This week NDF is exploring creative spaces in Leeds, a massively exciting city for original design, art and music - and one that is encouraged by its beautiful environments and places of inclusivity.
Left Bank:
Let’s get started and dive right into Left Bank. Once Grade II listed St Margrets Church and is now home to a gorgeous independent coffee shop, as well as a truly unique events space for parties and weddings. A place you can do everything from writer’s workshops and art groups to morning yoga and ‘see you naked Mondays’. With long seated tables and plug-ins by the walls you can settle down for a solid afternoon. They have a little bar and regular writing meet ups on Thursdays, as well as locally sourced baked goods. Located in Hyde Park it’s very popular among the students of Leeds - and is also a relaxed place to study or take a book. On a weekend, they also hold classes for mothers & toddlers, and it is very family friendly! Championing the progressive spaces of Leeds with an elegant stride, Left Bank is not a place you’d ever forget – if you have the pleasure of stumbling across it.
Hyde Park Book Club
Now, moving up past the park we have Hyde Park Book Club – a student staple and home to possibly every creative expedition in Leeds. Zine making classes, spoken word poetry and jazz nights are only the tip of the iceberg. If you want to make some jewellery and have some banging house lager – there isn’t really anywhere better. With art installations in the main room by local artists that rotate seasonally - there’s always something to look at, whether from the stage tables or the comfy sofa’s by the window. They sell insanely good vegetarian and vegan food, along with fun snacks during the day - and have an equally impressive evening menu. And primarily, it really is what it says on the tin – with a snug room packed wall to wall with bookshelves is the perfect place to nestle into and get your creative juices flowing. If you have some old books you don’t use - you can also trade these in for a drinks tab. All alongside the help of the lovely staff’s colourful playlists to accompany you.
Leeds Art Gallery:
Rolling down into town, on the Headrow, Leeds Art Gallery holds endless great and ever-changing exhibitions, currently hosting a collection from Karanjit Panesar. With the Tiled Hall Café, it has the perfect ambiance for your brain to feel inspired. Situated in the heart of the city by Millenium Square, it’s a standout place of culture and offers many ways to get involved. It’s youth classes especially caters for young people in care – as well as open and easily accessible adult crafting classes. The highlight this autumn is its exhibition for Leeds Night Light on the 24th-25th October - a city-wide event that was not to be missed.
The Old Red Bus Station :
Hear me out – Old Red Bus Station (whilst a very fun night out) is not only one of Leeds’ favourite clubs by night, but a hub of creativity during the day. Cantina food is also to die for – and the space itself is comfortable and quietly cool. Alongside Old Red’s resident artists rotating to cover its walls – they have frequent exhibitions and there’s always something to catch your eye. Think: the world’s best place to play eye spy. It’s transition into the evening holds preciously coveted pub quizzes and jungle raves. With plugs and seating downstairs, and a comfortable atmosphere it makes for a great place to sit in the city.
The Corn Exchange:
Leeds’ Corn Exchange holds the crown for best creative space. Following suit of almost every place mentioned of a transformative space rising from the ashes of disused buildings with Grade I listed beauty. With independent shops tucked away underneath it’s grand rainbow ceiling, you can find everything you’d ever need to buy – and everything you could want. Chinese Laundry is a favourite vintage shop, Sour Cherry jewellery is the cutest you could ever find and Colours May Vary has the most aesthetic stationary you could dream of. Its central tables are perfect for a place to sit and take it all in – as so much creativity in one dome can be slightly overwhelming. The huge, rainbow painted ceiling is gorgeous on a sunny day - and the tall staircases make it feel truly grand. It is accessibility friendly too! I promise you’ll be surprised, and who knows if you’ll walk away with neon crochet wool or a snoopy birthday card.
That rounds up this writers view of Leeds creative hotspots for this week. Where next week? Why not give us a shout on instagram if you're somewhere Northern and looking for a creative spot to work at!
