What Has Leeds Got?

by Abigail Vint

It's the little treasures you find when you're living in a city that make it unique. When I arrived in Leeds, UK, I could feel the energy. I knew instinctively it was going to be a great place to live.

So many people wrinkled their noses when they asked why Leeds? Well, here are some hidden treasures for those naysayers:

It Has a Football Team

You can't live in England--or in Europe for that matter--and NOT get into football (soccer for all you North Americans). Wtih so many divisions, it can be confusing to keep track of it all at first, but eventually, with a little help from the locals, you can figure it out.

Leeds United had been a strong team since the early 1990s and was in the premier league since 1992. It was only recently--this May--that they were unfortunately relegated to a lower division. The good news is they will be top in the lower division next season and, if you choose them as your team, will probably pick a winner. I doubt the move to the lower division will stop the blokes wandering the streets on game day, suited up in their blue and white jerseys, finding a pub, settling in for a pint and watching the game with their crowd of mates.

When we were there, we even went to a game at the Elland Road stadium against Manchester United. The seats, while small, create an intimate atmosphere amongst the crowd. There's no getting up for drinks or food--you take your life in your hands if you stand and block someone's view. The chanting at a live game is unbelievable. Everyone knows all the songs. And by the end of the match, I did too.

Unfortunately, the team is not having a great year so you might get an ear full if you mention it to the locals. But then again, talking to the locals is a good way to learn about the sport.

It Has Good Nightlife

People come from the small towns all over the Yorkshire Dales countryside into Leeds "for a night" out. On Friday afternoons packs of people and their rolly-wheeled luggage can be spotted in the Leed's train station. They're all ready for a weekend of drinking, eating and shopping. Stag and Hen nights are quite popular, so don't be surprised if you see people dressed up like it's Halloween.

Most of the pubs stay open until 12 a.m on a Friday and Saturday and then there are the after hours clubs, which are kicking until about 4 a.m.

With so many different options, it's hard to give specific names but some of my favourites are Edwards, Wetherspoons, La Sensa, Normans and Revolution.

The Stick and Twist is good for an afternoon drink--cheap with a patio.

The bars by the Corn exchange are trendy. The bars along Boar Lane are your more standard pub types with a bit of dance feel to them.

It Has Great Shops

It wouldn't be a good night out if you didn't have a nice new outfit to show off. All the big names such as Harvey Nicks, Marks and Spencers, Top Shop and Oasis just a few but you don't have to go in there and drop a bundle to get good quality.

My favourite spot to hit was the Next Clearance store, right on the main road--Boar Lane. You can get great pants for less than £20 or men's suit jackets for £30. There are no change rooms but then, there are also no questions asked when you return clothes. It's a shopping heaven! Walk in, pick up a gazillion items, buy them, take them home for a fashion show and bring those back that look goofy or don't fit. Trying them on all in the comfort of your own home and not clothing-store lights is a huge benefit!

It Has Green Space

Hyde Park is situated in a perfect spot for an afternoon stroll. Near the univeristy and about a 15 minute walk from the centre of town, it's not odd to find people lounging around on a sunny day. Take a picnic basket with food and drink and relax on the grass amongst eveyrone out. Sunny days can be quite rare in England and we found as soon as it was nice out, people were out.

And, it's only a 10-15 minute drive to some of the loveliest countryside in England--the Yorkshire Dales. Remember the movie Calendar Girls? Did you love the scenery? You've already fallen in love with Yorkshire then because it was filmed just outside Leeds.

When I saw the movie with my sister in Canada I kept gasping and pointing "I know where that is!" It was only my sister's glare that made me stop.

It Has a Market

Leeds Market is said to be one of the best in England--or so everyone told us. The building itself is quite old and is said to be the largest indoor market in England. It was quite large with food and flea market-type wares for sale. The fresh vegetables and fruit go on sale at 2 p.m., so that's the best time to hit the market. Be prepared for some loud confusion: the sellers do a lot of yelling. "Two pound for a fiver" and "Pound of bananas for a quid". It took us a long time to figure out what they were saying in their Leed's accents.

It Has A University

It's not much to look at--essentially it's a bunch of concrete buildings off a busy road--but Leeds University definitely adds a bit of youthfulness to the city. They also offer continuing education classes. What a great way to meet people and shift your brain into gear.

It Has a Little Bit of Home

Subway, yes, Subway sandwiches was definitely something I was going to miss. I like a healthy fast food alternative to McDonald's or Burger King-- which are also in Leeds. When we were there, two new Subways were built, bringing the number of franchises to three in the city. Our friends from Leeds hadn't quite caught on to the appeal of the place and the joke soon started every time we would leave the bar, "Are you guys heading to Subway?". Was it that obvious?

My advice? Go to Leeds and discover it for yourself. These are just a few of the little treasures this great northern city has to offer.