Independent Leeds Magazine: Issue 5 by Independent Life

Independent Leeds Magazine Issue 05 www.independentleeds.co.uk

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Issue 05

Welcome to My World

Once a year this city is reawakened with a new vibrancy. The sudden influx of youthful energy from across the country, bringing with it exciting ideas that ignite and evolve Leeds' already impressive and diverse happenings. Whilst some locals pretend to grumble, the truth is that the coming together of residents and students is what makes Leeds great and keeps us moving forward. In this issue we aim to make our new adventure the best it can be, for one and all, by showcasing what this city has to offer and inviting you into our world. Welcome to Leeds. The Cover’s Story For this illustration, I reflected back to when I moved to Leeds and the excitement and anticipation I felt. I wanted the cover to capture some of this feeling; the sense of adventure and of making a new start. I generally design gig posters, trying to capture a band’s music in an image, and with this cover I looked to use the same practice with a different subject, to display that emotion in a single picture. Owen Findley  @or8design www.or8design.com Contributors This magazine is shaped by an amazing community of contributors who are each credited at the beginning of their feature. We are open to all, so if you would like to write, illustrate or photograph in future issues, please get in touch with our Editor John to join our growing collective.

Contents Welcome to Leeds �� 4 Eat Sleep Rave Repeat �� 7 With These Hands �� 11 Pride �� 14 Our Place Our Time �� 16 A Day in Leeds ��20 We Built This City... �� 23 Food Glorious Food �� 28 Going Underground �� 33 Leeds Eye View �� 36 Digger Island Discs �� 38 My Favourite Leeds �� 42 Park Life �� 45

Editor John Barran : john@independentleeds.co.uk Creative Editors Buttercrumble (Chloe & Abigail Baldwin) : buttercrumble.com

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Words: John Barran Illustration: Chris Hood ď&#x2026; @thingsonfire

Welcome to Leeds

One weekend in September, the people of Leeds awake as one to a new future; to a city of gridlocked roads and crawling streets; to a vision of piled high cars and bin carrying families; and to a feeling of excitement, hope and potential. For, whilst flyers and queues may not be everyone's entrance to utopia, these sights signal the arrival of sixty thousand students that bring with them the vitality and life of a new Leeds cycle.

The Welcome City Discovery App is a definitive free tool to find out what Leeds has got going on, where and when, and how to get there. It is a busy world to explore, and one that makes us wonder how on earth anyone knew what the chuff was happening before these technologies existed! As a taster for those new to Leeds, or for those already here who haven't been paying attention, these are some of the treats you can find within:

As the city shifts and its people welcome their new and returning neighbours, so too do the countless local attractions. Quicker than a landlord can say 'fresher's week', businesses are out in force to make themselves known and desirable. Overwhelming cheap booze invitations initially engulf, but once the equilibrium is restored, there comes the opportunity for each person to look beyond and discover their own best of Leeds.

CULTURE!

With more than three quarters of a million people in over two hundred square miles, Leeds is a vast and varied experience. Indeed, as the city continues to quickly evolve, there are few residents who can keep up with the going-ons and taking-offs throughout. So, to help the new and the old on their individual and collective journeys, a nice guide might come in handy. Well, as luck would have it... 4

The Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, City Varieties, Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance, Leeds Art Gallery, City Museum... that already seems like far too many successful art spaces and creative groups for one city centre, but in fact there are countless more offerings across Leeds, from impressive professional shows to exciting grass-root exhibits, as showcased on page 33.

ENTERTAINMENT!

Leeds hosts a continuous stream of events to keep all entertained. Recent LGBT party Pride took over the city, as displayed on page 14, and be wowed by the 30th Leeds International Film Festival in November. The event showcases many excellent, always interesting world movies, in an array of terrific venues, including the stunningly traditional Hyde Park and the innovative Everyman.

FOOD!

SHOPPING!

DRINK!

LIFESTYLE!

From market stalls and street food authenticity, through restaurants crossing all culinary continents, to Michelin starred greatness, the centre and suburbs of Leeds are a drooling delight. Find favourites on page 28.

The spirit of Father Jack is amply catered for in Leeds' many watering holes. Taking in roaring fires and real ale, champagne and chandeliers, and everything in between, page 42 will help you know where to end up on your infamous new bar crawls.

MUSIC!

With a reputation for the North's best high streets, Leeds has only added to this with the recent arrival of Trinity and the imminent opening of Victoria Gate shopping centres. All interspersed with unique independent gems to discover on pages 11 & 20.

So when you're not taking in culture, entertainment, food, drink, music, nightlife or shopping, what is there to fill your life with? How about following the city's high profile sports teams, or visiting the many beautiful green areas and awesome attractions, as presented on page 45. If you have time.

With famous, lauded venues, big and small, from First Direct Arena to Brudenell Social Club, Leeds hosts numerous gigs every night to suit all genres. Find out about the city's alternative past and present on page 23.

NIGHTLIFE!

Put on your dancing shoes and stay up through the night at the city's iconic clubs, raves, discotheques or whatever we're calling them nowadays. Get an insight from a Leeds clubbing legend on page 7.

