Leeds The largest covered market in Europe
Leeds is a city in West Yorkshire, England. It is the second largest settlement in Yorkshire and the administrative centre of the City of Leeds Metropolitan Borough, which is the second most populous district in the United Kingdom. It is built around the River Aire and is in the eastern foothills of the Pennines. The city was a small manorial borough in the 13th century and a market town in the 16th century. It expanded by becoming a major production centre, including of carbonated water where it was invented in the 1760s, and trading centre (mainly with wool) for the 17th and 18th centuries.
Leeds The largest covered market in Europe
The Rise of Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate Market is a true Leeds story of innovation, ambition, disaster and tenacity. The largest covered market in Europe, Kirkgate currently hosts 245 businesses across the indoor and outdoor markets, and averages about 138,000 visitors per week.
The fortunes of both the buildings and the livelihoods dependent on the halls within have gone up and down over time, but Kirkgate has exhibited its power to endure and indeed improve, through almost two hundred years of history.
Leeds The largest covered market in Europe / Kirkgate Market
History
Kirkgate Market has been on this site in its current form for 120 years, but the first, open-air markets opened here in 1822. This area had buzzed with the life of the White Cloth Halls and Corn Exchange, but construction didn’t begin on Kirkgate market itself until 1857. Unveiled in 1850, the plans for the first market were based on Joseph Paxton’s iconic Crystal Palace in London. The development expanded south- and eastwards in 1875.
The central market hall ran alongside Duncan Street and was surrounded on three sides by shops predominantly rented to butchers and fishmongers. Inside, sellers focussed on fruit, veg and dairy produce. The south market hall meanwhile, bordering Hunslet Lane and Meadow Lane, was used by butchers and various miscellaneous shops and stalls, as well as 18 homes and nine slaughterhouses.
Leeds The largest covered market in Europe
Leeds was granted city status in 1893, and the area boomed with commerce and retail from the textile industry. This new designation increased popular desire for grand, civic buildings befitting this new ‘city’. The area around the ever-popular market needed some gentrification, surrounded as it was by abattoirs and slums – so a design competition was held to create a grand new entrance way and hall to the front of the market, which was won (amongst mutterings of corruption) by Joseph & John Leeming of London.
The market truly pushed contemporary boundaries, not only in its architecture, but in its engineering too. An innovative cooled area was created to keep fishmonger’s stalls fresh in 1895. It wasn’t until 1904 that the ornate hall was built (and stallholders revolted at its last-minute closure).
Leeds The largest covered market in Europe
M&S
National favourite Marks & Spencer originated here in Kirkgate’s hallowed halls back in 1884, as a ‘penny bazaar’. Lithuanian Michael Marks set up the stall with the slogan “Don’t ask the price, it’s a penny”, and the concept was massively popular. Tom Spencer came onboard as a partner later, and together the business-savvy pair founded Marks & Spencer.
Unveiled in 1984, 100 years after the beginnings of this still-popular British institution, the Centenary Clock in the 1904 Hall marks Kirkgate’s connection to M&S. In 2012, the chain looked back to its humble beginnings by opening a stall alongside the Centenary Clock.
60,000 historic M&S artefacts have been safeguarded and protected, and in 2009 they were moved from London to the University of Leeds’ Parkinson Building.
Leeds The largest covered market in Europe
Leeds Gin.
Radley House, Richardshaw Road, Leeds LS28 6LE
Introducing Leeds Gin, premium gin, handcrafted in small batches
The concept is simple, Leeds Gin is no-nonsense, straight-talking gin. Since our acquisition of the company, Leeds Gin has seen a re-invigoration of the brand, from ingredients to design to create a proper premium gin.
The core range is made up of three gins, all using local ingredients and expertly crafted recipes. Original Leeds Gin is created with traditional botanicals, steeped with Yorkshire rhubarb, ginger and agave for the expert taste of the renowned spirit. Next comes Leeds Gin Apple + Blackberry has hints of green apples and a handful of fresh blackberries for a revitalized flavour. Leeds Gin Strawberry + Raspberry complete the range, using heaps of strawberries and raspberries for a sweeter taste.
An added bonus of the all-new Leeds Gin? The limited edition gins, experimenting with exciting new flavours to spice up the range. First-up, Parma Violet; infused with violet flowers creating a nostalgic flavour that will have you reminiscing.
And it gets better as Leeds Gin is available to purchase online, to be delivered direct to your doorstep for you to enjoy!
Fans of Leeds Gin will also recognize the brand new design adorning the bottles, created by True North Brew Co senior designer Anna Pethen who discussed this further, ’the Leeds Gin redesign is inspired by the history of the Leeds Coat of Arms which features an owl, a local mascot to the city of Leeds, and is symbolic of wisdom and power. In terms of design, the concept was to breakdown the imagery of the owl into simplistic, geometric shapes with bold, contrasting colours.’
Whether you’re a die-hard gin fan or novice, this reinvention of Leeds Gin needs to be experienced. From uncompromising quality flavour to the aesthetically strong designs; Leeds Gin is going back to it’s strong Northern roots for all of the right reasons.
Gin & Tonic Tasting At Liquor Studio.
The Liquor Studio 156a Briggate, Leeds, West Yorkshire. LS1 6LY
Liquor Studio, is an exciting and innovative space you customers can become expert mixologists, blend perfect spirits and master your favourite cocktails.
Guided by one of their ‘Ginstructors’, this exciting experience will take you through a selection of five gins, paired with London Essence tonics. Taste a variety of the nation’s favourite spirits, with each drink given a little extra love as it’s paired with a fresh garnish and mixer to help you choose your next G&T.
STUDIO Gin Gift Box.
Create a bespoke STUDIO Gin gift box for the Gin lover in your life!
Select your key flavours from our range of over 30 homemade botanicals and personalise your bottle with a unique name. Next, select your 6 accompanying London Essence mixers and we’ll present it all in a large foil embossed Liquor Studio Giftbox before delivering it straight to your door!
Gin & Rum Festival – Leeds – 2024
Join the fun and discover a unique experience that celebrates the best of Gin and Rum and promises to be the party of the year.
If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just want to party the night away, the Gin & Rum Festival is for you! Discover new favourites with samples from our hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at our themed Gin & Rum bars and let your hair down with friends whilst enjoying music from our award-winning DJ and live entertainment.
Now touring the UK, join us at a Gin & Rum Festival near you!
Now touring the UK, join us at a Gin & Rum Festival near you!
You will be spoilt for choice with over 120 of the best Gins & Rums on the market, including the best of British, spirits from around the world and a huge range of flavoured products. Our hand-picked spirits offer customers the chance to discover the highest quality Gins & Rums, many of which are exclusive to our festival. Still not convinced that Gin and Rum are for you?… No problem! Just head over to our Cocktail bar where you can find a selection of seasonal Cocktails, authentic sipping Tequilas, Beer, and of course Fizz!
Your ticket includes entry to the event, a reusable stainless-steel straw, a G&R branded cup with carry satchel for safe-keeping! Complimentary samples and talks from our guest distillers, a premium selection of mixers and tonics are also free of charge! You’ll also receive an exclusive Gin & Rum guide which includes expertly crafted garnish suggestions, so you can take the perfect serve home with you.
