Chapel Allerton continues to be one of the most sought-after areas in Leeds. JLife takes a look at the vibrant village to find out what’s new.
Chapel Allerton is rapidly becoming a cultural equal to Leeds centre. Its prime location between LS17 and the heart of the city make it perfectly located for those seeking a suburb packed with a selection of independent shops and a buzzing nightlife.
From fashionable boutiques to award-winning restaurants, Chapel Allerton is filled with everything to make life a little bit lovely. Whether you want to take a look at the latest trends or take a bite out of Thai, Mexican, Greek, Italian or Indian dishes, there is something to fit every appetite.
In the past year the area has seen a flurry of activity, from new launches to refurbishments. Just some of the recent additions include the Chapel A branch of Boss Burgers, House of Koko, a cosy new café that opened in late 2015, and the latest revamped venue from Arc Inspirations, Kith & Kin – the rustic bar and kitchen that was formerly Zed.
As well as offering an array of bars and eateries, there is also a collection of galleries, home décor stores and shops filled with locally-made products. By combining the vivacious restaurant and bar scene with this homely offering, the area has established itself as a place that holds appeal for people of all ages. This has led to the establishment of cara — an independent, non-profit making, social community group run by local residents that encourages greater social interaction within the local community, as well as aiming to raise funds for local causes, and enabling members to benefit from a range of discounts in shops, restaurants, and clubs.
The group hosts a range of events throughout the year, from regular supper clubs and fundays to the ever-popular annual Chapel Allerton Big Lunch street party on 12th June, on Regent Street.
Fans of live entertainment have their own dedicated arts space. Seven Arts is celebrating its ninth anniversary this year and offers an eclectic selection of jazz nights, comedy events, poetry readings, and weekly screenings of critically acclaimed films that flew under the radar upon their cinema release. To find out more about the venue, take a look at JLife’s interview with Penny Sanders, programme director at Seven Arts on page XX.
Another major live event is the annual Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, a celebration of music and local, independent businesses that takes place at the beginning of September and marks the end of the summer.
For a serene space away from the bustle of the village centre, the sleepy Chapel Allerton Park is a sweet, lush green area where visitors can sit and watch the world go by and the green-fingered can take up a spot of gardening on the allotments that are dotted along the back of Harrogate Road.
As a thriving village with an unparalleled community spirit, Chapel Allerton offers something for everyone. With cosmopolitan social hangouts and historic public houses, it is easy to see why it reigns as Leeds’ place to be seen.
To find out more about what’s on in Chapel Allerton, visit Lovechapelallerton.com or email cara@lovechapelallerton.com.