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Feature: Dave Beer Illustration: Buttercrumble  @buttercrumblecreative

Eat Sleep Rave Repeat

I love Leeds. Leeds puts the art into pARTy! The north of England has always partied harder than any other place I’ve ever known and Leeds has 100% got its own feel. Its people tend to work hard and party hard, so when the weekend comes they put on their party frocks and dance their toenails off till Monday. “Bop till you drop, once you’ve popped you can’t stop!” A friend of mine came up with the theory that Leeds is the party capital because it has two E's and LSD in its name... In the early 90’s Leeds was where the top nightclubs in the country were. There was Back To Basics (obvs), Vague (which later became Speed Queen), Hard Times, Up Yer Ronson, Ark, Cooker, Dig Club... These clubs set the course for many to follow, including Asylum, Technique and Monocult. In short, Leeds is to England what Detroit, Chicago and New York are to America, all rolled into one. Where other cities in England have produced endless bands, Leeds is known for its electronic music and exuberant dance scene. It’s hard for anybody to imagine what the city centre was like when we started Basics, long before it was pedestrianized and the designer shops were appearing. There were a couple of cheesy clubs but mainly it was violent pubs, a couple of kebab shops and a chip shop. The city was totally the opposite of what it is now; a thriving multicultural, economical

and safe place to live. Spanning 25 years and just over 2 generations, Back To Basics spawned a generation. The original idea which changed the face of Leeds was when the council decided to turn it into a 24 hour city along the lines of Barcelona, with street cafes and bars open late into the night to create more of a European feel to the city. Leeds is lucky to have forward thinking councillors like 'disco granny' Lorna Coen who realised that licensing laws could change and that there was no reason for nightclubs not to be open as long as they wanted, provided they didn’t serve alcohol. Before that, the police had a lot on their hands as everybody of different persuasions and sobrieties poured onto the streets at the same time when pubs and clubs closed. It’s crazy that one year 30,000 students applied to Leeds University because of the developing music scene that Back To Basics helped create. It brought so much economy to the city it’s insane to think about. The retail trade went through the roof, and it became the most fashionable place in the north of England, with the arrival of Harvey Nichols, Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton, amongst a multitude of establishments. This led to me sitting in on council meetings concerning Leeds’ future. I want to look after the city as the city has always looked after me.

Now there are so many great places to go... Back To Basics, The Mint Club, Mint Warehouse, Wire, Hi-Fi Club, Faversham, Brudenell Social Club, Outlaws Yacht Club, Distrikt, Belgrave, Oporto, Jake’s Bar Canal Mills, Mojo, Fibre, Mission, Sandinista, Smokestack, Bird and Beast... I could go on forever. If you like a drink or two then this is the place to come, but don't have too many or you'll go home in a Bridewell Taxi (aka a police car!). The city thrives off music. From drum and bass to baseline to house and live music, which has always amazed me why there are only a handful of famous bands that have come out from Leeds when there is so much talent. But thanks to the Leeds dancing scene, there have been a lot of well-known successful DJ’s from here, such as Groove Armada, Miguel Campbell, wAFF, Hot Since 82, Darius Syrossian, Dan Shake, PBR Street Gang, Pearson Sound, Audiojack, Craig Christon, Jacob Kelly, Simon Scott, Luke Pompey... and we haven’t even got started yet! The city has spawned a multitude of talent and the standout DJ's for me are my residents: Ralph Lawson, Denney, James Holroyd, James Barnsley, Frenchy, Tristan Da Cunha, Burnski, Jon Woodall and Gas House Kids, Ethan Marin, Tom Midgley, Laura Jones and Gavin Herlihy... and that’s just our crew! Back To Basics is about to open its own

People ask me why I’ve never moved away, but why would I? I love the city and it's the people of Leeds that make it the friendliest in the country. There’s a sense of humour that’s unique to the city; if somebody is taking the piss out of you it means they like you. Yorkshire people and Leeds especially has always been known for straight talking and funny banter, something which you don’t often find in bigger cities where people take themselves too seriously and are affected by who and what you are and what they can get from you. It's not about social ladder climbing. In Leeds there’s no such things as strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet. See you all when we open the doors of Church, formerly known as St. Davids and Halo, which we have bought, gutted and totally refurbished to create a multi purpose, creative venue for the people of Leeds. Fear not, salvation is nigh... For what you are about to receive, may the Lord be truly thankful. We love you Leeds, Leeds, Leeds. Beero, your local hero, lols x

music academy to accommodate the rising stars of tomorrow.

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30th LEEDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 3—17 NOVEMBER 2016

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Feature: Max Miechowski ď&#x2026; @maxmiechowski

With These Hands

Stephen Roper I am a jewellery artist. My work is original and inspired by natural textures and forms. I feel like I am in continual progression, exploring new ideas in silver and gold. The greatest pleasure in all of this is bringing ideas to life, and of providing something unique and meaningful for my customers. My childhood was rooted in a beautiful, sensual, creative world. I was nurtured by my mother's creativity and tenacity. All of this I breathed in and it is the spark which lives in me now. All these years on I am proud to work in our shop Simcha Gallery, alongside my Mother, Anne, who makes art cards, jewellery and clothing accessories. Customers can see us at work which makes for a great experience. I think that the concept of handmade is becoming more significant than ever before in the modern world. People's flight from the soullessness and exploitation inherent in mass manufacture to traditional craftsmanship. It's about connecting with our core values of integrity, and reconnecting with nature. This cultural shift away from bland conformity towards individuality that has been helping the growth of the artisan production is unstoppable and will continue into the future.

