According to a new study by Betway, Leeds is one of the UK's best destinations for second-hand shopping- and for good reason.
Leeds is home to thrift shops and vintage boutiques aplenty, each paving the way for new sustainable fashion trends and reducing the amount of waste created by the fast-fashion industry.
As part of Betway's study: Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign, the team have also found out where exactly we should be shopping for our sustainable garms. Making their judgement by analysing Google ratings and reviews to rank and reveal the top five thrift and vintage boutique stores across Leeds, here are the top picks.
1. Vintage Boutique
Headingley Lane, Headlingley, Leeds, LS6 2AS.
Image: Vintage Boutique
For those soley interested in shopping for second-hand treasures, Vintage Boutique is an unmissable stop. Located right in the heart of studentsville spaces between Hyde Park and Headingley, this vintage store has plenty of hidden diamonds in the rough, just waiting to be uncovered.
Expect a huge array of 70s and 80s bangers, as well as contemporary house mixes amongst old football scarves, retro Nikes and an impressive collection of classic novels.
The Thrifting Capitals of The World gave their two pence on why Vintage Boutique has claimed the hotspot. "Based in Hyde Park, Vintage Boutique takes the crown for being Leeds’ number one shopping destination for any vintage junkie. Specialising in a range of sportswear, accessories, designer labels - and not to mention thrilling vinyl records - this store has lots to offer when it comes to retro pieces that evoke a warm sense of nostalgia.
"This shop in particular is reminiscent of fashions of the 60s, 70s and 80s era. From denim dungarees to the most glittery sequin dresses, Vintage Boutique will take your wardrobe back in time."
2. Cow Vintage
County House, 82 Vicar Lane, Leeds, LS1 7JH.
Image: Cow Vintage
Cow Vintage is a long-time vintage store that was offering gorgeous redesigned garms long before second-hand fashion was a part of everyday shopping. The brand has therefore has the experience to bring Leeds some of the most innovative designs in the city, all created from thrifted goods- railed alongside quirky homewear and gifts, there's plenty of modern pieces hidden between old 60s pieces that still have plenty of life left in them.
The campaign concluded that: "With stores also located in Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham, Cow Vintage is a booming second hand vintage store that is loved by many.
" an independent establishment that offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, Cow prides itself on offering pieces that are ethically sourced from around the world. What’s more, you can find some truly unique gems here, spanning from the 60s up until the roaring 00s."
3. Blue Rinse
9-11 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7DH.
Image: Blue Rinse
A haven of old school Levi’s, tartan shirts, trinkets, and nearly-untouched pieces from the 70s, the three-floor Call Lane store has been a mainstay for vintage lovers in the city for decades.
Since moving to its new Leeds location, Blue Rinse now spans across a whopping five floors, each with their own unique style and plenty of one-off pieces waiting to be rediscovered.
What the study says: "Specialising in vintage, reworked and thrifted clothing, Call Lane’s Blue Rinse is another sustainable fashion outlet that is a cracker. From baggy flannel shirts to classic denim wear, this place will make your vintage clothing dreams come true. As a proud Northern vintage clothes company, Blue Rinse also has a shop located in Manchester."
Bringing a combination of premium and vintage streetwear to Leeds? BEST, located on New Market Street is the one-stop-shop that's got everyone talking. Expect all the big names: Gucci, Palace, even rare Red Bull pieces between stacks of rare vintage trainers- plenty of which will appeal to Nike collectors.
The Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign says: "Selling a mixture of new, handpicked and pre-owned items from all over the world, this store prides itself on sustainability and offering customers an exciting shopping experience that strays away from the norms of fast fashion."
5. Ryan Vintage
Image: Ryan Vintage
13 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DQ.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, Ryan's Vintage is a true gem hidden in plain sight.
There's a huge selection of graphic tees of offer here with everything from Hacienda designs to 80s and 90s basketball-style prints: all of which come at a thrift shop price (none of this upselling for second-hand goods seen elsewhere).
Betway's study commented: "Known as the longest-running, best value vintage clothes shop in Leeds, Ryan Vintage is a must-visit if you’re in search of some trendy vintage wear for the festival and warmer seasons ahead. Based on Duncan Street, this store is located in the heart of the city centre and is packed with great vibes - and even greater fashion."
To find out more about where in the world Leeds ranks for its second-hand garms, thift-shop finds and vintage boutiques, you can read the full Thrifting Capitals of The World campaign study on the Betway blog website.
