It’s far from grim up north in Leeds
LEEDS might not seem an obvious choice for a break but the city’s grim old image is now totally out of date.
The Leeds of today is the UK’s fastestgrowing city, driven by financial services and the business sector.
And with economic renewal has come cultural vitality – the Lonely Planet Guide named Leeds as one of the 10 best visitor destinations in Europe for 2017.
Boasting a world-class museum in the Royal Armouries, internationally renowned opera and ballet companies, restaurants at the cutting edge of foodie culture and a clutch of sophisticated shopping arcades, the northern English city’s transformation is breathtaking.
The industrial grime is gone and what’s left is a confident metropolis which, just as in its Victorian heyday, embraces glitz and glamour. But down-to-earth Leeds folk haven’t XXXXXX xxxxxx changed at all. So whatever your budget,
Xxxx the city adds up to an exceptional, and at times hilarious, travel experience.
Stepping into the DoubleTree by Hilton is an almost Harry Potterish experience. Descend from the bridge above platform 17 at Leeds railway station into the Dark Arches, then emerge into daylight by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Enjoying the facilities one would expect of a member of the Hilton chain, the canal-side location on Granary Wharf offers soothing views of narrowboats chugging gently along the waterway.
On the ground floor, the all-day Lock Kitchen & Bar has a chilled vibe. The Sky Lounge roof terrace gets busy at weekends, so a good way to enjoy the panoramic views in tranquility is by taking advantage of the weekend brunch option or a full-blown afternoon tea.
A budget option is Art Hostel in Kirkgate. Managed by East Street Arts as a social enterprise, each room has been designed using recycled materials.
The Royal Armouries (royalarmouries. org) is the national collection of arms and armour, much of it previously stored in the Tower of London. Horrible? Yes, but it is also about innovation, technology and superb craftmenship.
Pick up the free water taxi near the DoubleTree by Hilton and enjoy a 20-minute cruise along the River Aire to the steps of the waterside museum. Entrance is free.
Leeds Art Gallery (leeds.gov.uk/ artgallery) on The Headrow is overshadowed architecturally by Cuthbert Brodrick’s 1850s Leeds Town Hall next door.
The Grand Arcade is the least grand of Leeds’ many covered shopping streets. These range from Thornton’s Arcade (home to quirky independents) to the newer Victoria Gate, anchored by one of the UK’s largest John Lewises.
The jewel in the crown is The Victoria Quarter. It includes stores such as Harvey Nichols and the Tesla car firm’s showroom.
You won’t go hungry in a city that understands the importance of “a bit of a do” and Leeds is famous for its array of craft beers.
As well as Sky Lounge and Issho, there’s Belgrave Music Hall in the Northern Quarter, a hipster area where seediness vies with new investment to create a district on the rise.