Andrew Clark Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m an accoutrement and regalia manufacturer, specialising in reproductions of 18th and 19th century militaria; the badges, buttons, leatherwork, headdress and embroidery used in historical uniforms. I do repair and restoration work on antique items, and I also manufacture new items, mainly for ceremonial military tailors, but also for the current army, and to supply to film, theatre and museums. For me the best aspect is seeing the beauty and craftsmanship that went into an object. I love the challenges of discovering how an item was made and trying to match the skills and workmanship of previous centuries. But that is also the worst aspect! It takes time and perseverance to master and you always see the flaws that others donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recognise. But that love/hate relationship is perhaps what drives the craftsman the most. Handmade is about understanding the materials and the knowledge of how it can be used in manufacture. The care and attention to detail of previous centuries stands in contrast to the modern design led ethos today. We think innovation is king, but rarely do we take the time to truly master a skill. Perhaps we think of this as a new phenomena of the global world, but technology changed working lives throughout history and many would have decried steam power and spinning jennies. We adapt and learn.

James Alexander I spend most of my working days either building or repairing acoustic guitars and the end product is always a unique piece of art as well as a musical instrument. I work mainly using hand tools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chisels, planes, carving knifes... but I do use some electric tools for efficiency and consistency. My job is to bring the best out of the wood so the guitar sounds and plays as good as possible. I took a lot of inspiration from some world class luthiers making a living building their guitars by hand and at 18 I decided to follow in their footsteps and train to become a luthier. Coming from a long line of craftsmen and musicians, it seemed like a natural decision to follow that path. I hope to create a legacy of quality craftsmanship and world class instruments, and have my guitars in the hands of musicians all over the world. Undoubtedly the modern world is geared towards mass production, but handmade goods will never go away. In Leeds there is a thriving scene and consumers here appreciate handmade products. Certainly with guitars, it takes a skilled human touch to bring out the best tone, and a machine will never be able to replace that. Wood is too unpredictable a material for a machine to understand. The best instruments will therefore always be built by luthiers and not in factories.

Feature: Tony Jacobs ď&#x2026; @thewrongspeed

Pride

We are so proud, we shout it out loud... Leeds proudly played host to the 10th annual Pride this summer. The giant LGBT event

celebrates diversity by bringing people together to be themselves and have a mighty good time! The centrepiece parade turns into an all-inclusive PARTY through the day and night at Leeds' many thriving LGBT venues and throughout the city too. Tony Jacobs caught some of the amazing moments that capture the colour, the smiles and the fun that make up this glorious weekend...

Feature: Jamie Hutchison, Studio 12

Our Place Our Time

In 2012 a British Library initiative entitled ‘Writing Britain’ asked young people from across the United Kingdom to write about their sense of place. The project challenged young people outside of education or employment to ask questions of themselves and their place within their surroundings. What does your home mean to you? Why do you live where you live? What does the future hold for you? For many, the opportunity provided the first instance in which they had been asked to express themselves within writing. It was the first time that they had been asked to question their place within society. Often, the young people had been excluded from school and on benefits for years, never even considered for an interview. Across the country different participants felt like it was the first time their voice was being heard. In Leeds the writing took a different form. Studio12, a digital media initiative working through Leeds City Council, partnered with Left Eye Blind, a film production company based in the city. Together we decided that the young people’s writing should be put to film. Our revolution would be televised. We believed that these young people deserved a voice that went further than the paper and pen. We believed that in order to challenge the stereotype of NEET’s kids (Not in Education, Employment or Training) we had to put a face to the passion, concern and commitment to change within the group of young people we were working with. 16

We wanted to show that these young people didn’t need to be employed to implore drastic change to their lives, they didn’t need to be university educated to be opinionated or knowledgeable. We wanted to show that intelligence shouldn’t always be marked or examined. We wanted to challenge the stereotype that society had thrust upon them. Our film took eight young people and asked them to write poetry. Many of the eight writers had performed and written songs previously, mostly within rap or grime genres. But within Writing Britain we asked the aspiring writers to go past what felt natural. To move beyond a genre of music that would be instantly dismissed by local and national government alike. We asked them to write without a 4 4 beat. We asked them to write from the heart. It was easy to burn the city to the ground in the wave of discontentment and despondency each felt when asked to write about their city. But when asked how they’d react to outside criticism of Leeds we saw each leap up to defend the city. It’s that which we focused upon. Why each chose to live in the city. What, when you looked past the weeds that grow in every street in England, makes Leeds the city worth living in. All responded to the call to celebrate the city in both shades of light and darkness. Their words were eloquent, raw and delivered with confidence. The piece was a highlight of the Writing Britain project. The film travelled beyond the British Library and into Film Festivals. Leeds City Council continue to use the film in conferences, speeches and meetings.

As a means of art and expression it enables a delegation of political figures, private businesses and public enterprises to identify with the challenges facing young people today, many of them from minority or low incomes… and understand them better. Writing Britain opened up the eyes of our writers to the potential of self-expression. To their voices

being not only heard… but also understood. Since the project’s completion, Studio12’s walls have been full with aspiring street poets. The film continues to tour across the country and the young people are role models for the next generation of writers. In 2013 we began Part 2 of the Writing Britain project. A fire had been lit. In this instance we wanted to go further than the idea of sense of place.

