What to see and do in Leeds?

[AnnO'Neemus]

I'm popping over to Leeds, need to get some new spectacles and the nearest optician that has the ones I saw online that I like is in Leeds.

Coincidentally, Facebook showed me an event in Leeds, so I thought I'd stay overnight in a hotel with a swimming pool.

So tonight I'm going to this:

BOLD AS BRASS - AFRODESIA + KLONK + FLAT MOON + KANAVU​

At the Hyde Park Book Club in Headingly.

Then tomorrow I'm going to the optician to get my eyes tested and order my specs.

What else should I see or do? And where would you recommend I eat? I'll be staying fairly central at the Crowne Plaza Leeds, so somewhere nice for brunch or lunch on Saturday?

Gallery or museum recommendations? Anything interesting or quirky?

 

[MBV]

I liked this place for tapas: Ambiente Tapas Leeds · 36-38 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7EW and here for brunch: IF UP NORTH · 43 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7BT

 

[danny la rouge]

Go to Bradford?

 

[Silas Loom]

Go to OU’s library and ask for help finding books on AV.

 

[redsquirrel]

Empire Cafe doe a great brunch The Empire Cafe
Eat Your Greens great too Eat Your Greens - Good Food. Good Wine. Good Times
Both in city centre so easy for you to get to. Also plenty of food stalls at Kirkgate Market

Leeds-Liverpool Canal and River Aire are great to walk along, quite a lot of wildlife for such an urban area. If you want to go a bit further you could go to Ilkley, see the moor and go to Betty's.

Leeds Art Gallery is pretty good has a good exhibition on Nothing Lasts Forever: Peter Mitchell - Leeds Art Gallery
And the Henry Moore Institute has this exhibition on that looks interesting, although I've not been yet (thinking of doing so tomorrow, so maybe we'll pass each other)
Sculpting Royalty: Hew Locke and Mary Thornycroft | The Henry Moore Institute

If you had longer I'd recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery but they are probably a bit far for just a day trip

Home | Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Art Outdoors

ysp.org.uk

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is open Tue - Sun, 10am - 5pm. Exhibition entry is £12 / £10 / FREE for Members, Wakefield District residents and under 18s. Ticket includes entry to all our gallery spaces on the day of visit. The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is open daily, free for everyone to enjoy.

hepworthwakefield.org

If you're a fan of street art there is the Leeds Street Art Trail - see some art and something of the city

Leeds Street Art Trail - Welcome to Leeds | Leeds Street Art Trail

Discover the colour and creativity brought to the city by its amazing array of street art.

art.welcometoleeds.co.uk

The other big museum is the National Armouries at Leeds Dock, not sure if that is your cup of tea?

 

[redsquirrel]

Go to Bradford?

And see the vape shops

 

[redsquirrel]

I don't know if you're a beer drinker AnnO'Neemus?
But even if you're not you should think about visiting the "beating heart of Leeds" Whitelocks - if you can get a seat

 

[Fez909]

I'm popping over to Leeds, need to get some new spectacles and the nearest optician that has the ones I saw online that I like is in Leeds.

Coincidentally, Facebook showed me an event in Leeds, so I thought I'd stay overnight in a hotel with a swimming pool.

So tonight I'm going to this:

BOLD AS BRASS - AFRODESIA + KLONK + FLAT MOON + KANAVU​

At the Hyde Park Book Club in Headingly.

Then tomorrow I'm going to the optician to get my eyes tested and order my specs.

What else should I see or do? And where would you recommend I eat? I'll be staying fairly central at the Crowne Plaza Leeds, so somewhere nice for brunch or lunch on Saturday?

Gallery or museum recommendations? Anything interesting or quirky?

Leeds is a bit shit for visitors, imo. It's a great city to live in, but it's not got many must see attractions.

The museums redsquirrel mentioned are all good, though for something a little different there's the Thackray Medical Museum.

If you do go to the market, the original Marks and Spencers site has a little stall there. Not worth going out of your way for, but a little bit of local history I guess.

