Just minutes from the city centre, Hyde Park is a fantastic hub of culture, history and entertainment which makes it a very popular area for the student community. It sits conveniently between the University of Leeds and Headingley. Home to a wide variety of different communities and cultures; with churches, a mosque, the headquarters of Leeds Muslim Council and a Hindu temple you don’t find much more diversity than in the heart of Hyde Park.
This historically vibrant area has many beautiful listed buildings. Catch a film at Hyde Park Picture House, the oldest gas lit Grade II listed cinema in the UK, when it reopens April 2023 after a large refurbishment project. From new big releases to old classics it attracts residents of all ages and students alike. With many of the original features such as an ornate balcony and external box office, it is worth a visit to this building even if you don’t intend to stay for the film. If cinema isn’t your thing but you want a fantastic day out then pop into Left Bank Leeds; an inspiring place for arts, events and celebrations, set in a beautiful Grade II listed former church building. They host exhibitions, festivals, events and even workshops. If you find yourself with time on your hands then seek out a series of hidden murals called ‘Colour’ dotted around the area. They were created by the University of Leeds as part of a collaboration project with the local community.
Finding hidden murals, catching films and checking out exhibitions at Left Bank is thirsty work and Hyde Park watering holes do not disappoint. Hyde Park Book Club is a must visit, a former petrol station it hosts all kinds of events from comedy nights, live music to book readings and exhibitions. If it is live music you fancy then look no further than the infamous Brudenell Social Club, a favourite of residents and students alike. It hosts some of the best up and coming bands and is the centrepiece of the Leeds music scene for a number of years. It has been famous for hosting secret gigs for bands like Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs. If cocktails are more your thing then look no further than The East Village who offer up some fantastic creative cocktails. The Library is also a popular spot in Hyde Park, a beautiful building converted into a pub with a huge food menu and a selection of craft beers.
If good food is what you’re after then Hyde Park is the place to be from brilliant roasts to fantastic vegan dishes. Man V Roast brings you a full Sunday roast delivered to your door, the perfect hangover cure. Indulge in a hearty breakfast box of black pudding, roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings or go for their famous carvery boxes. Just up the road you will find dessert with Gelato Passion where you will find a range of flavours of their creamy homemade ice cream. Slips Deli also caters for all, a family run business and the first home of the sub-sandwich in Leeds. The Rainbow Junk-tion Café is a must visit in Hyde Park, they take food destined for the bin even through it is perfectly ok and they turn it into delicious homemade meals. Hyde Park is home to many other amazing restaurants and bars, why not visit this small slice of Leeds and see for yourself!