As JLife discovers the best of what Street Lane has to offer, you might find something right up your street…
Running from Roundhay to Moortown, Street Lane is the artery that keeps the heart of North Leeds pumping. Jump on the number 2 bus and you can be in the city centre in 20 minutes flat, but when you’ve got so many great shops, restaurants and things to do all packed into a bustling one mile stretch, why would you want to go anywhere else?
A cornerstone of the North Leeds Jewish community, Beth Hamadresh Hagadol synagogue, built in 1969 is one of the largest orthodox shuls in the north of England. Its magnificent structure is a world away from the bare, whitewashed room on Templar Street it was founded in nearly 150 years ago in the old Leeds Jewish quarter. You can pay your respects at the Second World War Jewish memorial, take a moment of quiet reflection in its beautifully kept gardens and enjoy fun education programmes, youth activities and a leisure club for older members.
If they’re over at Devonshire Grange, leisure club members won’t have far to go. A new development of luxury retirement homes exclusively for the over 60s, Devonshire Grange is nestled just off the bustle of Street Lane. The complex includes a tastefully decorated homeowners’ lounge and impressive maintained gardens, so you don’t need to lift a finger. All this, and a hotel-style guest suite for visitors when they want to stay, your friends and family won’t want to leave!
At Street Lane’s eastern edge, Roundhay Park is an urban oasis, offering city-dwellers a rare pocket of breathing space to relax and unwind. Boasting 700 acres of sprawling parkland, woods, and lakes, it’s twice the size of Hyde Park and the second largest city park in Europe. Fans of architecture can explore the ruins of a 19th century castle folly, or take in the grand Greek-Revivalist design of Mansion House. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll, or a wet and wild afternoon on Waterloo Lake with the White Rose Canoeing Club, it’s bound to be winner with all the family.
Next summer, the park is set to transform into a world-class outdoor music venue, as Ed Sheeran takes to the stage for back-to-back shows on 16th and 17th August, 2019. The park has played host to iconic names in the past, including The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson and an appearance by the ginger pop-genius sees the trend of star-studded line-ups continue.
Over at Tropical World, say hello to Street Lane’s most exotic residents on a family-friendly outing that’s bound to warm you all up on a chilly autumn day. Here are some of the critters you might not see up the road at Holly House Vets! Make friends with the meerkats, dare to flash a smile at the crocodiles, or meet its resident boa constrictor – but expect a cool reception!
For a warmer welcome, head up to stylish pub restaurant, The Deer Park and cool off with a frosty pint, or posh gin and tonic. If you’re after a no-frills affair, The Thomas Osborne across the way has little in the way of pretension. Grab a Yorkshire brew from the wide selection of cask ales, sit back and enjoy the footie in front of one of its many TVs.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite at the local watering holes, there’s plenty in the way of grub to fill the gap. If you need to grab-and-go, Canton Flavour offers an authentic taste of the Far East with top-notch Chinese and Thai cuisine to take away. Local deli, Haley and Clifford offers the best seasonal produce from Yorkshire and beyond. You can buy fresh ingredients to take home and cook up a storm or leave it to the experts and dine in-house in their cosy café.
After a proper fish and chip supper? Well, you’re in luck because Street Lane boasts two of the finest chippies in Leeds, Frydays and The Fisherman’s Lodge. Leeds might but landlocked, but both deal in the freshest fish on the market, bringing a taste of the ocean straight to your plate. If you’re feeling fancy, head to legendary Leeds institution, San Carlo Flying Pizza to rub shoulders with the North Leeds glitterati. Expect an evening of Mediterranean chic, chowing down on the finest in seasonal Italian cuisine under the olive trees. Don’t be surprised if you spot an Elland Road legend there, and if you happen to run into Norman ‘bite yer legs’ Hunter, the specialists at Roundhay Chiropractic Clinic will get you back in the game, offering dedicated treatment for joint and muscle pain whether from its from sports injury or wear and tear. After all, with Street Lane stretching well over a mile long, you’ll need to be fighting fit to see for yourself everything it has to offer.
