Kirkgate Market Tour with Workers Lunchtime
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Kirkgate Market is a Victorian gem of architecture in the metropolis of Yorkshire, Leeds. When it first opened in 1857 it was the largest indoor market in Europe. It started the retail ascent of household names such as Marks and Spencer and became the home of Jamie Oliver’s ministry of food. You can explore this wonderful building full of stories and characters during your lunch break with early afternoon tours led by Workers Lunchtime.
Whether you’re looking to learn a bit more about the local history or just looking to explore alternative lunch options, a lunchtime tour is a great way to shake up your week, meet new people and break away from the everyday workplace monotony.
The tour typically lasts around an hour and explores the different buildings that make up the market. You’ll journey through the grandeur and ornate architecture of the 1904 hall towards the later 20th Century additions as well as the market’s most recent addition, the new food hall and events space. This hub of community regularly hosts live music as well as being one of the best smelling rooms in the city.
As Leeds’ rapidly expanding city centre has developed, Kirkgate Market has anchored itself as a vital hub of cultural and retail opportunity. The event space regularly hosts live music and the stalls vary from businesses that are centuries old through to startups that are still in their first year of business.
Tours do include bumpy surfaces, steps and heights, and so Workers Lunchtime encourage you to let your guide know if any of those cause a problem, as tours can be adjusted to suit attendees.
As well as the organised tours for the public Workers Lunchtime run private tours for families, community groups and workplaces. Get in touch via their website for further details.
