The best of the city condensed in one tour: This subTOUR will take you through the inner city of Leeds in an extended walk. Check out the major sightseeing as well as shopping spots. From Leeds Town Hall to the Cathedral, from huge shopping malls to intimate historical arcades. Combined with the best record shops in town. Well worth spending some timed money in each and every one of them.
This walk will also lead you to some of the most renowned and vibrant venues and bars in Leeds. Take your time dining or just having a drink while checking out the event calendar for upcoming gigs and performances.
Also check out The Little Black Book by Independent Leeds for all hot spots in town.
Leeds Town Hall (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Leeds Town Hall, one of the biggest of its kind, is your starting point for this subTOUR. It has been erected in the 19th century. Classical in style with its front steps and giant Corinthian columns. Highly rising above it all is the central tower, already visible from further away.
Jumbo Records, Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Next stop: record shopping. Jumbo Records is legendary to Leeds. A great supporter of the local music scene alongside a huge selection of vinyl and CDs. Jumbo covers the whole spectrum of Rock, Indie, and Pop to Dance, Soul, Jazz and Soundtracks. Take your time browsing the racks. Also on stock: tickets for local gigs.
Belgrave Music Hall (Birgit Bachmeier & Stefan Ramsthaler)
For a post shopping snack, try Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, kitchen, bar, and one of the city’s best live music venues. They serve fresh, canteen style food such as pizza slices and burger. Ingredients are fresh and sourced from local producers, where possible. Also host to all kinds of gigs, with a focus on local newcomers. Perhaps worth having a look at tonight's program and coming back later in the evening?
Relics Records, Leeds (Birgit Bachmeier & Stefan Ramsthaler)
Head on to the next record shopping experience. Relics Records focusses on older stuff, both vinyl and CD. Impressive rare pressings meet Rock and Pop classics. You will find something for any taste. Also have a look at the music memorabilia.
Shopping tip: Our Handmade Collective is situated in the beautiful Grand Arcade. Well worth a little detour to discover handmade items from local designers.
Crash Records (Birgit Bachmeier & Stefan Ramsthaler)
Record shopping, part 3. Crash is essential to Leeds music scene. A must-see place for latest tunes, and tickets for upcoming gigs. Specialised in Indie, Alternative, Punk, and Metal artists on vinyl and CD. They also sell merchandise stuff.
Shopping tip: if you are heading for older and rare stuff, just go downstairs to Wall of Sound.
Headrow House Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Headrow House in the heart of Leeds city centre is the next spot on this subTOUR if you fancy a drink or snack. An event space with bars, a restaurant, and outdoor terraces while also hosting minor gigs on a regular basis. So check out the calendar for upcoming shows. An absolutely brilliant place to spend some time hanging around.
Victoria Quarter Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Even if you don't want to spend today's time with shopping, you definitely need to take a walk through Victoria Quarter. Not because of its luxury stores, but rather for marvellous County Arcade and Cross Arcade with all the colourful mosaics and marble décor.
History tip: When strolling along Vicar Lane, stop in front of Hugo Boss store. Once the place of legendary venue The Duchess of York. One of the highlights in here was Nirvana playing a show in 1989.
The Wardrobe Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Check out another inspirational venue some steps away. Perhaps The Wardrobe is listing a event tonight worth coming back later? Also serving excellent drinks and food you haven't stopped for a snack previously.
History tip: Leeds College of Music is just across the street offering tours through huge music archives.
Sightseeing tip: take George Street on your way to or back from The Wardrobe. There's a giant Leeds graffiti on the brick wall of Kirkgate Market. Perfect photo spot.
Corn Exchange Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler )
Corn Exchange is one of Britain’s finest Victorian buildings and iconic to the city of Leeds. Inside: a nice range of small and innovative local retailers.
Shopping tip: if you are a fashion addict, just take the time and continue your walk to Leeds Trinity, a huge shopping mall offering anything you can imagine.
Nation of Shopkeepers Leeds (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Last stop of this subTOUR is probably one the coolest places in Leeds. Nation of Shopkeepers with its fancy outside courtyard and vibrant interior bar is one of the best choices for ending today's walk. Enjoy a super-delicious pre-gig dinner and have a drink while listening to great tunes. Definitely worth being around.
Choose the bike on a sunny morning and take a ride to historical place Kirkstall Abbey. Have the Kaiser Chiefs on your playlist for this subTOUR. Afterwards, time for antiques shopping before discovering Woodhouse Moore on the way to The Library. Put The Who on your earphones at the The Refectory, then visit Brudenell Social Club or The Faversham.
Tainted love and more: Leeds’ pioneers of Synthpop
One of the most popular English Indie bands
Formed in 1980 with roots in Gothic Rock and Post Punk
Indie and Alternative Rock from Leeds since early 2008
British Indie Rock from the Jarman brothers
