Paul Woolford - Secret Leeds

The Yorkshireman gives us his five top tips for his home town

Tribe Records, Call Lane

Tribe Records on Call Lane is where I spend the most time out of any of Leeds' record stores. They seem to carry exactly what I'm into plus a whole load of other stuff that's likely to prick up my ears, rather than with some shops, where they have a few bits and then loads that you just are not interested in. They specialise in more cutting edge and interesting house/techno/electro stuff, and carry most of the quality labels, all the German stuff, loads of obscure glitchy things as well as full sections for most genres. It's split across 3 floors and the other rooms carry dub, drum n' bass and hip hop stuff. Jay, Steve and Simon are your men for the job.

Sneaker Freaks, Victoria Quarter

Sneaker Freaks in the Victoria Quarter is the place for the more obscure and rare trainers. They have loads of limited editions across various brands including Adidas, Nike, Pharrell Williams/Bathing Apes' Ice Creams and loads more. Bring your credit card though because they don't come cheap...

Kada's, Assembly Street

Kada's is around the corner from Tribe, on Assembly Street and it's a turkish-style sandwich shop with a room upstairs that's perfect to hang out in. Food-wise they specialise in these absolutely gorgeous sandwiches made from whatever you select from the fresh ingredients on offer. You name it they have it, with food to suit vegetarians and otherwise. It opens quite late as well so if you're hungry after drinking in any of the bars close by then pop in and they will sort you out, properly!

Mojo, Lower Merrion Street

Mojo on Lower Merrion Street is by far the best bar in Leeds. I have spent far too much time in there over the years but once you go you'll know why. A tiny room (capacity must be about 90 tops) stuffed with every liquer known to man and made by bartenders who have repeatedly won awards for their know-how. Musically it's rock 'n' roll in all its forms and the way the music is played is from compilations to suit the moment and time of day which is something that very few bars can relate to. Also the walls are covered in musical memorabilia and posters from gigs and all kinds of things. The absolute antithesis of the cliched "dj-bar" with dodgy house music on too loud and a predictable clientele, no serious drinking should be done in Leeds without a visit to Mojo. Ask for Mal...

Salt's Mills, Saltaire, nr Leeds

Just outside of Leeds in Saltaire is Salt's Mill, which is a large building that dates back to the industrial revolution. It was owned by a chap called Sir Titus Salt and his business was wool I believe. These days it has been beautifully restored and it serves as the main gallery of the artist David Hockney who is local to the area. At any one time there is quite a large exhibition and I make sure to go at least a couple of times a year. There are also various shops there that sell high quality men's and women's wear, and bookshop (of course carrying plenty of literature on Hockney) and a restaurant that ensures the place makes a jolly good day out... enjoy!

Published: 3/12/2005

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