Opening its doors just over a year ago next to East Street Arts, Leeds Arts Hostel is paving the way for creative hotel spaces.
As the first of its kind in the UK - this is where independent artists and welcoming hospitality collide in an explosion of colour and textures.
Working through lockdown with artists across the world to curate exciting designs, individual to each room, the Art Hostel 'provides the physical infrastructure for you to get involved: to make, create, debate, sleep and explore' all whilst supporting independent artists.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's space for up to 60 guests at a time across twelve one-of-a-kind bedrooms and dormatories.
Forget everything you know about hostels - long gone are the days of sweaty dorm rooms with dingily lighting and unassuming bunk beds in Leeds.
The themes are unique to the room and were hand selected by the team at East Street Arts. Expect everything from 80s protest culture to local textiles and heritage, space, football, plastic pollution and rainbow sheep - every space is a true sensory delight that guarantees you'll never be bored throughout your stay.
Don't believe us? Take a look at just a few of the rooms on offer at Leeds Art Hostel.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Best of all, prices start at just £25 for a place to sleep for the night.
Leeds Art Hostel explains that it sees people from across the world visiting, but is 'popular with visual artists from South America and Asia, MOBO-winning musicians and curious people looking to explore the secret creative corners of West Yorkshire.'
The hostel comes after East Street Arts opened an initial temporary pilot hostel on Kirkgate in Leeds city centre in 2016, hosting 10,000 guests from more than 115 countries in just two and a half years.
Converting the space next to the artist-led arts charity through lockdowns, Leeds Art Hostel opened in its new location in 2022 with space for everyone to unwind and take in the unique surroundings.
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Sophie Smith -
14th June 2023 