We asked the writers to not look at their sense of place, but the sense of their place. Within society or family, religion or history, city or street. The words that came back to us were heart breaking, inspirational and confrontational. Many wrote about their personal histories and frustrated ambitions with a sense of injustice and appreciation that mesmerized us. Three were chosen to lead the light of the community that we had assembled. Our three writers, Saph, Ma and Hassan, working with a screenwriter, had their poem filmed as their own piece, three stand alone films that present a cross section of Leeds young people. Each of these films has been showcased on BBC3 and screened at International Film festivals worldwide. The films continue to used as tools for discussions in schools, with health workers and to tackle young people issues. 2016 is set for the next release of the Writing Britain films. The Leeds project this year has four writers that we felt had the potential to be taken to the next

stage. The young people worked with lead mentor from the Writing Squad, Rommi Smith, and have been assigned industry directors and production teams to develop their scripts into short cinematic films. These independent films are set to be released in October 2016. As we reached out to the people of Leeds, we found support in every area of production with the creation of theses Cinematic shorts; companies and individuals in this great city giving their time for free purely for the love of making film. This year we have the pleasure of working with Leeds based music team Jez and Tim from Utah Stains, adding a new level of complexity in producing the music scores for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s films. Attracting industry writers, directors and musicians provides the young people with the aspirations to produce a professional piece of work that can be taken to media outlets. Writing Britain highlights how investment in young people can result in new, informative, reflective and exceptional ideas for film.

Writing Britain III Unbroken by Melissa Wuidart Phillips A young girl coming to terms with Aspergers to fit into normal society. “Bright lights make me close my eyes in pain, yet still I see the lights through my lids. Sounds rush at me, becoming shrieks and screams.” Time by David N A young person struggles with the reality of working 9 to 5 but wanting to be more than this. “In the past I imagined my future would already be here. But the present keeps ticking and the seconds aren’t giving. Nothing’s stopping. There’s always another moment to remember that where I want to be isn’t happening. Isn’t here. It isn’t the horizon any longer. It’s a memory. One dulling. What’s your time worth? Is that how time works? Overtime, you might work some overtime, in a job you so despise. But dreams doesn’t do part time.” Binary Black by Taiwo The act of implicit racism in youth culture, unknowingly said by a friend. “When you say, “Tai, you are not like most black guys” I know I will regret this, yet I ask ‘why?’ You say, “You talk well and dress well and act well, you don’t conform to the stereotypes: play sports; listen to all that rap - and all that jazz…” Kirkgate by Rebecca Jackson How the retail world develops every last bit of character out of existence, while the forgotten historical streets become desolate. “It’s a wasteland this street, a product of misdirected investment that’s seen real issues neglected. Because just round corner, cranes whir. Concrete crashes. One man’s voice shouts directions to the masses. A building comes down. A shopping centre goes up. Next year this side of town will be chrome and gold and all things shiny. People look tiny under a roof made of windows. Multiple floors, hundreds of stores, there’s money making potential – but where will it stop?” www.studio12.org.uk

Words: Emily Youell Photography: Mike Medlock ď&#x2026; @vibrant_leeds

Kirkgate Rising

Tales from the heart of Leeds' growing independent neighbourhood. Cradled in between the Corn Exchange & Leeds Kirkgate Market, you find the street itself; Kirkgate. The oldest street in Leeds, which appears to be one of the last ones to be graced with some tender loving care. With a massive project thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been

whirling around in the pipeline for years, you can finally see the rejuvenation of this once bustling street, with plans to rebuild the White Cloth Hall and transform all the stunning listed buildings. Just seconds away from Briggate, with its gleaming home for high street shoppers, you come across this independent corner of Leeds, unpolished and brimming with real character. Surrounded by a cacophony of independent businesses in some of Leeds' most treasured sites, such as Call Lane, The Calls and Vicar Lane, this crazy old street is getting a beat of its own again.

We are lucky to be in one of the first buildings that has been renovated back to its former glory. Here at Wapentake we are excited about the community that already exists and the ever growing one around us. With neighbours such as Oddfellows Tattoo Collective, Art Hostel, Fred Aldous and Art Official, it is fair to say you are never far from a spark of creativity. We get the luxury of being able to source all of our food from Leeds Kirkgate Market, just on our doorstep, with the likes of Neil's for produce and the marvellous lot at Malcolm Micheals forever feeding us sausages. Having just had a little TLC itself, Leeds Kirkgate Market stands prouder than ever, now housing street food stalls and entertainment for all the family during the holidays. Behind us lies the magnificent dome of the Corn Exchange, where you will may to admire the stunning architecture... and peruse the aisles of some gems, like The Great Yorkshire Shop, West Yorkshire Cameras & Little Leeds Beer House... and get a trim or a transformation from the guys at The Hive Salon or King Coby’s Chop Shop... and walk out ‘feeling fab-u-lous’... Now I feel like we’ve shopped a lot so far, so let’s reward ourselves with that old familiar friend that gets us dancing on the dance floor - and this neighbourhood is full of beauts with beer & beats! Favoured as a crawl in to the centre, you can start out at Outlaws Yacht Club, as it stands proud on its corner, with records and board games, craft beer and cosy couches. Then you can shimmy down to the

Duck & Drake, they have some amazing blues and rock bands playing and all the ale. Obviously next stop would be us, with Yorkshire beer & gin galore, you can hideout upstairs or chill in the beer garden, we have a painted piano for those that fancy a go at being Elton, or bring your guitar down and bring the busking indoors! Then it’s time to make a choice - do ya wanna go get a fancy cocktail in the lovely setting of Maven or do you fancy carrying on with the live music & hanging out with a bunch of ace folk in Milo? It’s up to youuuuu. As the night settles in, you are on the edge of the main part of Call Lane or can take a stroll to Merrion Street; let’s face it you are not far from anything and everything here!

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Words: Mike Jolly, Cloth Cat Leeds Illustration: Tom Cummings ď&#x2026; @tommings Poster Collage: Mike Jolly & Street Sites

We Built This City...

