And we're in the top five cities for DIY home improvements too.
Bank Holidays often mark the start of huge new DIY home projects in Leeds.
Whether you're choosing to use your bank holiday to repaint your bedroom or upcycle furniture for the lounge, there's no doubt that hundreds of homeowners across the UK will be using their extra day off to take on some home improvement challenges.
Whether you're someone that can see such projects from start to end, or get bored halfway through, here in Leeds we've been recognised as having some of the most enthusiastic DIY and home lovers across the country.
According to Leader Doors, there was a staggering 35% increase in the number of first-time buyers stepping onto the property ladder in 2021 when compared to 2020, and whilst that means that more people than ever are undertaking the challenge of furnishing and improving homes for the very first time, the cost of living crisis also suggests that they're trying to do this on a more limited budget.
New financial limitations, combined with new TikTok hack trends that are making DIY projects accessible in a way that previous generations could not have possible fathomed, was the driving force behind a new survey from Leader Doors into the best UK cities to live if you're a home enthusiast.
Leeds scored an impressive 7th place, pipped by Bradford in 6th. Marked against the number of combined decor and DIY stores and ranked accordingly, this survey was all about accessibility to materials- given there's little point in moving to your dream city if you're a flat-pack lover and there's not an IKEA for miles.
Overall, Leeds has a respectable 68 stores across the city, whilst Bradford totted up an impressive 74 DIY and home improvement stores across the city. Even Wakefield made it into the top ten, with 61 stores counted across the region.
When it came to DIY stores, the survey counted up the number of B&Qs, Homebase, IKEA and Wilkos to discover where cities lay in their ability to upcycle and get creative. Leeds and Bradford scored a joint fifth place with a total score of 21 each- not bad when you account for the size of our cities compared to the likes of London (which came in first with 52 stores across the entire city).
Clearly, we're a city with a lot to offer, but now Leeds can add 'Top UK city for DIY and home improvement' to its accolades- an unusual, but nonetheless exciting, title to have.
Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.
Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.
The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.
Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.
Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."
Image: Unsplash
Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.
But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.
"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."
By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."
Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.
Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.
An award-winning Sardinian restaurant made famous in Sheffield is now opening in Leeds
Clementine Hall
This family-run restaurant has chosen Leeds as their second location, and we're very glad they have.
Introducing Domo, a Sardinian independent born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities from homemade pasta dishes to show-stopping grills.
They've also got a banging cocktail menu full of signature serves and refreshing spritz, perfect for enjoying with friends over some delicious sharing plates.
Images: The Sheff
They've been teasing a second site for some time now but finally the cat is firmly out of the bag as they've announced they'll be bringing Domo to Leeds.
But where might you ask? Well, none other than the scenic location of the Lockside overlooking the canal.
Slotting right in next to BAKE, they're going to be in very good company indeed.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Domo said: "So most of you guessed it right...it’s been a long time coming but Domo 2.0 is finally cooking.
"Here’s a little sneak peek at our week which we’ve mostly spent admiring the views and getting to know the new neighbours …. If you can guess where it is there’s a glass of bubbly on us next time we see you. To be continued ………"
That's all the information we have so far, but we'll keep you in the loop as and when we find out more.
We can't wait to have you here in Leeds Domo, but for now we'll pop round to Sheffield to get our Domo fix and we highly suggest you do too.
Sophie Smith -
2nd May 2022 
