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.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
10th July 2023 