The Leeds Music Scene is unique and eclectic, much of it based on a creative DIY ethic which has meant that because everyone is operating in a slightly different way there has been the emergence of smaller movements within the city. However, the scene has always continued to be a real community, where everyone has supported each other to make it something really special. Since the 70s, Leeds has attracted students from all over the country, and many bands formed through liaisons of like-minded souls, where creativity and politics were fundamental. Bands such as Chumbawumba, The Mekons and Gang Of Four came together, the latter two sharing instruments, rehearsal space and PA so that they could get their music off the ground. The now universal Goth scene originated in the city, the term taken from a quote by promoter John Keenan at one of his Futurama festivals at the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall, when he referred to the venue as Gotham City due to the attire of some of the bands playing. But even most of the city's major Goth bands, such as Sisters Of Mercy and The Mission, were from out of town. With other Leeds bands that achieved success in the music business, such as The Wedding Present, Cud and Soft Cell, there was little in common musically. Two later bands that are indigenous to Leeds, Kaiser Chiefs and The Pigeon Detectives, have over the past decade had considerable success,

but they too both started from humble beginnings, gigging relentlessly across the city, before being signed. During the mid 90s, the Arts Programme at the Burley Lodge Building gave musicians and artists on the dole the opportunity to give their art a leg up. Those on the programme ran their projects very much on a DIY basis and on a shoestring budget, but with creativity at the heart of it all. Getting a record deal was still always the promised land for many bands and if that could happen then so much the better. The programme finally closed, but due to the positive nature of the experience, people galvanised and we set up Blue Heaven Studios, which then morphed into Oblong. Established as a grassroots arts project on the top floor of a mill building on Meanwood Road with a leaky roof and the odd pigeon in residence, we ran a rehearsal space, artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; workshops and a resource centre where musicians and artists could develop their projects. There were many gigs and dance events, all run with volunteers at venues such as The Primrose, The Royal Park Pub and the Brudenell Social Club. The West Indian Centre became a regular haunt for many, with all night raves and nights such as Glowballistic and Cabbage, whilst in the city centre bigger and more glamourous events such as Back to Basics and Vague emerged to give Leeds an international reputation on the club scene.

In 1996, the same year Hyde Park Unity Day started, following the riots in the area, we organised the Royal Park Festival, showcasing a host of local acts from the area over two stages at either end of the car park, including a young Corinne BaileyRae, just starting out on her pop soul music career, once her previous band Helen had folded. It was just before this time that we’d bobbed our heads in next door to the Brudenell Social Club, a huge space with concert room, bar and games room, but very little activity. Like ‘The Royally’, it was set right in the heart of studentland, and we were amazed that there was hardly anyone there. We asked about the possibility of running a ‘battle of the bands’, and after being hauled up in front of the committee to explain the idea, we were given the go-ahead. The night was packed and a great success, so we were asked to come back and run further nights. It didn’t always go totally to plan and we often found ourselves in front of the committee explaining ourselves over less than safe band names or why all the light bulbs were popping out of the ceiling due to an over adequate PA!

We continue to champion grassroots music and promote people through music at Cloth Cat, a charity established in 1999 and currently based at Old Chapel Studios. We believe in the power that music has in supporting those living without the usual opportunities, running a programme of adult-based music courses at venues around the city, working in local mental health units and young offenders centres, and collaborating with a whole range of other organisations to make things happen. We still hold to the DIY ethic, giving people the tools to develop their skills and progress in life, and giving local musicians the platform to play. We have wanted to celebrate the musical achievements of Leeds, and following a successful exhibition in 2011 at the Town Hall on the history of Leeds-based music, Cloth Cat teamed up with Leeds College of Music, currently in their 50th year, and Chapel FM to develop the Music Leeds Us concept. Through this idea, we want to document and celebrate music from the city, culminating in the ’50 Years Of Leeds Music’ Exhibition at Leeds Kirkgate Market in September, including talks from the leading figures of the Leeds Music Scene, performances from local musicians, exhibits, photos and fanzines, and films and documentaries from some of the most successful bands ever to come out of Leeds.

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Words: Marko Husak & Mayur Patel, Bundobust Illustration: Owen Findley  @or8design Photography: Giles Smith  @giloscope, Tom O'Donoghue  @tomodphoto, Tom Joy  @tomjoyphoto

Food Glorious Food

To help navigate through the abundance of amazing Leeds eateries, Mayur Patel & Marko Husak from award winning Indian street food and craft beer joint Bundobust share their favourite spots to eat across the city....

PROPER CURRY

Mayur: Bundobust specialises in vegetarian Gujarati & South Indian street food, but the one thing I miss about my hometown of Bradford is a proper meat curry that can be found in the dozens of amazing late night curry houses. Luckily, two Bradford based institutions have outposts in Leeds; Akbars and Mumtaz are both pretty bling places and worth visiting for a treat. At Akbars order the Lamb Chops to start with and any of the Karahi dishes for your main. Marko: At Mumtaz, if you are feeling naughty, order the Keema Paratha, a deep fried chapatti filled with spicy keema, and their mango Lassi is almost as good as Mayur’s mum's!

SOUP AND A SANDWICH

Marko: The best soup and sandwich combination in the city can be found at Ira Bs in Moortown. Its worth the ‘schlep’ for Ira’s homemade Chicken Soup with ‘Lokshen’ and ‘Knaidlach’ served with half of her famous Salt Beef Sandwich. Its like being in a deli in The Lower East Side of Manhattan and Ira's banter is a match for any New Yorker.

