Leeds is famed for its shopping, but there are some stores that even the most seasoned shoppers might not have been to…
You may know every shop on Briggate, but what about those easy-to-miss places hidden off the beaten track? The ones you can’t believe you’ve never heard of and the fresh faces that will become your new favourites. We’ve rounded up the best hidden gems, so you can hunt out the must-visit shops that have been hiding in plain sight all this time.
Nong Fern Thai Supermarket
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Calling all lovers of Thai food – the city’s biggest Thai supermarket is waiting to be discovered. Whether you love cooking Thai food or just eating it, Nong Fern will not disappoint. Selling everything from traditional fresh fruits and vegetables to curry pastes, sauces, noodles, rice and drinks, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop for big flavours.
If you’re new to Thai cooking, their pre-made seasonings for classics like tom yum or pad kra prow are guaranteed to earn you big brownie points at the dinner table. Why not give it a try?
Nong Fern Thai Supermarket, 97-99 Vicar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6PJ.
Seagulls
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As well as being an excellent shop, Seagulls is also a hugely important social enterprise. Ever since they were established over two decades ago, they’ve tackled needless waste by collecting leftover and unwanted paint from households across Leeds.
And the result? The paint is then reprocessed and sold on at their Holbeck store. Remixed and refilled, they create bespoke colours perfect for splashing on your walls, at surprisingly affordable prices. They even sell crafting kits that let you get creative with reclaimed lino and tiles. They also run workshops on everything from mosaic-making to upcycling. If you’re after large-scale creativity with zero pressure, look out for their Play with Paint sessions.
Seagulls Reuse, 129 Water Lane, Holbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 9UD.
Chilli Shop
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Ready to get hot, hot, hot? The Merrion Centre’s Chilli Shop is the definition of a hidden gem, and a must for lovers of spice. Owner Frank Jay stocks everything from hot sauces and jams to chilli plants and novelty gifts.
Highlights include the world’s hottest chilli sauces, Carolina Reaper and The Trinidad Scorpion, as well as the world’s hottest Haribo – bet you didn’t know that was a thing. If you’re unsure of what to buy, they offer free tasters of most products, so get stuck in and good luck.
The Chilli Shop, 70 Merrion Street, Merrion Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 8LW.
Yellow Sunrise
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We can’t get enough of Yellow Sunrise. You may not have come across their Central Arcade dwelling, but one visit will have you hooked. Every corner reveals something new, from essential oils and candles to chakra jewellery and crystal sun catchers.
Bohemian would be the word used to describe their wares. There’s a big focus on all things spiritual, gothic and pagan, and it’s one of the only places in Leeds you’ll find magic spell candles and sage bundles.
Yellow Sunrise, Central Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DX.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Love all things cheesy? Then a visit to The Cheesy Living Co. is in order. They’ve gone from a cheese and charcuterie box delivery service to a full-blown shop in the stunning Leeds Corn Exchange, and it’s an absolute treat for any cheese fan.
Whether you’re after a block of parmesan to top your pasta dishes with, a fondue-worthy gruyère, gouda or fontina, or something that bit more special for your cheeseboard, you can pop in for all your cheesy needs. They even have fresh British meats that act as the perfect partner.
The Cheesy Living Co, Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Stocked
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Horsforth is full of little-known gems but Stocked might just be the jewel in its crown. Anyone with a creative streak will instantly feel at home in this shop that doubles as a workspace. It’s independently owned and designed to celebrate beautiful things and the people who make them. On the shop floor you’ll find everything from homeware to art supplies, gift cards and unique decorative pieces made by local artisans.
Their workspace upstairs has plenty of room for co-working and they’re dedicated to serving the community with their hotdesks. They also host events, workshops and courses up there, where like-minded creatives can develop their skills and exchange ideas. It’s a real maker’s paradise.
Stocked, 91 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4QD.
Bellwether Yarns
If you’re into your fibre crafts, make a beeline for Bellwether Yarns. Crocheters, knitters and weavers will find all they need in this little Leeds Corn Exchange shop. It may be small but their yarn collection is mighty.
We’re talking shelves filled to the heavens with every colour and shade of commercial or hand-dyed yarn and fibre, so you can pick up a ball or two and get on with that project. They also stock a curation of items from small makers, so you can pick up a handmade scarf or pin cushion too.
Bellwether Yarns, Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Hold Fast Books
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Hold Fast is a bookshop at Leeds Dock. No, literally, this is a bookshop on a boat! Step aboard this historic barge and you can explore their large selection of books and find your next great read, whether that be a Japanese manga or a thrilling crime novel.
Once you do, you can even make use of the sun deck if the weather permits, or snuggle up by the fire in the cosy hull when it doesn’t. It’s not all books, they have prints and cards by local artists and an ever-changing line-up of plants too.
Hold Fast Books, Leeds Dock, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JB.
Indie Makers
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This is your chance to discover new artists who reimagine day-to-day objects in infinitely more interesting ways. Think coasters and cushions that look more like works of art, as well as jewellery, artisan chocolate and candles.
Their stock changes regularly so there’s always something new to pick up and the staff are super knowledgeable about all their artists. Simply put, Indie Makers is the ideal place to find a unique gift for that person in your life who seems to have everything – or simply to treat yourself.
Indie Makers, Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant
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Sip, sip, hooray! Did you know that tucked away on the edge of the city centre, Leeds is home to an award-winning independent wine and spirit specialist? That’s right, we’re talking about Latitude Wine, with over 1,700 products packed into their Aladdin’s cave of vino.
They stock wine from all over the world, from Austrian Riesling to Italian Pinot Grigio – the owner Chris Hill has managed some of Leeds’ finest bars, so you can be sure that he knows his stuff. Not a wine fan? Pick from whisky, beer, brandy and more.
Latitude Wine & Liquor Merchant, 5 Cherry Tree Walk, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EB.
Shush Interiors
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Shush Interiors is not your typical furniture shop, oh no. They have a passion for unique, beautifully-crafted and one-of-a-kind retro pieces, offering a diverse selection of items to suit any buyer.
Shush is all about the timeless mid-century furnishings – one minute you could be trying out a 1960’s bar stool, the next getting to grips with a working 1970’s television. Furniture’s not all they do, though, so make sure you check out the old school cameras, chic mirrors, typewriters and more.
Shush Interiors, 12-16 Central Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DE.
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