Queens Arcade Leeds: Victorian retail destination with real Art & Soul

Award winning independent retail collective Art & Soul, home to hundreds of artists and makers, is opening its new two-floor Leeds store in Queens Arcade on 17th November.

The store will offer original handmade art, photography, prints, homeware, accessories, gifts, jewellery and more, writes Graham Walker.

The opening of Art & Soul, alongside the arrival of Shawarma Kingdom, a new Lebanese restaurant, and more food and beverage offers on the way, underscores what Queens Arcade has become, an iconic Victorian retail and eateries landmark reimagined for today.

Fresh from a comprehensive refurbishment and rebrand, the Grade II listed Victorian Arcade has re-established itself as one of the city’s most distinctive retail spaces.

Renowned for its ornate ironwork, soaring glass roof and boutique feel, Queens Arcade connects Briggate with the Victoria Quarter and is stepping confidently into a bold new chapter attracting a mix of independent and established brands.

The Arcade is buzzing with openings, expanding tenants and standout opportunities for incoming operators, already home to a thriving line-up of independents including Aladdin’s Cave Lay Tea, Olive & Rye, Silver Lining, Movemen and Olive & Thai alongside established brands such as Levi’s, Dr. Martens and Hays Travel.

“It’s a powerful signal of the Arcade’s unstoppable momentum” said Cited Property, the commercial agency representing Queens Arcade. “Demand is strong, and there are exceptional opportunities for the right operators.” contact details below and visit cited.co.uk or cnprop.uk.

The arrival of Art & Soul, already celebrated for its award-winning stores in Beverley and Hull, marks another milestone in the Arcades evolution, testament to its continued reputation as a location for culture and independent retail.

Roger Berriman, director at Art & Soul, says their expansion into Queens Arcade marks for them a major commitment to the city’s thriving creative community as the business continues to accept applications from new makers and sell work online at artandsoulhub.co.uk.

“What’s really exciting for me about opening in Leeds is we can offer a platform for 250 independent artists and makers to sell their products to the public,” Roger said.

“This is a fantastic location with a great mix of eateries, boutiques and independent businesses - we’re proud to be part of that and help grow it.”

Shawarma Kingdom, a new Lebanese restaurant, is also celebrating bringing a new dining experience to Queens Arcade Leeds.

Anas Khan, the owner, said: " We are excited to bring authentic Lebanese cuisine to the heart of Leeds, offering traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and a true taste of the Middle East.

"Our restaurant is unique and we believe Leeds diners will really enjoy discovering our flavours and atmosphere."

Queens Arcade’s revival is no accident. The Arcade sits on one of the busiest pedestrian routes in the city centre, linking major destinations such as Harvey Nichols, Briggate, Trinity Leeds and the Victoria Quarter.

With Leeds’ economy projected to grow 21 per cent over the next decade, a £14million LeedsBID investment underway and major redevelopment planned across the Briggate corridor, Queens Arcade is ideally positioned at the heart of a commercial zone primed for major growth.

Rory Gittins, of commercial property agency Cited Property, said more exciting announcements are on the way and with new businesses being invited to join the Arcade’s community.

"We have an exciting food and beverage offer coming. One of the Arcade’s longest standing tenants is also expanding to create an even larger floor space than their existing unit," he said.

"We have a unit suitable for any retail use, another that could attract a small café or grab-and-go food operator. We would also like a reputable nail bar in the Arcade, which this unit might suit. One unit overlooks Briggate with excellent visibility and marketing opportunity on the first floor front of the Arcade, this would suit a health and beauty operator, laser clinic, massage operator or even an office."

LINKS:

Instagram: @queensarcade_leeds

Visit Leeds listing: visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/view-all/queens-arcade/

COMMERCIAL LEASING ENQUIRIES:

Cited Property, sole agents:

Website: cited.co.uk

Rory Gittins, call 07721 127212 or email [email protected] and Josh Gettins , call 07545 846799 or email [email protected].

CN Prop:

Website: cnprop.uk

Phil Coombes, call 07715 678426 or email [email protected]