Neighbourhood know-how, places and people.
Location Location
For those wanting to segue the bright lights and world class cultural events of Leeds city centre with the comfort and familiarity of living in a community with its own high street chock full of independent shops and eateries, then the North Leeds suburbs of Horsforth, Headingley and Chapel Allerton tick the box. 'Go to' destinations in their own right, they also boast a plethora of beautiful waterside and parkland walks as well as their own thriving art and cultural scenes. In 2018 Chapel Allerton reached the lofty heights of the Sunday Times' 'Best Places to Live' list. It was in the top ten of best places to live in the North and praised for a vibrant food scene, hip hangouts and and friendly community, not to mention arts venue, Seven.
Life in North Leeds is perfect for those wanting to make the step change to a more carbon neutral lifestyle, with the suburbs benefiting from multiple and frequent bus services in and out of the city centre. Headingley and Horsforth are also stops on the Harrogate to Leeds rail line, opening up opportunities for reliable commutes and travel to Harrogate, York and beyond. Horsforth is ideally placed for a quick start to any holidays, being just a short journey from Leeds Bradford Airport.
Bag a property
Horsforth and Chapel Allerton are perfect for family living with great schools and a wide selection of mid to higher range semi-detached and detached properties starting upwards of £300K.
First time buyers should keep an eye out for the smaller terraced properties located near Horsforth's two popular high streets.
Explore
Headingley has long been one of Leeds most popular suburbs and as a result has plenty to offer. Sports fans will already know that it is home to the world-famous Headingley Stadium site where Yorkshire County Cricket Club (the most successful team in English cricket), Yorkshire Carnegie RUFC and Leeds Rhinos all live, along with the Yorkshire Cricket Museum - for those who simply can't get enough!
If all that talk of sport makes you want to sit in a darkened room then you will be pleased to hear that Headingley also boasts one of the UK's oldest independent cinemas. Built in 1912 the Cottage Road Cinema continues to show indie films alongside the latest blockbusters. The Bowery on Headingley's Otley Road is a popular art gallery, coffee shop, and events space all in one. Pop in to view its latest exhibition or take part in a workshop. Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (HEART) is also home to a number of events including concerts, creative workshops, and films. For space, peace and fresh air visit Meanwood Park - it is an all year round delight, with a stream, woodland and Victorian gardens. It also has a trail which takes you all the way to Golden Acre Park past the Donkey Sanctuary - should you be feeling energetic! The Japanese Gardens at Horsforth Hall Park are also very much worth a visit.
Retail Therapy
Foodies should take a look at Salvo's Italian Deli - next door to its legendary award winning restaurant. Wildcraft Bakery is the best place to get gluten-free bread in Leeds, never mind just Headingley; it's run by Mina Allsopp and Samantha Havis, two coeliacs who struggled to find suitable bread and cakes elsewhere. Leeds' only specialist cheesemongers - George and Joseph - is based in Chapel Allerton, stocking a vast range of award winning and Yorkshire cheeses.
For eclectic, unique interiors and furniture Horsforth's The Cave UK is worth a look as is Posh Tat, an upcycling paradise, which has just moved to the legendary Hyde Park Book Club at the edge of Headingley, selling a vast array of ethically sourced vintage and salvage items for home and garden.
Café & Cocktails
It is only fitting and appropriate to firstly mention the Brownlee Arms in Horsforth, a popular pub named after its Olympic gold medallist sons, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee. The town also boasts the fabulously named, Pooky and Grumps, an independent deli and café which hosts regular wine and food tasting evenings.
For an A* Sunday lunch in convivial surroundings, try Chapel Allerton's The Mustard Pot and its 'twelve hour roast beef and Yorkshire puddings'. For award winning coffee - visit Sebby's Café Deli in Headingley.
