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Shopping in the Districts

6th December 2021

If you’re looking to get your Christmas shopping sorted out, why not shop local this year? With plenty of shopping hotspots in various areas of Leeds boasting unique and creative independent stores, it’s the best way to find that perfect gift this holiday season!

Otley

Otley is set against the backdrop of the stunning Chevin and is a friendly town, famous for its cobbled streets and regular markets. The monthly Farmers Market is a big hit for both locals and visitors, and some of the local businesses host craft and street food markets monthly. However its probably known best for its regular markets, a time honoured tradition spanning back almost 800 years, which fill the square every week.

The perfect place to shop local, Otley has an array of butchers, bakers, and greengrocers, making it possible to do the full weekly shop in the town without visiting a supermarket! It’s also home to many small businesses and creators, specialising in everything from chocolate and wine, to jewellery and flowers.

 

Pudsey

A Victorian market town, Pudsey is home to one of the most traditional local markets, serving a loyal customer base from the local community for generations. This small but perfectly formed market has everything you would expect to find and more, from street food and fresh produce, to crafts and gifts for any occasion.

Looking for some more retail therapy? The nearby Pudsey Owlcotes centre boasts a large Marks and Spencer, an Asda Superstore and a B&M, meaning you can find pretty much everything you could possibly need all in one place!

 

Wetherby

Wetherby is a historic town found on the banks of the River Wharfe, full of interesting, independent and unique shops and plenty of places to stop for a cup of tea or a spot of lunch.

Wetherby has its own Farmers’ Market, held on the second Sunday of every month at the Market Place from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. The event sells a wide variety of goods from fresh meat; eggs; breads & cakes; vegetables; plants and flowers. There is also an Artisan Market on the second Sunday of every month run by Little Bird Artisan Markets. The event brings artisan makers to Wetherby, giving the local community the chance to purchase locally produced arts, crafts, ceramics, jewellery, clothing, flowers and food and drink.

 

Chapel Allerton

From an abundance of great food and drink establishments to cool shops and iconic landmarks, why not explore everything Chapel Allerton has to offer. Immerse in the community spirit with plenty of independent stores for a spot of retail therapy from The Little Bookshop, to Chirpy a design shop and workshop space.

Don’t forget to take a stroll down Harrogate Road for an array of butchers, fishmongers and bakeries for you to enjoy. Amongst many of the areas independent stores is ‘Guild of Fine Food’s annual Shop of the Year awards’ finalists, George & Jospeh Cheesemongers with some of the finest locally produced Yorkshire cheeses

Chapel Allerton’s amazing restaurants and bars are also not to be missed, with ‘The Mustard Pot’  amongst one of many family favourites, with a Georgian style pub and their outdoor Christmas market, filled with local crafts and produce.

 

Morley

With a pedestrianised high street, indoor market and plenty of cafes and restaurants, Morley makes for an ideal day out. Situated in the centre of a historic Market town, Morley Market contains over 50 stalls with a diverse collection of outlets, making it the ideal spot when shopping for that specific something.

Roam around some of finest retailers at your leisure, from the traditional butchers, bakery, through to specialist services such as alterations, laptop and mobile repairs.

 

Chapeltown & Harehills

Full of character, with many different communities who bring their own rich heritage and culture to the area, Chapeltown and Harehills is home to a number of independent businesses which reflect its multi-culturalism.

For traditional vegetarian Indian sweets why not head over to Anand Sweets packed with delicious delicacies, or indulge in the aroma of fresh roasted coffee by checking out some of the of Ethiopian cuisine in Harehills at Abyssinia, an award winning restaurant where you can experience some fantastic North African dishes or the Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony.

From Jerk chicken to gluten free sweets, there is something for everyone!