17 Hidden gems that you will only know if you're from Leeds

By Joseph Keith

Published 15th Sep 2022, 16:30 BST

From underground jazz bars to gardens bursting with vibrant colours and independent cinemas tucked away on side streets.

The city of Leeds has a wealth of hidden gems that, all too often, only those who call it home will know about.

Here, we’ve picked a series of our favourites to showcase.

How many do you know?

Tucked away inside Leeds city centre's Grand Arcade, below a barber shop, this underground jazz bar and speakeasy has been a real hit since it opened.
"Probably one of the coolest places and speakeasys I’ve ever been to," one TripAdvisor reviewer said.

1. The Domino Club

Tucked away inside Leeds city centre's Grand Arcade, below a barber shop, this underground jazz bar and speakeasy has been a real hit since it opened. "Probably one of the coolest places and speakeasys I’ve ever been to," one TripAdvisor reviewer said. Photo: James Hardisty

Indian vegetarian restaurant Bundobust burst onto the Leeds scene in 2014. The venue, on Mill Hill close to Leeds City Station, also offers a wide range of craft ales and beers alongside its extensive and exciting Indian street food menu. Pictured is Gopi Singh, executive chef at Bundobust.

2. Bundobust

Indian vegetarian restaurant Bundobust burst onto the Leeds scene in 2014. The venue, on Mill Hill close to Leeds City Station, also offers a wide range of craft ales and beers alongside its extensive and exciting Indian street food menu. Pictured is Gopi Singh, executive chef at Bundobust. Photo: James Hardisty

Thousands of people visit Tropical World, opposite Roundhay Park's entrance, every year. But adjacent to the attraction is Canal Gardens, a hidden gem bursting with vibrant flowers, an eye-catching body of water and peaceful surroundings. Entry to the gardens is free to the public.

3. Canal Gardens

Thousands of people visit Tropical World, opposite Roundhay Park's entrance, every year. But adjacent to the attraction is Canal Gardens, a hidden gem bursting with vibrant flowers, an eye-catching body of water and peaceful surroundings. Entry to the gardens is free to the public. Photo: Mel Hulme

While Yeadon Tarnfield Park (Tarn) is just a stone's throw from Leeds Bradford Airport, the tranquil setting and green space are a complete departure from the terminal's hectic atmosphere. The tarn, which hosts the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre, measures 17 hectares and visitors can watch the planes take off and land at the nearby airport.

4. Yeadon Tarn

While Yeadon Tarnfield Park (Tarn) is just a stone's throw from Leeds Bradford Airport, the tranquil setting and green space are a complete departure from the terminal's hectic atmosphere. The tarn, which hosts the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre, measures 17 hectares and visitors can watch the planes take off and land at the nearby airport. Photo: Gary Longbottom

North Brewing Co, the company behind craft ale staples including North Bar, Further North and Preston, run this21,000 sq ft brewery site just off Buslingthorpe Lane near Sheepscar. Springwell Leeds is open at weekends and features a range of food stalls and an array of craft ale to enjoy inside or out.

5. Springwell Leeds

North Brewing Co, the company behind craft ale staples including North Bar, Further North and Preston, run this21,000 sq ft brewery site just off Buslingthorpe Lane near Sheepscar. Springwell Leeds is open at weekends and features a range of food stalls and an array of craft ale to enjoy inside or out. Photo: Gary Longbottom

Visitors to Leeds often flock to the city's expansive Roundhay Park for long walks and sport events. But based between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park offers another beautiful green attraction. The park is set across 179 acres of woodland and offers gardens, views of its stunning lake and trails.

6. Golden Acre Park

Visitors to Leeds often flock to the city's expansive Roundhay Park for long walks and sport events. But based between Adel and Bramhope, Golden Acre Park offers another beautiful green attraction. The park is set across 179 acres of woodland and offers gardens, views of its stunning lake and trails. Photo: Tony Johnson