Located within the prime pedestrianised area of Leeds City Centre is The Queens Arcade, a boutique unique shopping centre with tons of history.
We've all had a mooch through the Queens Arcade when shopping in Leeds City Centre. It's a beautiful arcade full of some of the best independents that the city has to offer.
But the Queens Arcade isn't just your average shopping centre, it also has an incredible history dating back to the 1800s.
The arcade first opened it's doors in 1888 and it was only the second arcade to have ever been built in Leeds.
It was named in honour of Queen Victoria to celebrate her Golden Jubilee and took the place of an old yard with just a hardware shop, cobblers, tobacconist, shopkeeper and the Rose and Crown pub.
The building features Grade II listed Victorian architecture that can still be seen today, you simply have to look up to admire it's beautiful glass roof and ornate original remaining features.
Over the years countless stores have opened their doors in the Queens Arcade, some large chains like Boots, and other small independents looking to open to customers on the ground floor and live above their shop on the second floor.
Image:
Now you can find a range of fantastic independents inside the arcade, including tattooists, barbers, jewellers and boutiques. If you fancy a bite to eat, Olive and Rye is an acclaimed brunch spot which constantly has a queue out the door and it is easy to see why.
There's never been a better time to support your local independents, so when you're next out and about in Leeds, take a peep into The Queen's Arcade and marvel in it's beauty.
To view a full list of it's occupants, take a look at their website.
An exciting new venue is set to open its doors this year, marking a significant moment for the city’s nightlife scene.
Introducing Mint XL, the latest venture rom the team behind the Mint brand that represents the next evolution of a name that has been central to Leeds’ music culture since the 90’s.
Built on over three decades of experience in the industry, the team’s track record spans from intimate club spaces to major outdoor festivals.
Mint XL will build on this knowledge to bring a venue designed to operate on another level, bigger and better than ever before.
Image: Supplied
With a capacity of over 2000 across multiple rooms, Mint XL has been purpose-built to host a wide range of events. Think large-scale electronic music lineups and extended DJ sets to live performances, brand activations, and private hires.
At the heart of the venue is a focus on sound and experience. A newly-installed Funktion-One Vero system will power the main rooms, supported by high-spec production throughout.
Mint XL will also operate a strict no-phones policy during club events, keeping the focus on the music and the moment.
Images: Supplied
“Mint XL is the next chapter for the brand,” says Owner Shane Graham. “From Mint Club through to Mint Festival, we’ve spent nearly two decades building something special in Leeds, and this is a natural progression of that journey. It allows us to take everything we’ve produced over the years and deliver it at a much bigger club setting.”
Director Mikey McMahon adds: “Mint XL is a big step forward for us. It allows us to programme multi-bill lineups at a much bigger scale across multiple rooms, while also expanding beyond electronic music into live bands, private hires, and brand-led events. At its core, we’ve designed it as a fully versatile space that can adapt to different audiences and experiences under one roof.”
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this summer
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this summer.
Clementine Hall -
18th November 2022 
