Leeds, You Weird Little Gem (and My Damp Socks)
okay, so. leeds. i didn’t plan to end up in leeds, honestly. i was supposed to be in edinburgh, chasing some blurry memory of a ceilidh and haggis. but a cancelled train and a very persuasive hostel owner later, here i am, a slightly damp, very confused touring drummer in west yorkshire.
and it’s… something. it’s not what i expected. i pictured grey skies and stern faces, you know? like a black and white photo. but it’s got this… energy. a chaotic, buzzing energy. i just checked and it’s drizzling sideways, a proper Yorkshire hug, there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the air smells like damp stone and something vaguely sweet, maybe baking? i’m not sure.
my first day was a blur of trying to find a decent coffee (mission failed, multiple times - more on that later) and wandering around the *city centre. it’s surprisingly compact, which is good because my feet are already protesting. i stumbled upon this amazing little vintage shop, 'Retro Revival' - seriously, check it out if you're into that sort of thing. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g183052-d1177883-Reviews-Retro_Revival-Leeds_West_Yorkshire_England.html - I almost bought a sequined jumpsuit. almost.
food-wise… it’s been a journey. i’m a drummer, okay? we live on adrenaline and lukewarm pizza. but even i need something decent occasionally. someone told me that the curry houses around Chapel Allerton are legendary. apparently, you can get a full belly for under a tenner. i haven’t made it there yet, but it’s high on the list. i did have a questionable sausage roll from a petrol station. don’t ask.
“Apparently, the best pint in Leeds is at The Reliance. But don’t tell anyone I told you.”
and the coffee situation. oh, the coffee. i’m a bit of a snob, i admit it. i need my single-origin, ethically sourced, pour-over goodness. leeds… is not that. i’ve had several cups that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. i’m starting to suspect a conspiracy. i did find one place, 'North Star Coffee', that wasn't completely awful. https://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/north-star-coffee-leeds - it’s a start.
my neighbors, so to speak, are a bit further afield. if you get bored, Sheffield and Bradford are just a short drive away. i’m thinking of checking out saltaire, that old textile mill village. apparently, it’s really picturesque. i heard that the architecture is stunning, but the gift shops are aggressively touristy.
pro-tip: wear waterproof shoes. seriously. and maybe a hat. and an umbrella. just in case.
gear list (drummer edition):
drumsticks (obviously)
earplugs (essential)
portable charger (for my phone - gotta document the misery, right?)
a very large scarf (for warmth and general dramatic flair)
a sense of humor (you’ll need it)
overall? leeds is… surprising. it’s not pretty, it’s not polished, but it’s got character. it’s got grit. it’s got a weird, wonderful energy that’s slowly growing on me. even with the damp socks. i’m not sure i’d choose to come back here voluntarily, but i’m glad i did. check out some local events here: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/pages/what-s-on
and if you see a slightly disheveled drummer wandering around looking lost, feel free to point me towards a decent cup of coffee. please.
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