Leeds is a shopper’s paradise. Thanks to the city centre being compact and walkable, you’re never far away from the biggest brands, the best boutiques, and those cool and quirky finds that markets and independents are renowned for.

High street names stake their claim beneath the iconic glass roof of Trinity Leeds or there’s the unique atmosphere of Grade I listed Kirkgate Market, where Michael Marks of Marks and Spencer first plied his trade.

Designer devotees will find their fix in the splendour of Victoria Leeds, or across the bustling floors of Harvey Nichols. And not to forget Leeds’ fierce independent spirit. Makers and creators abound, from the beautifully restored Corn Exchange, to the stunning Victorian arcades that tempt visitors away from busy Briggate.

But one of the stand-out features of Leeds’s retail offering is the many Victorian Arcades. These include Queens Arcade, Thornton’s Arcade, Grand Arcade as well as the magnificent Victoria Quarter. Each arcade has its own distinct character, and each one stunning and full of historic details. As well as high-end brands, high-street favourites and independent shops, these arcades are also home to fantastic coffee shops and restaurants perfect for taking in the scenery.

The northern most of these arcades is the Grand Arcade, which is located on New Briggate next door to the Leeds Grand Theatre.

The Grade II listed building was built by New Briggate Arcade Company Ltd in 1897, with Smith & Tweedal as architects, in Renaissance style with Modern Style (British Art Nouveau style) details. 

The arcade was built on land in Briggate owned by the Lupton family who had also owned land in nearby North Street/Mabgate and Merrion Street since the mid-18th century. Their Briggate land housed buildings including Lupton’s Mill and its accompanying dam which were demolished by 1897 to build the arcade. 

The arcade originally consisted of two parallel arcades running between Vicar Lane and New Briggate, with a cross passage onto Merrion Street. The northern arcade was converted to the Tower Cinema in 1920 and further converted into a nightclub in 1985. The remaining passage features an animated clock by Potts of Leeds – make sure that you take time to watch as the knights strike the hour on their anvils and watch the revolving figures come and a take a bow!

The Grand Arcade is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Leeds city centre and today is a haven for haven of food, drink and some unique shopping… as well as nightlife hidden behind barbers and tailors. 

At present, shopping is limited to The Gaming Zone, The Gentleman’s Tailor, Bridal Emporium, West Yorkshire Cameras and Our Handmade Collective, a unique gift shop. Your beauty needs are covered courtesy of Anthologie, Lord’s Barbering, Dermafollic Clinic and Lash 2 Lash.

But it’s the Grand Arcade’s food and drink offering that makes it really stand out from the crowd, where you can enjoy everything from street food and cocktails to afternoon tea and augmented reality darts. Vendors include The Brotherhood, Rajas, Better Days, Just Grand! Vintage Tearoom, Casa Leeds, Manahatta, Hardy’s Bar, Stuzzi, Santiago Bar, Zaap Thai Street Food, Tailors, Roxy Ballroom and The Domino Club.

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