Your Time in Leeds

Visiting Leeds

There are few more suitable homes for the first International Textile and Colour Conference than Leeds, a city region with a rich heritage of textile excellence, built on a history of textile processing, international cloth markets, and some of the very first large-scale woollen manufacturing and flax spinning facilities in the UK.

As such, it is with great pleasure that the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) and the School of Design at the University of Leeds host this conference, which has a sharp focus on innovation to support systemic change for the global industry.

During the First World War, names like John Barron, William Blackburn, Joseph Hepworth, and Henry Price made Leeds a world centre for trade, employing over 30,000 people in the industry.

In more recent decades, as the market changed and the need for mass production reduced, Leeds found a niche in fine tailoring and bespoke suits, and the region still has a high pedigree of mills that supply the likes of Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Paul Smith and Alexander McQueen.

The region continues to build on its industrial legacy, making use of ever-evolving technologies and cementing its place as a hub of textile innovation and research excellence.

We are thrilled to have partnered with Visit Leeds, who have put together this comprehensive city guide that details the best ways to navigate, dine and spend time in the city.

Local Cuisine

Leeds' diverse demographic is represented in the range of culinary options available, with restaurants catering to a variety of international cuisines. The below options have been noted as some of the finest examples of the Leeds culinary scene - booking is advised to avoid disappointment during your stay.

Sous Le Nez

This French-style bistro was established in a city centre basement in March 1991 by restaurateur Robert Chamberlain and executive chef Andrew Carter, who remain in charge of this establishment more than 30 years later. A three-times winner of the Best Restaurant in Leeds award at the Yorkshire Evening Post's Oliver Awards, it quickly became one of the premier destinations for the Leeds business community.

Craig Rogan at The Collective

The Collective Inc, a unique interior design store, bar and restaurant concept by Executive Head chef Craig Rogan, is situated on 34 Boar Lane in the centre of Leeds. The venue provides high-quality, modern cuisine, while also offering a curated selection of luxury furnishings and tableware.

San Carlo

San Carlo is a classic Italian restaurant that prioritises a contemporary aesthetic, with a focus on providing the highest quality ingredients and service. The restaurant features a hand-carved stone bar and 140-seat dining room.

Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie

The Fourth Floor Brasserie offers a city-center dining experience blending award-winning design and cuisine. With a breathtaking rooftop view, luxurious décor featuring metallic finishes, and statement lighting, it's easy to see why the venue has a reputation for luxury.

A City of Culture

Leeds Museum and Galleries

The Leeds dress and textiles collection details the history of textiles used in clothing, furnishing and in industrial applications. Notably, The dress collection is predominantly British and consists of clothes and accessories for men, women and children, mainly dating from the 18th century onwards. Many of the items have been worn, bought or made in Leeds and the surrounding Yorkshire region.

Leeds City Museum

Leeds City Museum, originally established in 1819, reopened in 2008 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is housed in the former Mechanics' Institute built by Cuthbert Brodrick, in Cookridge Street. It is one of nine sites in the Leeds Museums & Galleries group. While exhibits vary, they are mainly made up of exhibits from Leeds' history.

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills

The Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills is a museum of industrial heritage located in Armley, near Leeds; the museum includes collections of textile machinery, railway equipment and heavy engineering within a  Grade II* listed former mill building.