TOWN TAKEAWAY

Mayur: I love this hole in the wall takeaway, Caravanserai, that serves North African and Middle Eastern food, like shawarma, falafel, lamb kebabs, humous, flat breads and salads. It's so fresh and tasty. There is a small seating area upstairs if you want to eat in, and always order a mint tea to wash down the spicy food.

TAPAS

Marko: There is some great Tapas in Leeds. I really like Iberica for the slickness and super knowledgable staff. The main restaurant is fancy, but I prefer to sit in the Bodega downstairs for a more informal experience. Their jamon is the best in the city, and the extensive Spanish-only wine list is imported by Iberica themselves. Mayur: Vegetarians should visit Ambiente. They have plenty of choice, like roasted corn on the cob finished with pimento spiced butter, and slow roasted squash served with ricotta & molasses spiced grape reduction. And their Vermouths are banging! For more tapas and cocktails, there's Basque-influenced Pintura, where La Marianito is something else!!

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Bundobust

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Caravanserai 29

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Ox Club

COFFEE STOP

Mayur: Laynes do the best coffee in Leeds, full stop. This small Espresso bar is perfect if you need your caffeine fix in a hurry, and if you're lucky enough to get a seat, the brunch menu is worth a shout; their scrambled eggs are the best and the smashed broad beans, feta, sumac & mint on sourdough is tasty too.

DIRTY BURGERS

Marko: There are a host of Burger joints in Leeds but my go-to has to be MeatLiquour. They are the kings of the ‘dirty burger’ and the Dead Hippie is an all time classic. Nothing can touch it. Their boozy shakes are also good. Another favourite amongst Leeds folk is Patty Smith Burgers, try one if you're drinking in Belgrave Music Hall.

LOCAL LEGEND

Marko: The floods of Christmas 2015 forced a lot of small businesses to close down. One was my then local family run chippy The Great Yorkshireman. I used to go there most Fridays. It was a sad day when I heard the news of its closure and I was worried that it would not open again. Luckily, 8 months later, it has relaunched, and I can't wait to taste their fish, chips and mushy peas again!

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Ox Club

RELAXED DINING

Mayur: For a chilled out Sunday Lunch head to The Brunswick. Their roasts and Bloody Marys are killer and it's the perfect place to waste a few hours and read the paper. During the week the menu comprises of comforting grilled sandwiches & pies and the beer list is also impressive, offering traditional casks and cutting edge kegs. At Ox Club in Headrow House most of their local & seasonal produce is cooked over wood on their custom built grill. Meat lovers should go for the Salt Aged Lamb Rump served with barbecued red onion, smoked anchovy, pickled mustard seeds & sorrel. Veggies need to try the Roast Cauliflower with romesco sauce, almonds & sherry vinegar.

GO PHO

Marko: Pho Ga at Viet Guy is the only thing to eat when you're feeling a bit run down. This bowl of rich chicken stock, noodles, chicken, chillies, coriander, mint and other stuff will sort you right out. The chilli squid and beef in betel leaf are also super tasty if you're feeling extra hungry.

SHARE THE LOVE

Mayur: This family fun Venetian sharing plates restaurant, Zuccos, is one of the best place to eat in Leeds. Order six dishes between two. My favourite is the Tagliatelle with mushrooms & white truffle oil. The Frito Misto is awesome, the slow cooked lamb with capers and rosemary is amazing and the spinach, gorgonzola and walnut pizzetta is tasty. Marko: The Reliance is a Leeds institution and offers amazing dishes in its casual bar & dining room. Their 'small plate' menu is perfect for sharing; the smoked haddock, Jersey Royals & samphire is great, as is the Fattoush, halloumi & sumac. Larger dishes such as Toulouse sausage on braised lentils are equally good. They also have a fine list of natural wines that is comparable to some of the best restaurants in London but at half the price.

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Feature: Emma Hardaker ď&#x2026; @ladybeck_leeds @modesofexpression

Going Underground

Emma Hardaker takes us on a journey through the city's creative underground... The current Leeds creative scene is thriving and I am grateful to be a part of it. There are many emerging spaces that function to house the artists, exhibitions and wider resources that make Leeds one of the most vibrant artistic cities in the country. Here, I will walk you through just a few... I will start by taking you across the road from Leeds Art Gallery, tucked away on East Parade you will find And Model, a gallery space run by Derek Horton, in partnership will North Brewing Co. This three story contemporary gallery has an impressive archive of past shows and continues to bring new and exciting artist work to Leeds. Next door to And Model will soon be the new home for Set The Controls, an independent studio and gallery set up by Tavienne Bridgwater. Having built up a strong reputation through exhibitions at their previous space, this will undoubtedly be a complementary new neighbour. Through town and above co-operative venue Wharf Chambers is a newly opened artist studio space and gallery, Serf. This open plan studio is filled with light from the large windows and the white walls are offset by the array of art and the wooden

beamed ceilings. Over a dozen artists reside within the space, which is centred with a large table for communal work. Off to the side is their gallery, which opened recently with 'Traction', featuring work from their members. Only a little further out and you will discover a cluster of artists in Mabgate. One of the first spaces that you come to is Live Art Bistro, an artist led events space that encourages the growth of live art and performance in Leeds centre. They program a variety of events, including local and international artists, and continue to push boundaries with live art. They are also well known for throwing a great party too! Around the corner from LAB, we find Hack Space, an open studio and workshop where you can share your tools, knowledge and experience. The space boasts an impressive collection of equipment, from a laser cutter and 3D printer to welding kits and computer systems. It is great for swapping skills, learning and doing just about anything. If we follow the back streets and alleys, you will soon notice a pair of hand painted eyes staring back at you; this three story building is Byron Street Mills and is a hive filled with an array of creative makers and businesses. Across the courtyard is Temple of Boom, a music venue and practice space who also team together with Byron Street Mills to put on events like 'Rise & Shine', which uses creativity as a means to raise awareness and funds for various causes.

