Located within the prime pedestrianised area of Leeds City Centre is The Queens Arcade, a boutique unique shopping centre with tons of history.
We’ve all had a mooch through the Queens Arcade when shopping in Leeds City Centre. It’s a beautiful arcade full of some of the best independents that the city has to offer.
But the Queens Arcade isn’t just your average shopping centre, it also has an incredible history dating back to the 1800s.
The arcade first opened it’s doors in 1888 and it was only the second arcade to have ever been built in Leeds.
It was named in honour of Queen Victoria to celebrate her Golden Jubilee and took the place of an old yard with just a hardware shop, cobblers, tobacconist, shopkeeper and the Rose and Crown pub.
The building features Grade II listed Victorian architecture that can still be seen today, you simply have to look up to admire it’s beautiful glass roof and ornate original remaining features.
Over the years countless stores have opened their doors in the Queens Arcade, some large chains like Boots, and other small independents looking to open to customers on the ground floor and live above their shop on the second floor.
Now you can find a range of fantastic independents inside the arcade, including tattooists, barbers, jewellers and boutiques. If you fancy a bite to eat, Olive and Rye is an acclaimed brunch spot which constantly has a queue out the door and it is easy to see why.
There’s never been a better time to support your local independents, so when you’re next out and about in Leeds, take a peep into The Queen’s Arcade and marvel in it’s beauty.
To view a full list of it’s occupants, take a look at their website.
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Feature image – The Hoot Leeds
