Explore what’s new and going on around the vibrant, ever-expanding community of Chapel Allerton.
Chapel Allerton Village is a thriving and diverse neighbourhood that boasts a rich history and a vibrant community spirit. From its charming streets lined with independent shops and restaurants to its lush green spaces and cultural events, the area has earned a reputation as one of Leeds’ most sought-after places to live and visit.
The area’s history dates back centuries, and its name is a nod to its origins as a rural chapel in the 12th century. This chapel, dedicated to All Saints, stood as a place of worship and community gathering long before the bustling streets and residential neighbourhoods we see today. Over the years, Chapel Allerton evolved into a thriving village, becoming a vibrant hub of activity for the surrounding area.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chapel Allerton is its strong sense of community. The residents here take pride in their neighbourhood, and there’s a real feeling of camaraderie among its diverse population. Local community groups and events, such as the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, foster connections and provide opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate their shared love for art and culture.
The festival took place recently between 1st and 3rd September, to great success! Both residents and visitors are delighted by a range of quality music acts, arts and crafts, and even a parade. Luke Saggu, one of the organisers of the event, commented: “I’m so proud of all the hard work every single volunteer involved puts in to make the festival a success each year. The sun shone on us all weekend and it was the most joyful weekend full of music, dance, arts and crafts, stalls, workshops, a parade and a huge variety of food and drink.
“The festival at its core is about bringing people together and supporting and proving a platform for local artists, creators, performers, small businesses, and charities. I think that’s what we managed to do and I’ve loved every second of it.
“This year we’ve doubled down on our commitment to providing creative opportunities for local young people and emerging artists. A big thank you to the teams at Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds 2023 for all their support in helping us make this a reality.”
Chapel Allerton is known for its independent shops and businesses that line its streets. Wander down Harrogate Road, and you’ll find boutique stores, unique eateries, and cozy cafes. From vintage clothing stores to bookshops, there’s something for everyone. The independent spirit of Chapel Allerton ensures that you’ll always find one-of-a-kind items and experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Several of these will be coming together to take part in The Magic Tenner campaign between 7th and 21st October.
The Magic Tenner is a national campaign which sees small local businesses opening their doors to provide either a product or a service for just £10. Jo MacBeth, Owner of Chirpy, is spearheading the campaign in Chapel Allerton: “We used to do Fiver Fest, but selling things for a fiver just wasn’t manageable for a lot of businesses. Now we have somewhere between 15 and 20 businesses taking part. The idea behind it is that the product or service costs £10, but that £10 generates about £50 back into the local economy.”
On the first Sunday of every month, you’ll find main streets bustling with the Chapel Allerton Market. The market’s organiser, Ryan Edwards, says: “I purposefully didn’t want it to be a farmers’ market.
We have everything, from food, to jewellery, to plants. Anything you can imagine, we have. All of the stalls are run by local people. Many of them have jobs through the week and just do this on a weekend.” The market only started in May and yet Ryan is already looking at expanding into other spaces in order to keep up with demand.
Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in the Village. The suburb has recently welcomed some new additions in this area, including the bike gear shop/ café Paria, serving coffee from Hard Lines as well as some scrumptious local treats. Also new on the block is Mythos, offering delicious Greek fare such as chicken yeeros wraps and orange pie, while across the road, another new face is Bricklebank’s, a café and bar where the Mad Greek used to sit.
Meanwhile, there’s another new face to shout about at the Mustard Pot, which has a new landlady. Bakery owner Jodie Beer took over in August. Jodie has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 16 including some part-time work at the pub before going on to run pubs and restaurants all over the world. During the pandemic, she launched independent bakery Jodie Bakes and its wholesale arm the Giraffe Bakery. Josie has some great ideas and changes planned for the venue so watch this space!
For those seeking a respite from city life, Chapel Allerton offers several green spaces to relax and unwind. Based down the road from The Regent, Chapel Allerton Park has a lawn bowls club, tennis courts, a playground and one of the best hills for sledging on a huge slope leading down to Gledhow Valley Road where Gledhow Valley Woods provides ample opportunities for nature lovers to explore the outdoors. These green oases offer a sense of tranquillity amid the urban bustle. The more active among us will be glad to know that Chapel Allerton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club has recently opened two brand new padel tennis courts covered by a canopy, in addition to the regular tennis courts already available.
A gem within Leeds, Chapel Allerton is combining its rich history with a dynamic and inclusive community spirit to offer something special to residents and visitors alike.