Going behind Byron Street Mills we come to another impressive building called Hope House, which is home to MAP, a charity that provide bespoke art and music courses to young people who may have difficulties accessing mainstream education. Alongside the charity there are lots of other interesting things happening in this intriguing old building, from creative parties like Cosmic Slop to exhibitions in their gallery space.

Located around the corner is Lady Beck, made up of two floors of studios, with a gallery sandwiched in-between. This space, alongside another located in Armley, are run by myself and the rest of the Assembly House team. Our shared ambition with both Assembly House and Lady Beck is to provide affordable space for making individual work, and to create a co-operative working environment for a diverse range of artists.

Across the road is Studio 24, an independently run project space with a licensed bar. This versatile area has stone floors, an industrial feel and works great for the range of creative events they program, such as exhibitions, magazine launches, performances and gigs.

We, along with all the other spaces mentioned here, and even more throughout Leeds, are driven by our passion for the arts. We will continue to grow and expand across the city, finding new spaces and inspiration along the way.

Words: John Barran Illustration: Phil Dean ď&#x2026; @phildean1963 Photography: Toby Ziff ď&#x2026; @tobyziff

Leeds Eye View

Sharing visions of Leeds from the Instagram community. Every issue we choose a favourite photographer from our growing Instagram community. Anyone, amateur or professional, who captures real, original

independent photos of Leeds is welcome to join in. Just tag @independentleeds to be considered and have the chance of being featured. This issue the fantastic Toby Ziff shares with us a selection of stunning images of market life for your viewing pleasure. Toby is from Leeds, and whilst now living and working in London as a professional photographer, returns to his home city every month to capture terrific real life shots such as these.

Words: Matt Bradshaw Photography: Kirsty Garland ď&#x2026; @kirsty_garland

Digger's Island Discs

Digger's Island Discs explores the collections of Leeds' most prolific vinyl slingers and groove bringers to present us with the records they could not live without... this time we celebrate Jumbo Records' 45th birthday by visiting Matt Bradshaw, the store's fount of musical knowledge and DJ of ace eclectic obscurities.

Adam and The Ants Dirk Wears White Sox Way back around 1980 I was a massive Ant fan, and I sort of spent all my pocket money on all his releases. Of course I loved the chart friendly jump around percussive fun of 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier' but after one listen of 'Dirk Wears White Sox' (his debut album) I decided it was just too outthere for my 7 year old ears and I never listened to it again until 1988. That year I picked up Sonic Youth's 'Daydream Nation' and for some reason one of the songs reminded me of Adam And The Ants. As I dug out all my old Ant records, out popped 'Dirk' and 'whoosh' went my brain! It was a revelation and it made me realise just how futurist fresh 'old' music could sound. A straight up gem from start to finish and if the 7 year old me didn't 'get it' at the time, the 15 year old digger certainly did...

Rare Earth - I Know (I'm Losing You) In the mid 90's Northern Soulers who didn't 'Keep The Faith' practically dumped collections in second hand record shops, and the jukebox 7's they accumulated along the way were snarfed up by me for 50p a pop! Things changed when I picked up this unholy gem by Rare Earth, which was...well... it was FUNKY ROCK!!! I found out that most of this stuff was going super cheap since no-one wanted it; too 'white' for soul fans and too 'black' for rock fans, and after a while I'd accumulated tons of it!! I met Mossy, who also dug this freaky music, and we tested it on the HiFi Club dance floor and put on a night called 'Shiftless When Idle' where we met other like-minds; it was a pleasure finding out that me and Mossy weren't the only people to discover and love this sound!

Telegraph Avenue - S/T In the mid to late 90's I did a night called 'The Underground Set' at The New Beehive in Bradford. This meant us rocking up at 7pm with a sound system, an ancient lighting rig, Super 8 projectors, incense and bags of weird records to put on a PARTY! Within half a year we had bus loads of people coming from Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds cramming themselves in until 5am and dancing like crazy to funk n' soul, disco n' jazz and psych n' Latin obscurities. When we got Andy Votel

and Dom Thomas to play we were introduced to all this weird and wonderful stuff like Turkish psych, Iranian funk and French freakbeat, which led me on a path of world exploration. Telegraph Avenue was one of the first I picked up and thought WOW! A psychedelic band from Peru, it's an incredible wild journey into sound and with some totally great dance floor cuts on too!

Kalyanji-Anandji - Commander I was introduced to the sound of Bollywood Funk at an easy listening night called 'Cheesus Christ' put on by Marc Kershaw, who schooled me good in so many genres. This opened my mind to possibilities and I was hunting high and low at carboots, Asian video shops and even harassing my regular taxi driver Abid to ask around his base! Soon the records dried up and it's really hard to find them in the wild anymore, so I tend to get my Bollywoodies direct from India now. Whereas at first it was the funk and disco cuts I loved, I began to source trippy, jazzy and electro influences too. Although there have been quite a few Bollywood compilations over the last 20 years, they've only scratched the surface.

