Our Kings and Queens of Yorkshire: Celebrating Yorkshire Independent Business Royalty
To celebrate the recent coronation, we thought we would share some of Yorkshire’s independent business royalty – as nominated by our team. These are some of the local businesses the ewe team loves and we think you should know about! These amazing businesses are part of what gives Yorkshire its unique personality, so we want to shout about the kings and queens of the independents that make Yorkshire reet Yorkshire.
Outlaws Yacht Club is a café bar, record shop, hairdresser and exhibition space all rolled into one venue. This unique independent is tucked away on New York street in Leeds and is the perfect place to escape the busy city centre. It has a relaxed and laidback atmosphere, scattered with cosy seating. It’s filled with art from local artists and plenty of distinctive décor, including a banana-shaped disco ball. It’s the perfect place to grab a local craft beer or on a Wednesday, a 2-4-1 cocktail.
Outlaws Yacht Club, 38 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DY
Eat Art Kitchen serves up some of the best food in Guiseley (in our opinion). They are an independent shop and caterer that offers a range of fresh, hand-crafted sandwiches, wraps and salads. They choose only the highest quality ingredients, and it really shows. They regularly add new items to their breakfast and lunch menus. This is the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Some of us (no names) are actually addicted!
Eat Art Kitchen, 12 Town Gate, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 9JA
In the heart of Ilkey is Ilkey Cinema, a two-screen independent Picturehouse. This cinema definitely offers up a unique and intimate viewing experience. Sit back in the comfy bespoke sofas and armchairs whilst watching the latest selection of independent films, with screenings of theatre, opera, dance, music and sports events from around the globe. They also have a large selection of homemade food. And the best part? You can have your food delivered directly to your seat. After you’ve finished the film, you can grab a drink on the extended patio that overlooks the famous Ilkley Moor.
Ilkley Cinema, 46A Leeds Road, Ilkley, LS29 8DP
Welcome Skate Store opened its doors on the 10th of July 2010. It quickly became one of the most renowned skateboard stores in the UK, situated in the independent retail hub of Thornton’s Arcade, owned and run by skateboarders. You will always find friendly and knowledgeable staff, a huge selection of skateboard hardware and accessories in stock, and a large range of skate shoes and clothing.
Welcome has a long history of sponsoring up-and-coming skateboarders and helping them climb the ranks.
Over the years, Welcome has launched various initiatives to raise money for local charities and the NHS and sponsor the Hyde Park, Leeds-based women’s football club.
Welcome Skate Store, 10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6LQ
The Underground Bakery got its name from its humble start in chef Ashley Leese’s basement. During lockdown, Ashley began making and selling his products, and it wasn’t long before the original underground bakery was bought above ground to the centre of Otley.
The shop sells a range of baked delights including fresh sourdough, pastries, cakes and homemade sandwiches.
Undergound Bakery, 10-10A Boroughgate, Otley, LS21 3AL
Weegmann’s is a traditional butchers that has been serving quality meats for over 100 years. All the meat is locally sourced from certified farms throughout Yorkshire. All the pies and sausage rolls are made in-house in the bakery, using handpicked local ingredients. Locally they are known as the “The pork pie people”.Weegmann’s has won several awards, including “Best Burger in Yorkshire” and “Best Black Pudding in Yorkshire.
Earnest Weegmanns, 6 Market Place, Otley, LS21 3AQ
A former Victorian textile factory, Salts Mill is now a hub for arts and culture. This fantastic old mill is in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire village. Salts Mill is now home to an art gallery, shopping centre and restaurant complex. The ground floor houses the largest permanent collection of work by David Hockney in the 1853 Gallery. There are two other galleries inside the building, one devoted to materials and objects that explore the history of Salts Mill and Saltaire and another that includes photographic work of the Salts Mill.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring Salts Mill, and it won’t break the bank as entry and parking is free!
Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley, BD18 3HU
