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Leeds Kirkgate Market
One of the largest indoor markets in Europe, Kirkgate is a shopper’s paradise from fresh food, drink and fashion to jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery.
At the heart of the Leeds retail scene since 1857, Leeds Kirkgate Market is home to some of the most characterful traders in the city, with businesses spanning generations and representing a wide range of nationalities.
Eat and drink
If you can think of a cuisine, the chances are you can get it at Leeds Kirkgate Market. From shawarmas to chapatis, crepes to cockles and Yorkshire puds to fine patisserie, you'll find all sorts of good eats in one place. It's hard to leave hungry!
With the new event space and later opening hours on the horizon, the transition from shopping hub to social destination is well underway. Coffee, tea and smoothies have long been a fixture of the market, but now it's beer and wine too.
Shop
Leeds Kirkgate Market has been the city's essential shopping destination for over a century - and that's exactly how it will stay. From food to fashion, homewares and jewellery, there's an incredible range of goodies to keep shopping bags bulging.
View all market traders.
Experience
With the sights, smells and sounds of the market, Leeds Kirkgate Market has always been an experience. However, the new events space has taken this to a whole other level. It means the market can host events of all shapes and sizes, from vintage fashions fairs to food and drink festivals, plays and live music!
M&S Archive Museum
The M&S Archive celebrates the role M&S has played in people's lives since 1884. From puddings to pants, from ready meals to staff welfare - M&S is woven into the fabric of the UK, what will you discover?
Michael Marks opened his first market stall in Leeds in 1884, follow in his footsteps with the M&S Heritage Trail
Did you know that the very first M&S goods were sold in Leeds from a 6ft x 4ft trestle table? Your M&S Heritage Trail guides you through the city to the Marks in Time Exhibition revealing the unique story of Marks & Spencer. Discover how the brand was developed from a humble open-air market stall to one of Britain's most successful retailers! There are now over 21 million visitors to their stores per week!
As you follow the M&S Heritage Trail, don't forget to look around. You'll pass many important buildings which are apart of the story of Leeds! General areas of interest are shown on the leaflet handed out. Bringing together the rich M&S heritage in Leeds, the Trail takes visitors from the Market Stall at Kirkgate Market to our unique exhibition here at the Archive. Visiting key sights such as the site of our first store in Cross Arcade, you’ll explore the history of Leeds from an M&S perspective!
The whole trail will take you about 1.5hrs. The route is slightly uphill but is fully accessible for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. To help you find your way, "Walk It" signs are placed at various locations along the route.