Soundtrack - Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush In 1994 a rather influential club night began at the Cockpit in Leeds, right at the start of the Brit-pop scene. 'Brighton Beach' combined a soundtrack of current indie cuts and 60's classics in the main room, but it was the back room where I gravitated and worshipped at the altar of Mark Ellis. He turned me onto an alternate universe of soul, beat and 60's sounds I never knew existed. I lapped up the thundering freakbeat and rhythm and blues boppers, the grinding garage-punk and latin-boogaloo, and I'd dance for hours! The best thing about it was his utter enthusiasm and willingness to let me into his musical world of wonder without any sign of snobbery. The first time he played 'Looking Back', a Spencer Davis cut from this obscure soundtrack, I knew I HAD to have it!!!

Coffee. Juice. Food. Stories is an independent café in North Leeds. Inspired by Scandinavian design and nordic cuisine, we’re offering some of the best artisan coffee in Leeds, along with a menu of small, delectable plates and cold-pressed juices.

storiescafe.co.uk • @storiesinleeds 454 Roundhay Road, LS8 2HU

Words: Jack Harvey ď&#x2026; @clayweare Illustration: Gordon Armstrong ď&#x2026; @themrgordo

My Favourite Leeds

Jack Harvey from rising Leeds band Clay talks us through his favourite Leeds venues... Music is intrinsically intertwined with the place in which it exists. The mersey-beat movement of the 60's, the London based 'mods n' rockers' subculture and the Manchester born acid house scene were all born primarily as a result of their respective cities. Leeds has historically not enjoyed this level of musical relevance, but in recent years has begun to give the city the scene it deserves; one that changes the musical landscape on a national scale. I like to think Leeds is at the forefront of it. It's been almost two years since the city's own musical heart was removed with the closure of The Cockpit, a place that had a profound effect on myself, my band and many other musicians. Its shell remains empty under the dark arches on Swinegate and serves as a stark reminder that the music venue as an institution can be under continuous threat. Despite the initial and evident void that this left in the Leeds music scene, nobody could have predicted the vibrant and diverse movement that spawned rapidly in its wake, as an array of venues flourished into nationally recognised musical hubs.

The Cockpit closed just as Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen had its grand opening. And grand it is. Belgrave encompasses all things that makes Leeds an incredibly exciting place to live. The roof terrace provides a phenomenal view over the constantly evolving city. The second floor is home to a music venue and attracts an exceptionally diverse range of artists to its stage. We were lucky enough to play the

Belgrave as part of Live at Leeds Festival last year to a 400 capacity room. Downstairs is the main bar, complete with a retro yet somehow modern finish. The DJ's play solely from vinyl which is a unique touch, and the artisan fast food is sublime. Oporto is a relatively small bar and venue on Call Lane which now caters for the smaller band passing through on tours. Oporto has become a real haven of bands socialising and has re-introduced Call Lane as an important part of the Leeds musical landscape. When discussing the music scene in Leeds, one simply can't omit Brudenell Social Club. The Brudenell is so much more than just a venue, its heritage and history pave the walls of the inconspicuous building. We've sold out the Brudenell on three occasions and there is an indefinable aura about the place that is impossible to articulate. Perhaps its isolated Hyde Park location gives every show there a sense of occasion. Everyone is completely immersed in the music and that makes it a genuinely unique experience and something to be cherished. Very cheap drinks too, which is always a bonus! Clay, my band, are often defined as 'innovative yet familiar' or 'modern yet nostalgic', and these adjectives are equally applicable to Leeds as a city. It's a place that maintains the charm that gives it a unique character yet manages to constantly evolve to remain socially relevant and at the forefront of culture. We are without doubt a product of Leeds.

Feature: Federica Raffo

Park Life

A city should be proud to have a green space as allencompassing as Roundhay Park. It’s beautiful to enjoy an afternoon lay surrounded by acres of grass and lakes, and relax into a peaceful state of mind with a view of the city skyline. The park's boulevards lead to quaint hidden gems, such as the early 1800's Mansion, the Castle Folly or the Victorian Barran’s Fountain. The Abbey Park is a marvelous green area that develops all around the majestic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and along the River Aire. Having a picnic in the presence of a nine centuries old monastery is priceless and when you’re up for a walk, nothing is better than a stroll along the Aire, with a stop at the new terrace overlooking the river.

gardens and greenhouses, together with feeding and having some fun with the wide range of animals, including fluffy alpacas. I also can't resist buying half a dozen lovely fresh eggs. I’ve always had a fondness for smaller and more intimate kinds of gardens, that’s why I really enjoy the York Gate Garden. This special gem is now owned by a charity that helps horticulturists in need. It was built by the Spencer family between 1951 and 1994, who really created an adorable place to spend a few hours with its canals, plant collections and greenhouses.

If you want to experience a city vibe, the hidden but central Park Square is the place for you. I absolutely love this classic Georgian park, with beautiful buildings all around it. It's a haven of rest in Leeds’ city centre, and you’ll be surprised by how many people don’t actually know this place exists! Very popular for its wonderful gardens, nice tearoom and lakeside walk, Golden Acre Park is a huge green area that forms part of the 7 miles long Meanwood Valley trail, which finally reaches Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park. I love how the park turns into a very dense woodland. Wooden bird hides are scattered along the trail in case you fancy a sneaky peek at the local wildlife. Would you imagine a farm in a city? Well, Leeds has its own! For a ludicrously low price you can have a look around Meanwood Valley Urban Farm's

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