Today we're speaking to Lydia Rose, a client and friend of the salon whose curiosity for Leeds and the surrounding areas means she's always willing to travel to try something new & exciting - be it a cafe, brewery, gig or hobby. We thought she'd be the perfect person to interview to find out some of Leeds' hidden gems...

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We know you love live music, what's your favourite venue for a pre-gig pint? (or what's your favourite venue - up to you)

It depends on where the gig is, I do enjoy a drink and a slice of pizza at Belgrave. Can't really go wrong with a slice of ‘queen brie’, plus they do half price slices before 7pm! My favourite venue is a tough one - I enjoy all of them but I do prefer a smaller venue as it's more intimate and fun. My top gig venues in no particular order: Brudenell Social Club, Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall, The Wardrobe, Project House and Oporto. Hyde Park book club also host some cosy little gigs too. 

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You're showing a friend around Leeds. Where would you take them?

I'd take them for food at IF cafe or Mrs Athas and take a stroll around the shops or down the canal. If we head towards the canal I'd probably grab a coffee from Fearns and nip into Hold Fast Bookshop. It's a book & plant shop on a boat moored at Leeds Dock, & it’s very cute. If my friend enjoyed a bit of art, we would head to Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute. Generally a lovely chilled day of roaming around shops and catching up.

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You want to get out of the city for the day, where do you go?

I enjoy going to Manchester a lot but if I'm wanting more of a chilled day I'll head to Saltaire and roam around Salts Mill. I’ll grab a coffee at Tambourine up the road and wander along the Canal. On the edge of Leeds, Sunny Bank Mill is also great for art exhibitions and a chilled beer at Amity Brewing. If I want to go charity shopping I tend to head to Headingley, Morley or Meanwood & Meanwood Valley Park is also great for a chilled walk.

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We know you're a bit of a fitness fanatic, do you have any classes or exercise spaces you'd recommend?

I really love going to Bounce, a trampoline class with dance remixes. It’s a lot of fun and a good workout. I also love bouldering and would recommend The Depot in Armley and The Climbing Lab in Kirkstall. Both offer classes & training if you're new and don't know how to get started, and Depot also hosts women’s social and LGBTQ+ nights. I also go to roller-skating classes & recommend Roller Girl Gang - they’re based in Leeds Corn Exchange and do roller discos there. I have my eyes on some aerial classes at the moment too and I’m always up to try something new.

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You have an unlimited budget for life at one Leeds restaurant, which one would it be?

This is a tricky one! I recently went to Galleria and I could probably eat the hash brown & smoked salmon dish I had ten times over so that's definitely up there. Maki + Ramen is newer spot I'd be happy to consume my weight in food at, or an unlimited amount of Okra fries from Bundobust would be grand. Bahn & Mee in Leeds Market are delicious too, oh and anything from Owt... I really like food!

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Do you have any hidden gems you'd like to shout about? It could be a museum, shop, park, anything!

I'm not sure how hidden these are but If you like vinyl and plants, Plant and Deck (located inside Imaginarium, just off Kirkgate) will sort you out with both. I really enjoy Colours May Vary in the Corn Exchange for Indie makers, books and artsy stuff. Sofar Sounds hold gigs for small artists in venues around Leeds - the venue is only announced 24 hours before you go, which lets you explore new places within Leeds and music in a pretty sweet way. Left Bank is also a really cool place and always has loads of different events on, and most recently I went to a Live Dog Drawing workshop there. I didn't draw much but I melted over the dogs and patted them at any opportunity!

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