Two of the oldest cinemas in the country are both within walking distance of Hyde Park Book club.

About Cottage Road Cinema - Cottage Road Cinema, Headingley, Leeds

Cinema Information Cottage Road Cinema is the oldest and only independently owned cinema in Leeds and one of the oldest cinemas in the UK in that it has been continuously showing films since 1912. With competitive prices and special classic performances we hope to keep the traditional cinema...

cottageroad.co.uk

Welcome

Welcome to the Hyde Park Picture House

hpph.co.uk

Hyde Park Picture House shows much better films, and has recently had a facelift (keeping all the nice original features).

I don't know if it is open yet, but Headingley Bear Pit has recently been restored and they're going to open it to the public (without the bears, of course!)

Leeds’ Victorian Bear Pit Set to Reopen to the Public After Being Restored to Its Former Glory

Leeds Civic Trust have concluded on Headingley’s iconic bear pit, and now you can check it out for yourself.

leeds-list.com

Kirkstall Abbey is nice for a sunny day out. They sometimes have a farmer's market on a weekend - Kirkstall Abbey - Leeds Museums & Galleries

 

[redsquirrel]

If you do go to the Art Gallery make sure you visit the Tile Cafe.
Food not amazing TBH, but coffee decent and venue is great

 

[Callie]

I don't know if you're a beer drinker AnnO'Neemus?
But even if you're not you should think about visiting the "beating heart of Leeds" Whitelocks - if you can get a seat

If you are a beer drinker - spoilt for choice! Lots of local breweries and taprooms and the like (unless they have all closed down now!)

Tapped is good for beers n pizza

Brownhill & Co nice for a relaxed beer

Northern Monk Refectory for some crazy beers and a mini canal stroll

Bundobust for great Indian street food and beer (there's one in Manchester too)

Good coffee n cake and lunch/brunch at Mrs Athas on Central Road

You could head over to Kirkstall Abbey for a look at that - head to Dave's Pies and Ale for some refreshments/refuel on the way back into town

 

[redsquirrel]

If you are a beer drinker - spoilt for choice! Lots of local breweries and taprooms and the like (unless they have all closed down now!)

Tapped is good for beers n pizza

Brownhill & Co nice for a relaxed beer

Northern Monk Refectory for some crazy beers and a mini canal stroll

Bundobust for great Indian street food and beer (there's one in Manchester too)

Good coffee n cake and lunch/brunch at Mrs Athas on Central Road

You could head over to Kirkstall Abbey for a look at that - head to Dave's Pies and Ale for some refreshments/refuel on the way back into town

Brew Society too

And if you fancy somewhere a little more lively there is the Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

 

[redsquirrel]

If you just want a breakfast sandwich try Things in Bread, had their full breakfast sandwich the other day and was stuffed

Sandwich Shop Leeds | Things In Bread | Leeds

Visit our sandwich shop in Leeds for made to order sandwiches on freshly baked bread every morning. Try our delicious sandwiches today!

www.thingsinbread.com

 

[Fez909]

You could head over to Kirkstall Abbey for a look at that - head to Dave's Pies and Ale for some refreshments/refuel on the way back into town

I've just checked and there are gigs* on at Kirkstall Abbey this weekend, so not the best time to visit. Probably all fenced off

*Madness, Embrace and a comedy festival.

 

[Fez909]

Food

If you like Thai food, Leeds has a disproportionate amount of amazing Thai places for its size.

My favourite is one of the cheapest and it's really casual and they serve the food quickly, so perfect for lunch.

Home | We Are Now Delivering in Leeds and Manchester Area

We Are Delivering Your Favourite Thai Dishes We Are Delivering Your Favourite Thai Dishes Leeds Address: Leeds – Merrion Centre, 43 Wade Lane, Leeds L ...

mythairestaurant.co.uk

There's also Thai Aroy Dee, which is probably cheaper still, but more of a go with a group of friends kind of place. Not very nice ambience, but apparently authentic Thai food (I've never been to Thailand so can't comment).

