Roland's Bar
Roland's, Call Lane, Leeds, UK
On a Friday night it would be rude not to have too many drinks at Roland’s bar. Obviously they have a great selection of beer and wines, but its the decor and location of this spot that I never get tired of. The tall ceilings, candles, leather booths and huge windows make watching people trip up Call Lane feel romantic. They have two outside terraces snuggled next to the train line out the back and on warm summer evenings its very hard to leave. Until someone mentions Caravanserai, then its a light jog up the street to get a falafel.
Top floor of Leeds’ Public Library
Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds, UK
As a freelancer I am always looking for places to work from that aren’t the actual studio space I pay for (?). My favourite is the top floor of Leeds’ Public Library as its a beautiful and peaceful place to get some work done. You can sit up there for free and when you're feeling restless get lost in their old newspaper collection which you can view on Microform.
Hang Sing Hong
117-119 Vicar Ln, Leeds, UK
There is an Asian supermarket on Vicar Lane that I honestly just had to Google the name of, but I go to most weeks. Hang Sing Hong or “Taste of the Orient” has been around for almost a decade and is the biggest Chinese, Thai, Philippine and Japanese food retailer in the whole Yorkshire region (according to their website). I go there to buy frozen dumplings and look at the sweet graphic design on some of the packaging.
Victoria Gate Car Park
Victoria Gate Car Park, Victoria Gate, Taunton, UK
If your new to the city or you are in need of some perspective, grab a coffee and head up to the top floor of the Victoria Gate Car Park (or a multi-storey of your choice) and take in the most amazing view of Leeds. Its free on foot and it feels a little rebellious.
Roland's Bar
On a Friday night it would be rude not to have too many drinks at Roland’s bar. Obviously they have a great selection of beer and wines, but its the decor and location of this spot that I never get tired of. The tall ceilings, candles, leather booths and huge windows make watching people trip up Call Lane feel romantic. They have two outside terraces snuggled next to the train line out the back and on warm summer evenings its very hard to leave. Until someone mentions Caravanserai, then its a light jog up the street to get a falafel.
Top floor of Leeds’ Public Library
As a freelancer I am always looking for places to work from that aren’t the actual studio space I pay for (?). My favourite is the top floor of Leeds’ Public Library as its a beautiful and peaceful place to get some work done. You can sit up there for free and when you're feeling restless get lost in their old newspaper collection which you can view on Microform.
Hang Sing Hong
There is an Asian supermarket on Vicar Lane that I honestly just had to Google the name of, but I go to most weeks. Hang Sing Hong or “Taste of the Orient” has been around for almost a decade and is the biggest Chinese, Thai, Philippine and Japanese food retailer in the whole Yorkshire region (according to their website). I go there to buy frozen dumplings and look at the sweet graphic design on some of the packaging.
CLAY
The independent arts sector in Leeds is the tits. And no physical place exemplifies the generous nature of this scene more than CLAY (formally LAB). They always have the best parties and the cheapest beer. Not to mention an amazing programme of artists form the across the country performing, working and existing there.
Victoria Gate Car Park
If your new to the city or you are in need of some perspective, grab a coffee and head up to the top floor of the Victoria Gate Car Park (or a multi-storey of your choice) and take in the most amazing view of Leeds. Its free on foot and it feels a little rebellious.