Brudenell Social Club
Brudenell Social Club, Queen's Road, Leeds, UK
For music there's nowhere like the Brude - neither in Leeds nor anywhere else! I absolutely love seeing bands here, and love playing here. I'm always envious that the people of Leeds get to see an amazing array of bands in such an intimate setting ... in London I'd see the same band in a much larger and impersonal space (serves me right for living there I guess!). These kinds of venues are also key to supporting a healthy music scene and to me, the Brude has been crucial in nurturing a constant stream of great local bands over many years. The Brude's success is testament to Nathan's hard work, nous and understanding of how to treat bands right.
Belgrave Music Hall
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, UK
I think what the guys behind the Belgrave have done is great in terms of regenerating a space to offer a novel mix of great food, beverages and music. I thought the Headrow House move was a bold one and put their skills to the test... to great effect. Ox Club in particular is exceptional... dining there is always an adventure and palate-thrilling experience (complements to the chefs!).
Raynville Superstore
Raynville Superstore, Raynville Road, Leeds, UK
Quality, crafted and tasty beer shouldn't be the preserve of city-dwelling portfolio careerists... but can the sale of an amazing array of craft beer work in an unassuming suburban corner shop - Raynville proves the answer is a resounding yes!!
Leeds Central Library (Tiled Hall)
Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds, UK
What a beautiful space. They don't make places like this anymore and it's great to see this level of craft being preserved but also in use, not consigned to being a museum piece.
Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, UK
Forget Quarry House, the Tetley or the Town Hall - for some reason, this is the building that screams "LEEDS!" to me, but I don't think it's realised its modern-day potential. I'd love to see it host live music and food events, like an an indoor equivalent of Eat North or Chow Down.
Laynes Espresso
Laynes Espresso, New Station Street, Leeds, UK
Layne's is now an institution (and rightly so!), but when I first started coming to Leeds a few years ago it was the new kid on the block that really put a marker in the sand for where coffee quality should be. It's been my go-to first stop after getting off the train for years - consistently high quality and they're going from strength to strength. Can't wait to see what they do in Munro House with Sarto.
Firstly, I have to say I bloody love Leeds and have loved seeing it evolve over the 15 years or so I’ve been visiting regularly. It’s a warm, vibrant city that has a wonderful straight-talking, no-fluff Yorkshire-ness but isn’t afraid to take risks and embrace change. Here’s my top 6:
Brudenell Social Club
For music there's nowhere like the Brude - neither in Leeds nor anywhere else! I absolutely love seeing bands here, and love playing here. I'm always envious that the people of Leeds get to see an amazing array of bands in such an intimate setting ... in London I'd see the same band in a much larger and impersonal space (serves me right for living there I guess!). These kinds of venues are also key to supporting a healthy music scene and to me, the Brude has been crucial in nurturing a constant stream of great local bands over many years. The Brude's success is testament to Nathan's hard work, nous and understanding of how to treat bands right.
Belgrave Music Hall
I think what the guys behind the Belgrave have done is great in terms of regenerating a space to offer a novel mix of great food, beverages and music. I thought the Headrow House move was a bold one and put their skills to the test... to great effect. Ox Club in particular is exceptional... dining there is always an adventure and palate-thrilling experience (complements to the chefs!).
Raynville Superstore
Quality, crafted and tasty beer shouldn't be the preserve of city-dwelling portfolio careerists... but can the sale of an amazing array of craft beer work in an unassuming suburban corner shop - Raynville proves the answer is a resounding yes!!
Leeds Central Library (Tiled Hall)
What a beautiful space. They don't make places like this anymore and it's great to see this level of craft being preserved but also in use, not consigned to being a museum piece.
Corn Exchange
Forget Quarry House, the Tetley or the Town Hall - for some reason, this is the building that screams "LEEDS!" to me, but I don't think it's realised its modern-day potential. I'd love to see it host live music and food events, like an an indoor equivalent of Eat North or Chow Down.
Laynes Espresso
Layne's is now an institution (and rightly so!), but when I first started coming to Leeds a few years ago it was the new kid on the block that really put a marker in the sand for where coffee quality should be. It's been my go-to first stop after getting off the train for years - consistently high quality and they're going from strength to strength. Can't wait to see what they do in Munro House with Sarto.