Eight reasons why we love Leeds - from coffee and street food to the West Indian Carnival

There is no doubt that Leeds is an unforgettable city and we’re proud to call it our home.

Published 2nd Feb 2023, 16:53 GMT

Our vibrant city has much to keep its residents busy with – from street food that will take your taste buds around the globe to serene parks to spend time with family. Here are eight things that we love about Leeds and why we won’t be moving any time soon.

Leeds Kirkgate Market in the city centre is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. The market remains a much-loved part of Leeds since it opened in the 1800s with fresh food, flowers, jewellery, clothes and more. In 2016, local food vendors joined the market and made the market a foodie-heaven.

1. Leeds Kirkgate Market

Leeds Kirkgate Market in the city centre is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. The market remains a much-loved part of Leeds since it opened in the 1800s with fresh food, flowers, jewellery, clothes and more. In 2016, local food vendors joined the market and made the market a foodie-heaven. Photo: Simon Hulme

Leeds West Indian Carnival is a staple of the August bank holiday weekend - the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the biggest parade outside London.

2. Leeds West Indian Carnival

Leeds West Indian Carnival is a staple of the August bank holiday weekend - the oldest West Indian carnival in Europe and the biggest parade outside London. Photo: Steve Riding

The coffee culture in Leeds is growing - with independent businesses leading the way. One such business is La Bottega Milanese, which roasts its coffee in Yorkshire with local milk and sources its fruit and vegetables from Leeds markets. It currently operates in two locations - Bond Street and Park House.

3. Independent coffee shops

The coffee culture in Leeds is growing - with independent businesses leading the way. One such business is La Bottega Milanese, which roasts its coffee in Yorkshire with local milk and sources its fruit and vegetables from Leeds markets. It currently operates in two locations - Bond Street and Park House. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

The music scene in Leeds has always been vibrant and there is something for everyone. Larger venues such as the O2 Academy or First Direct Arena have a rich roster of artists who have performed there, but smaller venues such as Belgrave Music Hall, Headrow House and even The Domino have continued to make their claim in the music scene. Pictured is the Live at Leeds festival at the O2 Academy.

4. O2 Academy

The music scene in Leeds has always been vibrant and there is something for everyone. Larger venues such as the O2 Academy or First Direct Arena have a rich roster of artists who have performed there, but smaller venues such as Belgrave Music Hall, Headrow House and even The Domino have continued to make their claim in the music scene. Pictured is the Live at Leeds festival at the O2 Academy. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

There are many green spaces across the city, but the jewel in Leeds' crown is Roundhay Park - which stretches over 700 acres and includes lakes and woodland, one of the largest urban parks in the world. With its rich wildlife and roster of growing events, the park has something for everyone.

5. Roundhay Park

There are many green spaces across the city, but the jewel in Leeds' crown is Roundhay Park - which stretches over 700 acres and includes lakes and woodland, one of the largest urban parks in the world. With its rich wildlife and roster of growing events, the park has something for everyone. Photo: Steve Riding

Leeds has a wealth of independent food outlets and the creation of Trinity Kitchen, which rotates new food vans every eight weeks, gives residents the opportunity to explore and find their new favourite street food businesses. Pictured is Big Mouth Gyoza food truck.

6. Street food

Leeds has a wealth of independent food outlets and the creation of Trinity Kitchen, which rotates new food vans every eight weeks, gives residents the opportunity to explore and find their new favourite street food businesses. Pictured is Big Mouth Gyoza food truck. Photo: James Hardisty