From Lewis's train to lost nightlife legends: YEP readers share what they miss most about the old city centre
From iconic department stores with miniature trains to legendary music venues and bustling market aisles, Yorkshire Evening Post readers have been looking back on the beloved spots and unique atmosphere that defined Leeds city centre in years gone by
Leeds city centre has undergone dramatic transformations over the decades, evolving into modern shopping districts, pedestrianised boulevards, and vibrant food halls.
But ask anyone who grew up visiting the city in the '70s, '80s, '90s, or early 2000s, and a wave of nostalgia quickly bubbles up.
When we asked readers on the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page what they miss most about the old Leeds city centre, hundreds jumped into the comments to share their favourite childhood memories, lost shopping haunts, and nights out on the town.
Lost department stores & high street legends
For generations, a trip into Leeds meant spending hours exploring grand multi-storey department stores and beloved retail chains.
None featured more prominently in readers' memories than the iconic Lewis’s and Schofields.
Matthew Watson fondly remembered the train that ran along the top of the back wall in the toy section at Lewis’s, alongside trips to Beatties model shop dreaming of owning a Scalextric lorry.
Eve Tidswell and Michelle Ellison both highlighted the unbeatable weekend routine of browsing Lewis's, Schofields, and the market, while Anthony Pratt lamented the loss of Schofields altogether, writing that the massive department store "should never have been demolished" in 1987.
For music lovers, browsing the shelves was an event in itself.
Lynton Tremayne recalled listening to LPs in sound booths in Vallances and Barkers, a sentiment echoed by Philip Bland, who missed Barkers music store on The Headrow and Austicks bookshop on Cookridge Street.
Meanwhile, Lorraine Fidler looked back on legendary retail staples like Mothercare, Adams, Chelsea Girl, C&A, and the small independent boutiques tucked down the city's historic arcades.
Legendary nightclubs & music venues
Leeds earned a reputation across the North for its unmatched nightlife and alternative music scenes.
From basement rock clubs to grand dance halls, readers fondly recalled the venues that defined their youth after dark.
Rach Hawthorne remembered fuelling up on Fat Freddies veggie burgers amidst nights out at The Phono, The Duchess, and The Dark Arches, while Stephen Winstanley fondly recalled catching live music at The Duchess.
Rock and metal fans like Christopher Peter Brown, the weekend itinerary was stacked with stops at Viva's Wine Bar, The Cockpit, Rio's, and The Well.
Catrina Gibson Mackay mapped out a legendary pub crawl taking in the Observatory, Square on the Lane, Conservatory, Edward’s, Jumpin Jacks, and Majestyk, while Pauline MacLean looked back on "fun times" spent dancing at Cinderella Rockerfellas, Digby’s, Le Phonographique, Mr Craigs, and The Warehouse.
Andrew Gray summed up the golden era of local nightlife with a nod to Ritzy’s, Central Park, Madisons, and Tiffany’s.
Unforgettable food, pubs & market life
Whether grabbing a quick bite during a Saturday shopping trip or catching up over local ales, food and drink spots held a huge place in readers' hearts.
Robert Clarke recalled the indoor market before the fire as "a great place full of atmosphere and characters," while Fiona Gilby raised a toast to Freeman’s fish and chips and Phil Goodfield remembered trips to Bettys cafe and Nash's fish and chip restaurant.
For a proper pint, Gary Hewitt missed dropping into The Whip for Tetley's ales, while Tom Ball held a flame for the Lucky Dragon Chinese restaurant, and Craig Dickson recalled grabbing Chinese food on the top floor of the Schofield Centre.
But beyond the big department stores and nightspots, it was often the distinct local quirks, architecture, and street characters that gave Leeds its one-of-a-kind identity.
Joe Bragg singled out the iconic snake inside the Bond Street shopping centre, while Martin Cockerham and David Carter looked back on trips to the International Pool and the Model Shop on Merrion Street.
For Lindsey Jackson, the Sunday markets under the Dark Arches were a staple for finding unusual items from independent sellers, while James Brown paid tribute to local street busker Chris Wheat performing in the city centre.