Alwoodley and Shadwell’s combination of familiar charm and cosmopolitan attractions makes Leeds 17 a go-to destination for all.
Taking pride of place against a picturesque backdrop of Yorkshire countryside, Leeds 17 has consistently reigned as one of the most desirable postcodes in the region. And helping to carve out its sought-after reputation are the upmarket suburbs of Alwoodley and Shadwell, attracting a slew of visitors on a regular basis with delectable eateries, fashion stores, and amenities.
Local businesses provide a high level of personal service, creating a sense of being part of a close community, but despite being affluent and speckled with modern suppliers, the area offers a glimpse into previous times gone by. Shadwell is particularly steeped in history – the local library is a Grade II listed building and records date the area’s existence back to the 11th Century.
Meanwhile, Eccup reservoir, the largest area of water in West Yorkshire, is located in Alwoodley as well as a selection of quality golf courses. The Alwoodley Golf Club – on Wigton Lane – was founded in 1907 and regularly hosts county and national tournaments. Similarly, The Sand Moor Golf Course, overlooking the Eccup reservoir, is recognised as one of the most attractive golf courses in Yorkshire.
In recent years, Leeds 17 has been taking centre stage during major cycling-inspired events; in 2014 a sea of spectators gathered to watch a peloton of cyclists wind their way through the Grand Départ’s first stage, while this year, the finale of the first ever Tour de Yorkshire took place in North Leeds. The riders cycled along King Lane joining Alwoodley Lane followed by Wigton Lane. From there the group turned right onto Roundhay Park Lane where they turned left onto the Ring Road. The cyclists then joined Wetherby Road, merging onto the home straight on Princes Avenue, before the winners were crowned, with BMC rider Ben Hermans taking the solo victory on stage three, and Lars Petter Nordhaug clinching the overall victory for Team Sky.
Meanwhile, a day-to-day popular point of interest is The Zone Youth Centre which recently celebrated the first anniversary of its relocation to the Jewish Youth Campus. To mark the occasion, the club joined up with the Maccabi Awards Day and their 20th birthday, the Leeds Jewish Free School’s annual Summer Fair, and the launch of Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Cubs on campus, to present the first ever unity day called We Are One, raising over £6,000 for the organisations. And looking to the future, The Zone now offers permanent programmes during every holiday throughout the year. Attracting older youth to the postcode, the drop-in programme is continuing in addition to sporting activities.
Budding creative minds can also find inspiration from the Alwoodley Art Group; a mixed group of enthusiastic artists ranging in age from teenagers to 70+ who meet every Thursday evening at The Alwoodley Community Hall to pursue their love of drawing and painting.
With its various social solutions and increasing number of visitor hotspots, Leeds 17 provides the perfect base all year round.
Photo: Howard Barnett
Pride of Place
Take a trip to LS17 where its essential establishments are continuing to thrive.
Riverside Plants
Riverside Plants is now firmly established at Brandon Nurseries in Shadwell as well as at Riverside Nurseries in Linton. The team offers customers the largest collection of home grown bedding plants and imported shrubs and trees in the area. All the bedding plants are grown at the nursery ensuring the highest quality.
The Olive Branch
Since its 2008 beginnings and subsequent years of trading, The Olive Branch has been recognised for providing a unique taste for those seeking something different. The family-run establishment has successful branches on Street Lane, Hebden Bridge, Alwoodley, Sowerby Bridge, and the soon-to-be-opened location in Ilkley, each boasting an eclectic menu of fresh homemade food.
All of the branches offer authentic Turkish fare in a variety of exotic delicacies and traditional favourites to suit different palates, with a wide array of starters, main courses and desserts being available. For vegetarians, hot and cold choices are also plentiful. Meanwhile, the menu lists refreshing drinks, including cocktails, to complement the food.
