Whether you're looking for a unusual gift or just a bite to eat, these are some of our favourite spots
With over 150 years of history to its name and a whole host of independent businesses trading within its great curved walls, there are worse places to spend an afternoon than Leeds Corn Exchange.
Neighbour to Kirkgate Market and icon of the city centre skyline, the Corn Exchange stands proud on Leeds’ oldest street. It’s a Grade I listed Victorian stunner that today houses a vibrant array of cafés, shops, barbershops and restaurants over three levels.
While it's all undoubtedly worth a leisurely peruse, we’ve lined up the some of the best contenders to check out...
Humpit
Epic hummus and pita bar Humpit has been serving up pockets of garlicky goodness in the Corn Exchange since the early 2000s. The aroma that wakes up your appetite the minute you step across the threshold? That’s them. Find them dishing out reasonably priced variations of hummus, salad, pita and falafel along with the odd pickle and sweet potato fry for good measure.
Monday - Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 12-4.30pm
Outrage Jewellers
As the Corn Exchange’s longest-standing tenant, Outrage Jewellers is one of the city’s most popular jewellery outlets. Specialising in handmade silver and semi-precious stones, the store has a unique and extensive range of rings, necklaces, bracelets and everything in between, with cabinets themed by colour and – more often than not – an enticing tray of discounted chunky silver pieces sitting outside.
Monday – Saturday 10.30am-5.30pm, Sunday 11am-4.30pm
The Archives
The Corn Exchange is no stranger to high-quality fashion outlets and new kid on the block, The Archives, is taking that to a new level. With bare wooden floorboards and soft lighting, this is the place to discover a range of stylish menswear – from casual classics to heritage brands.
Monday – Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday – Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Little Leeds Beerhouse
Self-proclaimed home of exceptional beers, wines and spirits, Little Leeds Beerhouse is the place to discover hundreds of carefully selected beverages from near and far. The store’s focus on beer sees it showcase some of the best local breweries but there’s a plentiful selection of fine wines and liquor if that’s more up your street. With a knowledgeable local on hand to help you find exactly what you’re after, it’s definitely worth stopping by – they might even let you have a taste.
Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-4.30pm
Northern Acoustics
As the city’s largest stockist of acoustic guitars, Northern Acoustic is the place to go for a top-class buying experience. The shop’s balcony level spot is filled to the rafters with an impressive range of instruments – from starter acoustics to unique custom-made masterpieces – and the staff really know their stuff.
Monday – closed, Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
The Plant Point
Affectionately known as 'the jungle in the heart of the city’, The Plant Point opened in summer 2018. It has become a treasure trove of foliage with more than a hundred unique potted indoor plants, succulents and cacti on offer. You might well have seen a snap of the store’s leafy loveliness on Instagram, where it’s become one of Leeds’ most photographed spots. Stop by to browse the vibrant range of plants, pick up a green addition for your desk or even try your hand at terrarium-building – just one of the many workshops on offer.
Monday – Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday – Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4.30pm
Fabrikk
The Fabrikk concept was born in 2013 and is based on a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, ethical practices, transparency, inclusiveness, honesty and continual learning. The flagship store opened in the Corn Exchange in 2018, forming a solid base for its entrepreneur owners to pursue growth via partnerships across the country. Along with Fabrikk’s hero product, Vela – a vegan handbag with an internal LED light to illuminate its contents on opening, they also offer a range of sustainable, cruelty-free accessories.
Monday – Saturday 10.30am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4.30pm