Feature Image- Blue Rinse
Leeds
The £500k Leeds home that comes with its own clock tower – and a link to royalty
If you’ve ever fancied living in something that feels halfway between a fairytale cottage and a period drama set, this one might do it.
Tucked away in Gledhow, The Clock House isn’t your typical Leeds terrace. In fact, calling it a terrace feels a bit like calling a castle 'a nice semi'.
Built around 1657, the two-bedroom property is part of the historic Gledhow Hall Estate, a site once owned by none other than Queen Elizabeth I.
It's a beautiful home, inside and out, with Yorkshire stone walls, cobbled courtyards, and the striking clock tower that gives the home its name.
With wrought iron gates and space for up to four vehicles, it feels like you're miles away from the city, while still being firmly in LS8 (and just moments from vibrant shops, bars and restaurants).
The interiors of the clock tower home have been beautiful renovated, with plenty of character but modern comforts, like a deVOL-designed kitchen with quartz worktops, vaulted ceilings, and Crittall-style doors that open straight onto the garden
Other features include a marble fireplace, oak flooring, and calming sage tones.
The clock tower over the house in LeedsThe courtyard spaceThat incredible kitchenInside the clock tower house in LeedsInside the clock tower house in Leeds
Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, including a principal suite with its own spa-like ensuite, plus a second bedroom complete with dressing area.
And then there’s the garden - south-west facing, private, and complete with a sun house that could double as a home office, studio, or just somewhere to hide with a coffee.
The property is currently on the market for offers over £500,000, which, for a Grade II-listed home with this much character and history, feels like it could be a real steal.
The Moot Hall Arms might be one of the best football pubs not just Leeds, but the whole country
Danny Jones
That's right, you heard: The Moot Hall Arms, a dyed-in-Peacock-feathers pub, isn't just one of the best spots to watch Leeds United in the city, or even Yorkshire, we believe it might just be one of the best sports bars in the whole country.
If you've ever been, you'll know why, and if you haven't, keep reading...
Located over in Mill Hill on the corner of Bishopgate and New Station Street, The Moot Hall is an unadulterated, uncensored and utterly unapologetic lovely letter to all things Leeds - both the team and the place.
Owned and operated by the Stonegate Group, but lovingly run by landlords Claire and Ross, a.k.a. 'Mr and Mrs Moot', this tribute to all things Elland Road is about as die-hard a Whites stronghold as you'll ever come by.
Claire took over the venue back in 2022, not long after cult icon Marcelo Bielsa led his Leeds side back to the Premier League for the first time in more than a decade and a half away from the top flight.
'Boss Lady' Claire fell became a fan not just of the beautiful game but of Leeds United when she fell in love with watching the late, great, Gary Speed.
What started as a teenage crush has gone on to become a lifelong love affair, and despite not hailing from the region herself, you won't find many bigger supporters of the local culture in the city centre.
You only have to see how many people filter through the doors, not only on a matchday, but throughout the week, even whether or not there's any football on the box.
Though, to be honest, there's also something on.
Glance around, and you'll see countless bits of sporting heritage hung on the walls, with tonnes of authentic pieces of paraphernalia, all situated pride of place across nearly every square inch.
As a passionate project that has seen the pair become popular local figures in their own right, the majority of this stuff has actually been gifted to them by fellow supporters and Leeds natives.
From the people who walk through the door, to the steady supply of merch they hand over to make this the Peacocks' paradise that it is, they live, breathe and bleed white, yellow and blue.
Previously, it was known as the Princess of Wales, the Waiting Rooms, and an old beer house known as Baht'ap, but this most recent iteration looks set to be the start of a dynasty.
Fans will be hoping that's a sign of things to come as they continue a period of rebuilding and expansion back in the first division, including a stadium redevelopment.
While there are plenty of places that hang up a flag or two, it isn't just a sporting allegiance for these lot; similar to the loyal matchgoers who follow Leeds home and away, it's quite literally a way of life.
It's also worth noting, by the way, that while sharing its namesake, the Arms isn't located in the same area as the original Moot Hall (the old town hall, courts and council building) up on Briggate, but it is only a roughly five-minute walk away if you want to make a sort of publicans' pilgrimage.
For most Whites, every match is just as massive as the last one, but we need to tell you how huge the game coming up at Wembley is for the club.
Put simply, it could be one of the biggest days in Leeds United's modern history - that is, if/when they make it through to the final itself.
With that in mind, make sure you don't miss a second of the action, and even if the Moot Arms is packed, there are plenty of places to cheer on Daniel Farke's side. Roll on the weekend, marching on together.
Sophie Smith -
24th May 2022 
