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Bramley Baths, the last remaining Edwardian bath house in Leeds, receives Blue Plaque
"In continuous use since opening, generations have washed, learned to swim, danced and used the Russian steam baths within this important community building."
Leeds Civic Trust is unveiling a blue plaque to celebrate Bramley Baths, the last Edwardian bath house remaining in Leeds.
Built to improve public health and wellbeing in response to the outbreak of cholera, Bramley Baths was one of eight public bath houses in Leeds.
Local residents came to wash, swim and use the Russian Steam Baths which was a fashionable habit with the wealthier Edwardians.
The baths have remained a constant in Leeds life, and following restoration in the late 80s, was reopened in the early 90s.
This year the baths are celebrating its tenth anniversary of being a community-led enterprise and a Blue Plaque from Leeds Civic Trust is being awarded in recognition of its significance in Leeds’s wider heritage.
Image: Supplied
The wording for the blue plaque is as follows: "BRAMLEY BATHS. Built in 1904 in response to the cholera outbreak, this fine Grade II listed building is the last functioning bath house in Leeds. In continuous use since opening, generations have washed, learned to swim, danced and used the Russian steam baths within this important community building."
The blue plaque will be unveiled on Saturday 9 September at 12.15 outside Bramley Baths.
Leeds Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton said: “As a child, I learned to swim at Bramley Baths – joining thousands of people who have visited the baths over the decades. It is a real Bramley landmark, and I am delighted that we are now able to share its story more widely.”
CEO of Bramley Baths, David Wilford said: "Bramley Baths is a very special place in the hearts of many generations and has been since it opened its doors in 1904. Having a blue plaque means a lot to Bramley Baths – it is recognition of the historical significance and cultural value of the building, and the important role the Baths continues to play in the community. Receiving a blue plaque is a source of great pride for Bramley Baths and our community."
Whitelock’s Ale House has announced the return of its annual Beer Festival - hoorah!
There’s nothing quite like a nice fresh pint, and we all know Whitelock’s Ale House know how to pour a good one.
So it's with great glee that we can fill you in on their upcoming Beer Festival which will be returning to the iconic pub from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June 2026.
The four-day festival will celebrate the best of independent brewing in Leeds, with beers sourced exclusively from local breweries.
Featured breweries will include Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology, Amity Brew Co. and more.
Known as the oldest pub in Leeds, Whitelock’s Ale House has long championed independent beers and local brewing culture.
Image: Supplied
This year’s festival aims to spotlight the strength and diversity of the city’s brewing scene, with the tagline 'Beer tastes better up north!'
Beer will be pouring throughout the weekend across Whitelock's Ale House and The Turk's Head, with further brewery announcements and festival details set to be shared in the coming weeks via their Instagram.
The best part? Entry to the festival is completely free.
Talking about this year’s festival, General Manager Beth said: “Beer has always been at the heart of Whitelock’s, so this felt like the right year to celebrate both the breweries on our doorstep and the city we’ve called home for more than 300 years.
"Leeds has a brilliantly strong independent beer scene right now, and we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the best breweries the city has to offer across the weekend.”
You can find out more about Whitelock's Ale House and their fabulous Beer Festival here via their website. Cheers to that!
Inside Leeds’ very first sauna and ice bath cafe hidden behind a railway arch
Clementine Hall
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept has landed in the city centre.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds combines saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space features two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is absolutely gorgeous, complete with trendy tin ceilings, fairy lights and soft furnishings.
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The same goes for the saunas, with one silent and one sauna giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
There's a fab little cafe too offering all sorts from electrolyte slushes to ginger shots and a range of coffees and matcha.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
Officially opening their doors this Friday 29 May, Kontrast are offering free sessions over the weekend so you can try before you buy. Book your spot here.
Clementine Hall -
6th September 2023 
