Name: Mark Catley – I'm a writer for theatre and T.V
Where do you live? I was born in Beeston and now live in
Armley.
Which is your favourite restaurant? The Thai restaurant Chaophraya is class, but Viva Cuba on Kirkstall Road is my
fave. I like Japanese so Fuji Hiro and Little Tokyo are visited plenty.
Which is your favourite bar or club? The Reliance on North Street. Don't tend to go anywhere else these days although
the few remaining pubs in the centre are worth a look at.
Where do you think is the best place to go for music?
Used to be the now defunct Chocolate Factory in the early 90s, then the Underground behind the old Town and Country, then Elbow Rooms was good for the funk, but now it's early to bed and Classic FM! The fashionista and the townies present the two extremes of the Leeds nightlife, both parties I intend to avoid, I'd much rather find a quiet spot
with some mates and have a natter.
What is your idea of shopping heaven? Just discovered the joy of Debenhams, so no need to trail around the Victoria
Quarter/Corn Exchange getting ignored by the shop assistants any more! Borders is class though, can spend hours
in there.
What is the best kept secret in Leeds? The walk from Armley to town via the canal is spot on, shame about Granary Wharf being deserted at the end of it, though. Leeds needs - if you could change one thing about the city, what would it be?
It needs to share the wealth, we've got all this investment and development going on in the centre but half a mile in any
direction is depressing poverty, maybe the folk making all the coin might want to filter some through to the unfashionable punters on the outskirts. But maybe I'll
wake up and smell the Starbucks and realise the truth in the statement of the rich get richer while… Leeds City Council
needs to start investing in people not property.
Which is the best view in Leeds? The view of the council: Leeds – Live it. Love it. Always makes me laugh, I'm with
Simon Armitage on this, it should read: Leeds – Like it. Lump it.