Thai A Roy Dee | Vicar Lane, Leeds

Authentic Thai Restaurant & Takeaway in Leeds

www.thaiaroydeeleeds.co.uk

There are loads of others, but they're more high end/pricey, and probably not ideal for a quick brunch/lunch stop.

In the market, you have plenty of food options, too. Including, of course, more Thai food (seriously, I don't know why there are so many here):

Khao Gaeng Thai | Leeds

Khao Gaeng Thai, Leeds. 544 likes · 4 talking about this · 176 were here. A local Khao Gaeng Thai Stall in the heart of Leeds Kirkgate Market!

www.facebook.com

And Majit's Kitchen is ace veggie Indian street food:

Home | Manjit's Kitchen

www.manjitskitchen.com

I would never normally choose pasta when eating out, but Sarto is pretty amazing:

SARTO — Fresh, Handmade Pasta in Leeds

SARTO is a bar and restaurant in Leeds with a focus on fresh, handmade pasta.

sartopasta.uk

And there's plenty more if you want more recommendations in a specific area or cuisine!

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

The gig's a good 'un so far.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

If anyone else is here, say Hi. I'm the billy no mates woman wearing an emerald green blouse and navy blue pin strip wide leg linen trousers, white sneakers and black cross-body handbag. Hair just past shoulder, dyed blonde. Wearing round gold-coloured specs. Currently on a break outside while they set up for Afrodesia downstairs.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Omg. Super friendly people, such good vibes. Lots of people ended up just randomly dancing together, twirling and laughing. So much fun.

And apparently Bold as Brass is going to be a monthly event from September. Catch it if you can.

 

[newme]

Not a clue, last time I was told avoid the suspicious looking man at the park (why send us?) then that my cousin is a dumbass for running into a table. Now he works at microsoft so maybe not lol.

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Empire Cafe doe a great brunch The Empire Cafe
Eat Your Greens great too Eat Your Greens - Good Food. Good Wine. Good Times
Both in city centre so easy for you to get to. Also plenty of food stalls at Kirkgate Market

Leeds-Liverpool Canal and River Aire are great to walk along, quite a lot of wildlife for such an urban area. If you want to go a bit further you could go to Ilkley, see the moor and go to Betty's.

Leeds Art Gallery is pretty good has a good exhibition on Nothing Lasts Forever: Peter Mitchell - Leeds Art Gallery
And the Henry Moore Institute has this exhibition on that looks interesting, although I've not been yet (thinking of doing so tomorrow, so maybe we'll pass each other)
Sculpting Royalty: Hew Locke and Mary Thornycroft | The Henry Moore Institute

If you had longer I'd recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery but they are probably a bit far for just a day trip

Home | Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Art Outdoors

ysp.org.uk

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is open Tue - Sun, 10am - 5pm. Exhibition entry is £12 / £10 / FREE for Members, Wakefield District residents and under 18s. Ticket includes entry to all our gallery spaces on the day of visit. The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is open daily, free for everyone to enjoy.

hepworthwakefield.org

If you're a fan of street art there is the Leeds Street Art Trail - see some art and something of the city

Leeds Street Art Trail - Welcome to Leeds | Leeds Street Art Trail

Discover the colour and creativity brought to the city by its amazing array of street art.

art.welcometoleeds.co.uk

The other big museum is the National Armouries at Leeds Dock, not sure if that is your cup of tea?

I love (good) street art. Funnily enough, about 20-30 metres from Hyde Park Book Club, I saw a mural, and thought the style looked reminiscent of Polish artist who lived in Manchester Tankpetrol. (Love his work, I bought one of his prints a few years ago.) Then I looked closer and it is one of Tankpetrol's works! Small world!

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Last act Afrodesia were brilliant, very danceable, jazzy, salsa-y, African vibes, even the foot-tappy jazz cool cats started busting some moves.

 

[HeAthen]

If you are a beer drinker - spoilt for choice! Lots of local breweries and taprooms and the like (unless they have all closed down now!)

