club afterwards for a nice drink and some live music too.

Not only is it one of the best night spots in Leeds, Oporto rocks an exceptional vegan menu. It’s based on Call Lane and an evening meal there will mean you’re ready for a fantastic night out in one of the best areas of the city.

A visit to Roots and Fruits will take you to yet another wonderful arcade. This time you’ll be in the Grand Arcade (with another impressive clock). It was one of the first vegetarian and vegan spots to open in Leeds but it’s still going strong. This one is best for lunch due to shorter opening times. We’d recommend heading back to Grand Arcade in the evening though, Domino Club is a real treat.

Best for Sunday lunch

There is nothing better than a Sunday lunch (you may have gathered, we love food). Another few recommendations for after the weekend hangover.

The Dock 29 pop-up is set to shut at the end of August (2018) so make sure you visit while you can. The roasts are really strong and you can chill in this space next to the water. We suggest you get a sneaky piece of cake as a Sunday treat too.

The Adelphi is another Leeds classic. This old pub can be found on the end of Dock Street, on of our favourite spots in the city.

The two final spots on our list are The Cross Keys and The Reliance. At the opposite ends of the city, they’re both places you definitely want to visit while you’re here. The Cross Keys has fantastic North Brew on tap (as well as loads of other options) and The Reliance is a cool space for a catch up. Both serve amazing Sunday roasts. We’ll leave you to check them out for yourself.

So there you have it. Consider yourselves informed and good to go!

Have we missed anyone? What’s your fave spot in Leeds?

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.