Leeds: Part Two

With only a few hours of daylight left I ventured back out into the streets to see what I could find. I had a very simple map that I had printed out, but chose to ignore it for the most part. Landmarks work just as well as a map when you're in a new place anyway.

Walking along the street I saw a break between two buildings and an entrance to the Leeds City Markets. I went in to discover the largest indoor market hall I have yet seen. There were several buildings full of kiosks, selling goods and services of all types: fabrics, foods, mobile phone accessories. Outside there was a large food market. I kept on south towrd BBC West Yorkshire and Quarry Hill. There was a great view of the city from atop a footbridge crossing over one of the A roads.

I found my way back to the Corn Exchange and took the Free City Bus back to The Headrow. I used what little light was remaining to scope out some potential venues to visit for the evening. I had gotten some names from that guide book at the library, but I wanted to locate as many as I could so I had some options. I was really just looking to perhaps catch some good live music and have a pint. The Leeds Metropolitan University Student Union bar typically features some good up-and-coming bands. When I got there I realised that it likely wouldn't be open, as the school break had already commenced. While I was there, however, I discovered a pub between the lanes of traffic that was built from a boat. It was aptly named, The Dry Dock.

After my Tesco Beef Curry dinner back at the hotel, I rested a bit (miles of walking tends to tire a bloke out) before heading out to find some music. It was looking quite fruitless. I wandered around until I came to a place called The Mixing Tin. There was loud live music coming from the building so I decided I'd pay £4 to get in. The club was in the basement. The atmosphere was decent. I got a pint and sat at a table watching the band on stage. Typical formulaic rock. They finished off and the next band got on. Typical formulaic rock from competent musicians. This wasn't the groundbreaking northern sound I was seeking. But, I managed to sit through their whole act, nursing my beer. I headed back to the hotel admidst all of the drunken Leodensian youths.

In the morning I packed up all of my things and headed for the train station. My train was due to arrive in Nottingham at 11:04, which should give me adequate time to get home, unload my bags, and walk to the restaurant in time for my 12:00 shift. I found out where I needed to be and headed for the platform to catch the 9:10 to Plymouth, which would get me to Derby for the 10:41 to Nottingham. As luck would have it, the Plymouth train was about ten minutes late, but that should still leave ten minutes between trains. I got on the last car, which happened to be the quiet car. I found out later that title was only suggested and not enforced. A group of loud girls got on, sat all around and proceeded to talk as loud as they could about the most inane drivel. I got the impression they were still celebrating from the night before. Luckily they were forced out of their seats at Wakefield as the seat next to me had been reserved by a nice little old lady. Of course she talked a lot too, but it was a little more interesting than what I was hearing before. She spoke of how the trains used to be, and about her destination of Torquay, where her son lives. We exchanged chatter until I alighted at Derby, just in time to catch my transfer, which was itself a few minutes late.

I managed to get back to still foggy Nottingham at about 11:15, grabbed a cab and headed for home. I still managed to get to work on time. The shift turned out to be pretty laid back, as the dining-out crowds were dwindling in the days leading up to Christmas. This was the home stretch.

So Leeds was a definite thumbs up. Despite missing out on the Full English and a proper live show, I'd go back in second if given the chance. Of course, there are other cities to see as well.

Cheers.