Leeds is full of hidden gems – it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.
Indie shops, swanky bars, famous landmarks… there’s a reason why Leeds is one of the most desirable locations in the country. But what happens when you step off the beaten track? You discover some of the coolest hidden treasures in the city, that’s what. From the city’s first Chinese hotpot restaurant to ‘Japantro’ lifestyle stores, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the must-visits you never knew were there.
Crown Hotpot
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Across from the University of Leeds, Crown Hotpot is the definition of a hidden gem. Head into Taste the Orient Chinese supermarket, take the stairs to the left and you’ll discover the city’s first Chinese hotpot restaurant. The fun starts with the base – there are nine to choose from, be it tom yum or mixed mushroom. With your soup bubbling in the middle of the table, you can add all manner of tasty treats – they’ve got fresh crab, they’ve got sliced belly pork, they’ve got lobster balls, but if you want to try something a little more adventurous, how about pig intestines or chicken gizzard?
Crown Hotpot, 1st Floor, Above Taste the Orient, 21 Blenheim Terrace, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9HJ.
The Art Court
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One of Leeds’ hidden treasures, The Art Court was established in 2022 by Courtney Spencer with the intention of curating a calendar of temporary art exhibitions. They pop up at locations across the city, in venues like First White Cloth Hall and Eye Room opticians, to promote artistic talent in a welcoming environment. Previous exhibitions have included ‘Beyond Colours From Life’, which featured the work of 10 artists, all connected to Leeds and all exploring different aspects of colour. All of the art is available to purchase, but it’s fine (and free) if you just want to browse.
The Art Court has temporary exhibitions at different locations around Leeds.
Fat Pigeon
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Fat Pigeon is a bakery like no other. Dedicated pastry chef Ruth Diskin transformed the 19th century coach house at the end of her garden into a sweet treat haven, slinging everything from chocolate cake and custard tart to cardamom knots. Her favourite? The kouign amann, which showcases the flavour of the cultured butter she uses in her homemade pastries, with a real caramel kick to it. At the moment, it’s only open from 10am to 12pm on Saturdays, but time it right and you can get some of the most delicious and freshly-baked goods in Leeds.
Fat Pigeon Bakery, 406 Broad Lane, Bramley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 3DF.
Huffletuft
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If you’re feeling crafty, why not head to Huffletuft? Tucked away in Aire Place Mills, just on the outskirts of the city centre, this rug tufting workshop is loads of fun. Before you get there, your chosen design will be sketched out before you get to work armed with your very own tufting gun. It’ll take a few hours, but you’ll be able to glue, shave and cut your way to your very own masterpiece. The best bit? You can take it home at the end to hang pride of place in your home! It’s therapeutic, rewarding and fun – you can’t ask for more, really.
Huffletuft, 1A, Open Source Arts, Aire Place Mills, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS3 1JL.
Mr. Tea
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If you want experience the authentic flavours of Taiwan without ever stepping foot out of Leeds, a trip to Mr. Tea is in order. They’ve perfected the art of bubble tea, with a stacked menu covering matcha milk teas, taro paste lattes, mango ice tea and all the tapioca you could possibly want. It doesn’t stop there though. With bentos, Taiwanese fried chicken, gyozas and more on the menu, you won’t go home hungry. Top tip – sneak up to the second floor and you’ll find a lovely chill space complete with a TV and board games – it’s the perfect way to while away an afternoon.
Mr Tea, 21 Albion Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6JS.
Hibiscus Rising
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Hibiscus Rising is one of Leeds’ most beautiful hidden gems. It was commissioned in honour of British Nigerian David Oluwale, who drowned in the River Aire in 1969 after being assaulted by two police officers. Artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA wanted to create a sense of joy and healing. The 9.5-metre tall explosion of colour was unveiled in 2023, depicting a giant hibiscus flower decorated with wax-cloth designs. It’s tucked away in a secluded square, with benches where you can sit and take it in, and sits against the backdrop of Salem Chapel. So you have history and modern art spliced together.
Hibiscus Rising, Aire Park, 1 Crown Point Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1FR.
Sonder
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Tucked away in Grand Arcade, Sonder is a one-of-a-kind lifestyle store and cafe worth seeking out. It merges Japanese and retro interiors – or ‘Japantro’, as owner Olivia Fayne calls to it – to create an oasis of minimalist design, warm lighting and neutral colours spread across two floors. They do a fine line in brews, with state-of-the-art San Remo coffee machines churning out everything from lattes to cappuccinos. Be sure you browse the shelves for Japanese-inspired, mid-century trinkets, so you can take home a piece of Sonder for yourself.
Sonder, 27-28 Grand Arcade, Merrion Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PQ.
Global Tribe Crystals
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If you go down to Swan Street today, you’ll uncover one of Leeds’ best hidden gems. Since Global Tribe opened in 1999, they’ve been the city’s go-to spiritual healer for those in the know, with stacked shelves full of crystals, special stones, lamps, tarot cards and incense sticks sourced from around the world, be it Afghanistan or Sri Lanka. And that’s not all. If you take the stairs up to the second floor, you’ll find a quaint coffee shop, where you can relax and recoup over a vegan cake or treat and a brew made with plant-based milks.
Global Tribe, 18 Swan Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LG.
DMC Brewery
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Love ginger beer? You’ll love DMC Brewery. One of the only alcoholic ginger beer breweries in the UK, their taproom sits snugly under the arches of Railway Street where they brew up all manner of treats. The O.G.B is a personal favourite, made to an original recipe from the 18th century, but we’re also partial to a pint of Valhalla, heady with flavours of orange, cinnamon and star anise. Ginger beer not your bag? There’s mead from Nidhoggr, which you can sup from a drinking horn, Viking style, as well as DMC’s very own IPA, so everyone’s cared for.
DMC Brewery & Taproom, 78 & 79 Railway Street, Off Marsh Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 8HB.
Leeds Print Workshop
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Leeds Print Workshop are on a mission to make printmaking accessible for everyone, and you’re next. You may not have heard of this hidden treasure before, but they’ve been running shop from their Vicar Lane home for nearly a decade now, with an ever-growing variety of workshops to get stuck into. From screen printing t-shirts to self portrait taster sessions, all their courses are taught by expert tutors with a wealth of experience in printmaking, so you know you’re in safe hands. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next Andy Warhol.
Leeds Print Workshop, 130 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7NL.
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