Things to do in Leeds city centre: Trinity Kitchen, Corn Exchange and more
Rich in culture, food, art, and community, central Leeds is a must-see location.
In the heart of Leeds, you can find an assortment of shops, bars, fancy restaurants, and an abundance of art and culture.
Whether you are looking for fine dining, fast food, drinks with a view, or a performance of a lifetime, Leeds has it all, writes Travel News Blitz’s Madi Chantry.
Shopping
Leeds Corn Exchange
Leeds Corn Exchange, located on Call Lane, is one of the most charming aspects of Leeds.
The dome-shaped building comprises three floors, with the top floor overlooking the vast space, which is home to independent businesses.
It was built between 1861 and 1863 by Victorian architect Cuthbert Brodrick.
The place is packed with local artisans from across the city, selling their unique, hand-crafted items.
It’s worth a visit if you love supporting small, independent businesses and appreciate Leeds’ heritage!
Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre
Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, located on Albion Street, is a modern shopping centre with a variety of shops, food, and entertainment.
With over 120 shops and services to choose from, you won’t leave empty-handed.
You might have heard of the big brands like Apple, LEGO, Urban Outfitters, and Lindt. Those are just a snippet of what you can find within the Trinity Centre.
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Food and drink
Trinity Kitchen
Inside Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre is Trinity Kitchen, a large food hall bursting with energy and life.
If street food is your kind of thing, then this is the place for you.
From loaded fries to messy tacos, Trinity Kitchen is most definitely a place to try.
Smokestack
Smokestack, situated in Lower Briggate, is a bar and speakeasy that transports you back to the 1950s, when Leeds was the New Orleans for jazz and blues.
Indulge yourself in classic cocktails like an espresso martini or an old fashioned.
Maybe you even want to learn to make those cocktails yourself. Smokestack has you covered! They offer masterclasses starting from £35 for two hours.
Browns Brasserie and Bar
If sipping (or chugging) cocktails isn’t your thing, take a trip to The Light to find Browns Brasserie and Bar.
Here, you can enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea for just £27 per person. If you want a chilled glass of Champagne, you can bump that price up to £37 per person!
Browns also caters for vegetarians, vegans, and coeliacs, so no one is excluded.
If you are looking for something a little earlier, Browns offers a diverse range of brunch items from £17.
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Arts and Culture
Leeds Grand Theatre
Leeds Grand Theatre, located in New Briggate, opened in 1878 and has been engaging the public ever since.
The theatre unites people through creativity, collaboration, and culture.
A vision made possible by the team at the theatre is making the venue and the general experience more accessible and inclusive.
Upcoming shows include, but are not limited to, The Sound of Music, Heathers, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and Mamma Mia.
Leeds Art Gallery
Down The Headrow, you can find Leeds Art Gallery, which was founded in 1888.
There is a collection of 20th-century British art, featuring sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
Temporary exhibitions are also showcased every so often, with upcoming ones being ‘Arp: The Plasters’ and ‘Garth Evans: The Anti-Virus Sculptures’.
Leeds Art Gallery is a Give What You Can gallery, meaning entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to support the exhibit.
