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
A new rotisserie chicken restaurant promising to be ‘clucking delicious’ is coming to Leeds
A restaurant and cafe is coming to Leeds city centre - and it's all centred around rotisserie chicken.
We live in a world where food trends are really leading the way that we eat.
From matcha and frozen yoghurt to stacked sub sandwiches and acai bowls - it seems us foodies just can't help but jump on the ever evolving bandwagon.
And now there's a new one, rotisserie chicken.
A number of restaurants have popped up all over the UK serving up this protein-lover's dream, and now Leeds is getting in on the action.
Rotisserie Club will be taking over the old Shokupan site on Wellington Street in the city centre and although we don't have many details just yet, we've got a small inclination of what's in store.
It seems that in the morning the space will be occupied by Habitum, a trendy coffee shop that opened on Lower Briggate last September.
They'll be slinging out all the caffeinated beverages throughout the morning until lunch time hits and everything rotisserie chicken takes over.
We're talking wraps, bowls, salads, pittas - all jam-packed with deliciously tender chicken cooked on the rotisserie.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, the Rotisserie Club said: "The secret is out..Leeds is about to get its own Rotisserie Club with an Habitum to boot.
"More details will be revealed in time, but expect us at the back end of Sep - early Oct. Habitum will look after the AM’s with Rotisserie Club stepping in from lunch.
"Two new quality additions to the area - from a bunch of familiar faces from the Leeds Hospitality scene.."
The best bakeries in Leeds serving everything from crusty loaves to flakey croissants
Clementine Hall
If you're got a sweet tooth, then you're going to want to keep reading.
Oh Leeds, if there's one thing we're good at - it's baking.
Just walking around the city you'll bump into delightful bakeries offering sweet treats galore, and you'll find even better gems when you venture into the suburbs.
We've rounded up a handy little guide for you to make your way through when you're looking to treat yourself to a cheeky baked good, which should be every day if we're being honest.
So, without further ado let's dive into the best bakeries in Leeds.
Bake
Mustard Approach, Mustard Wharf
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Things in Bread and Doh'hut comes this absolutely beautiful bakery by the water.
Led by mastermind Tom, they're serving up great British bakes but with a refined twist. Think ultra cheesy cheese twists, sticky school cake and unbeatable sausage rolls.
Fat Pigeon Bakery
406 Broad Lane, Leeds LS13 3DF
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fat Pigeon is a micro-bakery in Bramley that opens every Saturday to queues of adoring fans. And it’s no surprise why, as here you’ll find some of the very best bakes - from croissants to cinnamon buns - that Leeds has to offer. Oh, and owner Ruth is about as lovely as they come too.
Fold
62 Brussels Street, LS9 8AB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the absolute masterminds behind The Cheesy Living Co. comes Fold, a hidden bakery serving up from under the arches every Saturday morning.
You can get your chops around their famous focaccia, stuffed sausage rolls, cookies, sarnies, bagels and the creme de le creme for us: the foot-long three-cheese twist.
Underground Bakery
Call Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after a really great almond croissant, then you've got to get yourself to Underground Bakery. They're serving a whole array of baked goods but doing them all really, really well.
Right in the centre of town, it's a great spot to swing by on your way to work because everyone deserves a midweek croissant every now and again.
Laynes
New Station Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one probably doesn't need any introduction, as Laynes bakery are known amongst the city for their exceptional bakes and it's not hard to see why.
They stock a number of coffee shops across Leeds but for the true experience, pop in and enjoy a bake alongside a cup of their fabulous coffee.
Nova
Leeds Dock
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Nova Bakehouse is a beautiful sun drenched spot that serve up irresistible morning buns, chewy cookies and speciality bread.
They focus on 'flavour forward baking' using seasonal ingredients to create monthly specials that'll have you going back time and time again.
Oh, and they've been named one of the best bakeries in the UK by The Good Food Guide two years running now - so you know it's good.
These guys have really made a mark for themselves since opening, and have cured all of LS6’s sweet tooth cravings and caffeine fixes.
You'll find everything from stacked brownies and blondies to incredible red velvet cookie pies, and how could we forget their savoury options too?
Chunk
174 Kirkstall Hill
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If cookies are your kryptonite, then Chunk is where you need to be.
From baking inside her student shared house to opening her very first bakery, the last few years have been a whirlwind for owner Amy Bennett- and there's really no stopping her now.
Her gooey NYX-style cookies are out of this world, served with great drinks to match.
The Savvy Baker
Albion Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Again, this one needs absolutely no introduction. A Leeds staple that has been curing sweet toothed brownie-lovers for years, it's The Savvy Baker.
Their new site in the city centre is truly one to behold, baking cookies on site and whipping up speciality matchas from a dedicated matcha bar - you don't want to miss it.
Karpaty Bakery
Leeds Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This traditional Polish bakery inside the market is selling some of the cheapest bakes you can get your hands on. Their authentic donuts are as big as your head and the perfect sweet treat that won't break the bank.
Street Lane Bakery
399 Street Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Hidden away just behind Street Lane, is Street Lane Bakery.
These guys have been baking up a storm in the kitchen for over a decade, from their ever-so-famous home-cooked bagels to the sweetest of treats.
Slow Rise Bakery
Sunnybank Avenue, Horsforth
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Can't get over to New York but craving a proper chewy, stacked bagel with all the trimmings? Slow Rise Bakery is the only answer.
Pick your flavour bagel from sesame to everything and then pick your fillings, we'd recommend going for lashings of cream cheese and layers of smoked salmon. Delicious.
Sophie Smith -
24th May 2022 
