JLife takes a stroll down Street Lane and around Moortown to discover the highlights awaiting visitors, as well as reflect on the recent happenings at Roundhay Park.
Image: Howard Barnett
The surge of developments and openings sweeping Leeds at the moment are well-documented. But against the multitude of changes, Street Lane and Moortown continue to retain their popularity and reputation as hubs of activity — and it’s easy to see why.
Everything needed to suit your lifestyle — from professional services to boutiques — is within easy reach, while for social butterflies, Street Lane has a selection of restaurants dishing up delicious delicacies from across the globe.
Street Lane also plays host to Beth Hamidrash Hagadol (BHH) Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the North of England which was founded in 1864 and originally located on Templar Street in the city centre. Its current site was opened on 9th March 1969.
Notably, the lush green backdrop of Roundhay Park is a recurrent family-friendly hotspot, equipped with a golf club, boating lake and a variety of sporting clubs to choose from.
As with previous years, the park’s latest annual Dragon Boat Race tapped into the competitive spirit of the community as around 450 people took to the water in aid of a worthy cause – to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice. More than 40 crews raced 30ft brightly painted Chinese boats over a 200m course, representing organisations, sports clubs, and groups of friends and families. As well as the main action on the lake, food offerings and other activities captured the interest of spectators and made for a memorable day out.
And, of course, a visit to Roundhay Park wouldn’t be complete without also venturing to Tropical World to catch a glimpse of the wide collection of plants and animals. The popular wildlife attraction, which was officially renamed The Arnold and Marjorie Ziff Tropical World in July 2008 in honour of the family’s communal contributions, is especially worth an outing to now in the wake of the completion of its recent £1.5 million refurbishment.
Leeds’ efforts to build on its reputation as a cycling city recently led to a slew of visitors pounding the pavements of Street Lane and Prince’s Avenue for the Tour de Yorkshire. As many as 30,000 people flocked to the park’s picturesque setting in which the mass race – marking its first year – came to an end. It was also the start point for the Sportive rides, whereby riders could register and choose to ride a section of the official course before the competitors on the day of the Stage Three race. And to capture the celebratory atmosphere, a host of attractions were put in place, including an official spectator hub and giant screens.
Whatever you need, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Street Lane and Moortown — there’s so much more than initially meets the eye.
The Talk of the Town
JLife rounds up the essential establishments and offerings across Street Lane and Moortown which are continuing to prosper.
Canton Flavour
Canton Flavour not only guarantees the finest Chinese and oriental cuisines, but also a speedy and efficient collection service. Since 1991, the takeaway has emerged as a firm favourite, with an experienced team of chefs behind it. Canton Flavour also caters for parties and functions, accepting major debit and credit card payment.
Del Verde
Del Verde is tucked within the grounds of Roundhay Golf Course, with plenty of free parking, and only a five-minute walk from Street Lane — it’s the perfect venue for all occasions. The family-run restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean and Italian-themed dishes all at affordable prices. Visit the website for more details.
Fryday’s
Fryday’s Fish and Chips has been providing high quality fish and chips to the area since 2010. The eatery only uses the finest and freshest fish available, and all is sourced from sustainable and well managed fishing areas. All food is cooked using 100 per cent vegetable oil and the eatery can also provide gluten-free batter on request.
Haley & Clifford
Specialising in the finest and tastiest local produce, as well as exciting ingredients from around the world, Haley & Clifford is a unique dining spot.
The award-winning deli supplies a wide and delicious selection of food offerings from Yorkshire, including a comprehensive range of local cheeses, artisan baked bread, chutneys, condiments, oils and chocolates, as well as homemade savouries, cakes, soups, sandwiches and meals to takeaway
All of the homemade items at Haley & Clifford are prepared fresh on-site each day so the helpful team can quickly put together business lunches, dinner parties, celebration buffets, and picnic hampers. Or, if you’re just after a leisurely lunch, you can indulge in the newly refurbished cosy cafe area which is equipped with free Wi-Fi and catch up on some work — or maybe instead, just sit and watch the world go by!
S & J Shoes
Keith Taylor Shoes has been going through some changes under its new owners Steve and Jane. It has recently taken on the new name, S & J Shoes, while a new interior layout, new brands, and an emphasis on customer service makes the whole shopping experience a pleasure. You are guaranteed a warm welcome at S & J Shoes.
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.
With modern yet cosy decor, the restaurants enable the staff to focus on diners in a homely, comfortable setting. The Olive Branch’s spacious surroundings are also suitable for various events and parties, be it a meal with a loved one or a special occasion to be celebrated with family and friends.
The Temple Practice
The Temple Practice, headed up by Sophia Shafi, specialises in a comprehensive range of dental health services in addition to popular aesthetic treatments, such as total facial rejuvenation.
Sophia has forged a well-respected reputation throughout the community, while her roots are firmly tied to it. Born and raised in Leeds, she was educated at Allerton High School, before harnessing her business and financial acumen at the University of Leeds. Sophia’s experience speaks volumes too; she was on the Board of the Leeds West Primary Care Trust and has assisted 50,000 patients, including both the NHS and cosmetic sectors of dentistry.
The Temple Practice was conceived over 30 years ago and since then has expanded its team and offerings. Within the health provision industry, it has been credited for its forward thinking and cutting-edge solutions.
It was in 2003 when the cosmetic revolution gained momentum, and, hot on its heels, Sophia realised it was important to provide non-surgical, cost-friendly ways that could make everyone feel better about themselves. Her years in dentistry provided an effortless platform for the transition into the invasive services in that they both tend to be facial-oriented. The clinic also boasts a world-renowned nutritional therapist who tailors her consultations to the patients, such patients ranging from those who are simply seeking to improve their diet right through to those suffering from cancer.
Sophia particularly prides the practice on having a fresh, honest approach in that she herself has tried and tested the treatments and knows what works effectively for patients.
Visitors to the North Leeds practice are more than welcome; the friendly team will talk you through the treatments, answering any queries and delivering advice.
Wine Rack
Drop in to browse an extensive range of wines, beers and spirits – Wine Rack is home to all your favourite labels, plus a host of new discoveries from across the globe. The stores’ expert staff are always on hand to give recommendations, whether you’re after a celebratory bottle of bubbly, or that all-important gift, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Winston Solicitors
Winston Solicitors delivers high quality legal advice with core values of integrity and customer care. As an established North Leeds law firm, the company provides a complete range of services for individuals and businesses. Whatever challenge life presents, the Winston Solicitors team will guide you through the process giving friendly, straightforward advice. The experienced and trusted lawyers are familiar with the local landscape and offer cost effective, tailored legal solutions. They always seek to put their client’s best interests first, from on-site client parking and a welcoming reception, through to resolving your matter in a way that is right for you.