Leeds Kirkgate Market

Leeds Kirkgate Market is not only a bustling hub of food, culture, and independent traders but also a place steeped in history. First opened in 1857, it grew rapidly and was rebuilt and expanded after a major fire in 1904, resulting in the stunning Victorian architecture you see today. It’s also famously the birthplace of Marks & Spencer, which began as a small penny stall here in the 1880s. Today, the market remains one of the largest covered markets in Europe and blends its historic character with a lively, modern atmosphere. With everything from global street food to fresh produce and unique local stalls, it’s a perfect spot to explore, shop, and experience the true heart of Leeds.

I always enjoy a good indoor market, and this is definitely worth a visit. Sadly not all of the stalls appeared to be occupied when I was there, but this did not detract too much from the experience. Seems like every colour of everything is available here for those willing to look. Take my advice and take your time about it though. Explore at a nice easy pace, browse the stalls and talk to the stallholders. I found all those that I approached to be down to earth and genuinely friendly characters. Also don't forget to look up and marvel at yet another wonder of Victorian over engineering. All they essentially needed to do was put a rainproof cover over a market, what they built though was a work of art that just happened to keep the weather out.

I visit this market every time I come to Leeds for fresh seafood. Not only do they have great seafood, but also a wide variety of bakery items and foods from different cuisines at affordable prices. Highly recommend the pizza place; it’s amazing.

So, here's my personal experience with Leeds Indoor Market (as I've always known it being Leeds born and Bred). Over 40 years ago my mum and my Nan used to take (drag) us round this place when I was a young child. I don't have good memories of the place. It was always rammed, never felt like a nice place to be and of course as a young child I hated shopping. Roll forwards 40 years to now. One of my pals asked me if I wanted to meet for Coffee in Leeds. Now I'm REALLY into great coffee. So I instantly thought back to the last time I was in there decades ago and I did not fancy a greasy spoon cafes instant coffee. My mate told me it's not like that and in fact it's got some proper coffee places in there. So I reluctantly gave it a go. I'm so glad I did. It's completely transformed. The architecture is restored and looks amazing, there are some brilliant independent stalls in there selling all sorts. A great fish market if that's your thing with all manner of fish (Inc squid, giant prawns etc etc). A great butchers just opposite. Walk further into the market and you enter the Food Hall area. There are street food stalls for all styles of food, Vietnamese, Indian, Tapas, Fish and Chips, Mediterranean, Yorkshire puddings wraps, basically a really great choice. The Teapot coffee place is in my opinion, the best coffee place in Leeds. They have flavoured coffee beans (no syrups, they're infused beans), loads of different teas, home made cakes and a seating area. Those guys are super passionate about coffee. It's reasonably priced and they sell their coffee which they roast themselves. The flower shop in one of the images above is also great. I'm not an expert but there were all kinds of very fresh looking flowers and plants. I returned to the place with my wife who is really into plants and gardening etc and she loved it. For me the market has a bit of an Apple Market Covent Garden vibe going on. I highly recommend it and I think it's a great place for visiting people to experience and much more should be done to publicise it. On top of all that there are always plenty of highly visible security patrolling it and it feels safe in there. Give it a go if your in Leeds city centre. It's next to the main Bus station or if you come by train it's about a 6 minute walk from Leeds Train Station. The Leeds Corn Exchange is right next door as well. Another great place to check out for it's independent shops and a nice cafe in there. That end of town is under a lot of development and restoration and it's got great character. Love it.

Vibrant market with a venerable history. A huge range of stalls covering a multitude of needs from fresh fish to cake decorations. And the origjnal Marks & Spencer penny bazaar, closed on a Saturday apparently because of staff issues. You'd think they'd make an effort to keep their original shop open.