City Centre Life Leeds - Guest blog

I love Leeds. People talk about London, New York or Paris, but to me Leeds is the greatest city in the world. If you already live here then you will know what I mean, and if you don’t already live here with so many one-uk.co.uk/leeds-apartments.php  flats to rent in Leeds what are you waiting for?

Restaurants – Living in the city centre you are never far away from fantastic places to eat and with James Martin joining Jamie Oliver and Raymond Blanc in the city it is certainly a restaurant scene on the up. Up from the popular Bibis Italianissimo, the fantastic Sous Le Nez or eclectic Anthony’s Restaurant there really is something for everyone. And if you fancy a bit of everything why not check out Red Hot World Buffet or The Spice Quarter?

Green Spaces – Leeds is perfectly situated for trips to the Yorkshire Dales, however you don’t need to travel out of the city to find green spaces. It is well know but Leeds, traditionally seen as an industrial town, boasts around 4,000 hectares of parks and green spaces. Take a stroll from Clarence Dock along the River Aire or the canal and you wouldn’t believe you were in the heart of the UK’s sixth biggest population. 

Attractions – In the city centre itself there are plenty of things to see and do. Clarence Dock is home for The Royal Armouries where you can wander round five theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient free of charge.
History buffs may also enjoy a trip to Thackray Medical Museum or Leeds City Museum. A little outside the city centre attractions include Armley Mills, Kirkstall Abbey, the historical estates at Temple Newsam, complete with gardens and farm, and Harewood House. For animal lovers there is Tropical World where the most popular attraction  is the thriving Meerkat enclosure and Meanwood Urban Farm. For those looking to go a little further afield Leeds is home to Middleton Railway, the world’s oldest running railway.

Entertainment – Living in the city I can never be accused of being bored in the evening.  Aside from the fantastic bars and nightclubs – including one in a church – Leeds has four fantastic theatres including the City Varieties which has hosted Charlie Chapin and Houdini. Plus comedy clubs for giggles and an art gallery for culture vultures like me. In addition there is a great music scene, and I love heading to The Nation of Shopkeepers, The Northern Monkey, Carpe Diem or The Cockpit to see a local band. With the O2 Academy drawing bigger acts and the Arena being built there's certainly plenty of live music around.

Sport – Leeds is a sporting city there is no getting  away from it.

With top flight Rugby Union and Rugby League sides the oval ball game is well covered in the city. There is Leeds United for football and of course Yorkshire County Cricket Club  as well. For those who prefer doing  doing to watching there are plenty of gyms and swimming pools and the excellent facilities at the John Charles sports centre, including a running track, are just a short bus ride away. Plus there is the 10K Jane Tomlinson Run For All, the 10K Abbey Dash and the Leeds Half Marathon to get training for.    

Shopping – Leeds City Centre is full of great shops. The Victoria Quarter is a must for all those after the latest designer look with Louis Vuitton, Karen Millen, Ted Baker and of course Harvey Nichols just some of the shops there. However those on a budget don't panic you can also walk between all the high street staples such as Next and Top Man to get an outfit for a big night out or a relaxed dinner with friends. Furthermore there are plenty of unique boutiques such as Each To Their Own to ensure that there are no embarassing matching outfit moments at parties. Also the Trinity Complex set to open in 2013 promises to be good news for Leeds' shoppers although not for my credit card.

With all this on my doorstep, why would I live anywhere else?