Essential Tips for Business Travellers in Leeds
Leeds isn’t just a centre for business, the home of headquarters for renowned businesses such as Channel 4 and ASDA, it’s also the cultural heart of West Yorkshire. So, once your workday is finished and all those meetings are done, there are a wealth of places you can head out to enjoy.
Famous for being the home of the first ever UK-based internet service provider, and celebrities from Marco Pierre White to Mel B, the city has gone through many changes, but it is still a prime spot for everything including art, shopping, music and more.
Cultural Sites at your Fingertips
Leeds is home to a number of galleries and theatres. If you enjoy wandering and absorbing the art of 20th century artists then there’s no better destination than the Leeds Art Gallery, which is home to one of the best 20th Century art collections in the country. A fan of the ballet or opera? There are four theatres across the city, including The Grand Theatre and Opera House. Leeds is also the only cities in the UK outside London with resident opera and ballet companies.
There are plenty of ways to spend your time in and around the city, whether you enjoy studying beautiful art, or listening to a Mozart aria.
A Unique Shopping Experience
Leeds is one of the biggest shopping destinations outside London, with a wide array of spectacular markets, arcades and shopping centres.
If you’re looking for the unique or unusual then you can find this in the stunning dome of the Leeds Corn Exchange, a beautiful collection of independent stores hidden within a Grade 1 listed building in Kirkgate.
Just across the road from the Corn Exchange is the historic Kirkgate Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe and an independent shopper’s paradise.
Leeds is also home to several shopping centres, including Headlingly Central and St John’s Centre. With a combination of retail, business and eateries, they are the ideal destination to spend a day of shopping and people watching.
Culinary Excellence
Whether you’re travelling alone, spending time with family or entertaining clients, you’ll have a choice of restaurants and cafés in Leeds, there are places that offer everything from quick snacks to fine dining experiences. Leeds is known as the Foodie Capital of the North.
For Important Business Dinners
- Ox Club a light and bright restaurant that specialises in serving elevated British comfort food
- Tharavadu serves delicious Indian cuisine from Kerala in a stunning setting
- Olive Tree Brasserie not only serves elegant Mediterranean dishes, but is beautifully lit and offers the option of hiring a private dining space for meetings and events
For Quick Business Lunches
- Lost & Found Leeds Club is a stylish cocktail bar at night, but serves a tasty menu during the day
- The Swine that Dines is uniquely named and has a menu to match, exquisite food and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for any business lunch
- Blue Sakura is the place to go if you enjoy sushi and Pan-Asian dishes in a calm setting
For Morning Coffee Meetings
- Layne’s is an institution in Leeds, one of the most popular coffee cafes in the city
- North Star is a fan of sustainability. Located at Leeds Dock it serves fairtrade coffee and locally baked goods
- Mrs Atha’s is a stylish café with a Parisian twist, leather chairs, and the perfect combination of good coffee and light pastry treats
Keeping Up Your Active Lifestyle
When you’re away from home it can be really difficult to maintain your workout routine. There are gym facilities available within the building. However, there are a number of well-equipped gyms close by, including:
- PureGym Leeds Hunslet (24/7 access)
- Forum Leisure Centre (swimming pool)
- The Edge (swimming pool and gym) set in the grounds of Leeds University
Weekend Explorations
One of the greatest things about staying in a Charles Hope Apartment when you’re away from home is that you always have the option of staying in and relaxing in front of the TV and enjoying a meal cooked in your fully equipped kitchen or going out to discover everything that the city has to offer. Being so central, when the weekend arrives, the apartment is the ideal base if you want to go out and explore, taking in the sights and sounds of Leeds and the beautiful areas close by.
Temple Newsam
An impressive manor house with stunning gardens landscaped by the talented Capability Brown. Temple Newsam is a Tudor house seized by Henry VIII and gifted to his niece as a wedding gift. It has a long and complicated history, filled with murder, love, war and intrigue. The manor hosts educational events, has a working farm and welcomes wedding parties. A great day out for all the family and a must-visit for anyone fascinated with the turbulent Tudor period.
Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park
If you’ve already taken some time to wander around the galleries in Leeds, then the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the perfect place to visit. A 10-minute train journey, or 40 minutes by bus, will have you in beautiful Wakefield where you can enjoy a tour around Nostell, a stunning Georgian manor house before heading to the Sculpture Park to enjoy more than 100 pieces of sculpture by artists from all over the world.
Bradford and the Brontës
Just 10 miles outside Leeds is the 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford. A combination of natural beauty and modern architecture, it is a city filled with museums. Like Leeds it has a busy arts scene and a full calendar of events to keep you entertained. If you have an interest in literature, then visiting the Bronte Parsonage is a must. The city is also home to the Bradford Literature Festival which takes place every year at the end of June.
Why Staying at a Charles Hope Apartment Makes a Difference
Where you choose to stay for a business trip can make it great or exhausting, especially when you’re staying for an extended period. A stay in Charles Hope Leeds offers:
- One- and two-bedroom apartments up to 710 sqft
- Less than a 20-minute walk to the train station
- Perfect accommodation for solo travellers and small teams
- Close to shops and cafes
- High-speed WiFi for video calls and remote work
- Fully equipped kitchens for those who prefer home cooking
- Gym & Fitness centre on site
- Comfortable living areas for ultimate relaxation
- Weekly housekeeping
Making Your Business Trip an Experience
As everyone knows, the secret to great business travel is a good balance between work and comfort. Leeds, with its combination of culture and commerce provides the ideal combination for the business traveller. From a few nights to a long-term project, a stay in a Charles Hope apartment is the perfect location for you to enjoy the city.
Our guest services team can provide you with personalised recommendations for things to do in the city in your downtime, as well as direct you to the best coffee shops, restaurants and bars, ensuring your stay is both rewarding and entertaining. We’re here to ensure you experience a smooth business stay.
Ready to experience Leeds in a different way? Get in touch with our team on +44 (0)203 983 6300 or email reservations@charleshope.co.uk to discover how we can transform your business stay into something incredible.