Tapped is good for beers n pizza

Brownhill & Co nice for a relaxed beer

Northern Monk Refectory for some crazy beers and a mini canal stroll

Bundobust for great Indian street food and beer (there's one in Manchester too)

Good coffee n cake and lunch/brunch at Mrs Athas on Central Road

You could head over to Kirkstall Abbey for a look at that - head to Dave's Pies and Ale for some refreshments/refuel on the way back into town

My son's fiancee works there.

 

[Callie]

My son's fiancee works there.

All of them?! Wowzer

 

[HeAthen]

All of them?! Wowzer

There's only one Dave's Pie and Ales shop.

 

[Callie]

AHH have you bolded that? I don't think my eyes work anymore because I can't tell

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Empire Cafe doe a great brunch The Empire Cafe
Eat Your Greens great too Eat Your Greens - Good Food. Good Wine. Good Times
Both in city centre so easy for you to get to. Also plenty of food stalls at Kirkgate Market

Leeds-Liverpool Canal and River Aire are great to walk along, quite a lot of wildlife for such an urban area. If you want to go a bit further you could go to Ilkley, see the moor and go to Betty's.

Leeds Art Gallery is pretty good has a good exhibition on Nothing Lasts Forever: Peter Mitchell - Leeds Art Gallery
And the Henry Moore Institute has this exhibition on that looks interesting, although I've not been yet (thinking of doing so tomorrow, so maybe we'll pass each other)
Sculpting Royalty: Hew Locke and Mary Thornycroft | The Henry Moore Institute

If you had longer I'd recommend the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery but they are probably a bit far for just a day trip

Home | Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Art Outdoors

ysp.org.uk

The Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is open Tue - Sun, 10am - 5pm. Exhibition entry is £12 / £10 / FREE for Members, Wakefield District residents and under 18s. Ticket includes entry to all our gallery spaces on the day of visit. The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is open daily, free for everyone to enjoy.

hepworthwakefield.org

If you're a fan of street art there is the Leeds Street Art Trail - see some art and something of the city

Leeds Street Art Trail - Welcome to Leeds | Leeds Street Art Trail

Discover the colour and creativity brought to the city by its amazing array of street art.

art.welcometoleeds.co.uk

The other big museum is the National Armouries at Leeds Dock, not sure if that is your cup of tea?

I went to Eat Your Greens for lunch, because it was close-ish to the opticians. I had the eggy bread with beans. They arrived totally smothered in chopped spring onions, which weren't mentioned in the description, which said 'herbs'. I had to faff about taking them all off and putting them in the glass I'd been given for the tea bag. The server pulled her face at the contents of the glass. I mean, if the menu had said 'onions' I'd have known to ask them to hold the onions.

And then after eating, I had a quick look round the shop bit. I picked up two magazines to buy and as I started to walk round to the counter to pay for them, the woman came dashing over and I had to say 'I'm coming to pay for them, I'm not stealing them!'. Really weird and hostile way to be treating a customer who's just eaten and paid for lunch and who's about to pay £32 for two artsy magazines!

Might try the Empire Cafe next time or one of the other suggestions.

I'd love to go to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park one day, but I have to pass my driving test and get a car first!

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

Sadly, I didn't plan and organise my last trip very well, I was already on the train on the way over when it occurred to me to ask the urban collective. I'd already planned to go to the gig, then planned to have a swim in the hotel pool on Saturday morning, then do lots of interesting things. It didn't pan out like that, because by the time I got to the opticians and asked them to fit me in, I had a couple of hours to get some lunch before going back to the opticians. Then the easiest thing to do was go and see a movie - Deadpool and Wolverine, which was funny -grab a bite to eat, but I was hungry so had steak frites at Carter and Miller, nothing special, then catch the train home.

However, I have to go back to collect my new specs and have them fitted. I don't know whether to come and stay on Friday, 9 August or Saturday, 10 August, so am looking for gigs or theatre stuff on the Friday or Saturday night. I'm going to make a list of the places suggested and mark them on a map so I can better plan my trip.

Btw, not a beer drinker, I prefer wine; my worst nightmare is when I go in a pub/bar and ask what wine they have and they reply 'red, white or rose'. * shudders *