The Corn Exchange is a Leeds landmark in the heart of Kirkgate which is home to some of the best independent retailers, restaurants and creatives in the city.
Designed by revered British architect Cuthbert Broderick, the Grade 1 listed building first opened its doors to corn traders all the way back in 1864. The building cost £360,000 to build and the distinctive dome design was based on the Bourse de Commerce in Paris.
The exchange was converted into shops and food traders after a period of disuse in 1988 and has been a hub for creativity and community ever since.
Image: Leeds City Council
More recently, Leeds City Council have a revealed a brand spanking new green space after years of renovation just outside the exchange, which has brought a new wave of people to the area. So, here is our guide to the best independents inside the Corn Exchange for when you make your next visit.
Where to eat
If you're after a bite to eat then you've come to the right place. Home to three fantastic independent eateries, the Corn Exchange boats some fantastic food and drink which you can enjoy in a beautiful setting.
In the main atrium is Bruschetta, a cosy coffee shop and cafe serving a seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients from Kirkgate market just round the corner. Their menu may be small but it is mighty; the dishes are fresh, vibrant and flavoursome whilst also being great value for money. I recommend the Full Algerian breakfast which consists of harissa spiced cannellini beans on toasted bruschetta, topped off with an oozing poached egg and spiced merguez sausage.
Stop by The Cheesy Living Co. for a delicious focaccia sandwich on your lunch break, a fondue Sunday roast at the weekend (yes, really) or a selection of cheeses and charcuterie to take home with you for the evening.
Everything is local and everything is delicious, these guys really know what they're doing and are as independent as it gets.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where to shop
When it comes to shopping you are spoilt for choice here, there's a plethora of independent boutiques and shops that will have you browsing for hours.
Looking to pimp up your wardrobe? Go to Mki Miyuki Zoku for contemporary, Japanese streetwear or head to All Blues Co., which are the first store to showcase a number of high-profile Korean menswear brands into the UK. Both boutiques will make sure to leave you pleasantly suited and booted.
Image: Leeds Corn Exchange
You then have to make a visit to Colours May Vary, an independent bookshop and gallery where you can find everything from quirky cook books and architecture magazines to literature classics with funky, re-worked covers. Just the rainbow of colours emerging from the shelves is a sight to behold at this lovely shop.
Image: Colours May Vary
Make sure to stop by TOM-O, a sustainable fashion store where every single item is unique. Using spare fabrics from charity shops, donations and beyond - owner Sarah breathes new life into every item and creates something absolutely beautiful.
Whether it's a patchwork dress you're after, a bucket hat for festival season or a pair of snazzy dungarees, TOM-O can do it and can do it well.
What to do
Just after a mooch about? No problem. Cole's Gallery have ongoing exhibitions that showcase new and established artists from Yorkshire and the UK. Just metres away are newcomers The Sculpture Gallery where, you guessed it, you can view an array of sculptures in a range of mediums from a broad list of resident artists.
Image: Cole's Gallery
Whilst you're there why not get your haircut at Mr Men's Barbers, get pierced at Red Tattoo and Piercing, flick through the hundreds of records at Released Records or try on a pair of roller skates at Roller Girl Gang.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's so much to see and do in this glorious building that we have barely scratched the service, but whilst you're there don't forget to say hello to the amazing people who make up the creative community which makes The Corn Exchange such an asset to Leeds.
To find out more about the Corn Exchange and to find a full list of their independents, take a peak at their website.
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.
Clementine Hall -
10th July 2023 
