Grand Arcade and Potts Clock, Leeds
Historic Victorian shopping arcade in Leeds featuring unique boutiques, vibrant eateries, and the famous animated Potts Clock.
The Grand Arcade in Leeds is a historic Victorian shopping arcade built in 1897, featuring Renaissance and British Art Nouveau architectural styles. It houses unique independent boutiques, cafes, and bars, and is renowned for its iconic Potts Clock with animated knights striking the hour. This Grade II listed arcade offers a charming atmosphere blending heritage with vibrant local culture in the heart of Leeds city centre.
A brief summary to Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds
- 7 Merrion St, Leeds, LS1 6PQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Tuesday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Wednesday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Thursday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Friday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Saturday 11:30 am-12:46 am
- Sunday 11:30 am-12:46 am
Local tips
- Visit during weekday afternoons for a relaxed atmosphere and easier access to independent shops and cafes.
- Don’t miss watching the Potts Clock knights strike the hour and the revolving figures bowing.
- Explore the hidden bars and vintage tea rooms for a unique dining and nightlife experience.
- Take time to appreciate the arcade’s architectural details, including the glass ceiling and tiled entrances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Leeds city centre is well served by numerous bus routes stopping near New Briggate and Vicar Lane; travel times from Leeds train station to the Grand Arcade area are typically 5-15 minutes by bus, with frequent services throughout the day. A single bus ticket costs approximately £2.50 GBP.
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Train and Walking
From Leeds train station, the Grand Arcade is a 10-15 minute walk through the city centre via pedestrian-friendly streets. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for all mobility levels.
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Car
Visitors driving to the Grand Arcade can use nearby public car parks such as the Trinity Leeds or Q-Park Leeds, located within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking fees range from £3 to £8 GBP per hour depending on the facility and time of day.
Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Grand Arcade Clock, Leeds
Architectural Heritage and Design
The Grand Arcade was constructed in 1897 by New Briggate Arcade Ltd, designed by architects Smith & Tweedal. It showcases a distinctive blend of Renaissance architecture with British Art Nouveau influences, evident in its elegant glass roof, decorative tiled entrances, and intricate window designs. The arcade originally consisted of two parallel passages connecting New Briggate and Vicar Lane, with one later converted into a cinema and nightclub. Today, the remaining arcade retains its historic charm as a Grade II listed building, preserving its Victorian-era character amidst Leeds’ evolving cityscape.The Iconic Potts Clock
A highlight of the Grand Arcade is the Potts Clock, installed in 1898 by the Leeds firm William Potts & Sons. This elaborate clock features two knights in armor who strike the hour on anvils, accompanied by revolving figures that bow, and a cockerel crowing at the end of each hour. The clock carries the inscription "Time and tide wait for no man," reminding visitors of the passage of time. Although some original animated figures no longer move, the clock remains a captivating mechanical spectacle and a beloved symbol of the arcade’s heritage.A Hub for Independent Retail and Dining
The Grand Arcade is a vibrant hub of independent businesses, hosting a variety of boutiques offering home goods, clothing, and handmade items. Visitors can enjoy unique shopping experiences away from mainstream retail. The arcade also features a selection of cafes, vintage tea rooms, and bars, such as the Domino Club speakeasy and Latin American-inspired Casa Leeds, which contribute to a lively and creative atmosphere. This blend of retail and hospitality creates a welcoming space that celebrates local entrepreneurship and culinary diversity.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
The arcade’s bright interior, enhanced by its glass ceiling and original wooden and tiled details, invites leisurely exploration. The blend of historic architecture with contemporary independent shops and eateries offers a peaceful yet lively ambiance. Visitors often pause to admire the Potts Clock or relax with afternoon tea in nostalgic settings, making the arcade a charming retreat within Leeds city centre. Its location near the Grand Theatre and other cultural landmarks enriches the visitor experience with a sense of connection to the city’s artistic heritage.Historical Anecdotes and Legacy
The Grand Arcade’s history includes fascinating stories such as a trader acquiring valuable paintings from a local church clearance in the early 1900s, and the arcade’s transformation from a dual passageway to a vibrant retail and nightlife destination. The arcade’s resilience and adaptation over more than a century reflect Leeds’ broader urban and cultural evolution. Its preservation as a Grade II listed site ensures that its architectural and mechanical marvels continue to be enjoyed by future generations.Contemporary Cultural Significance
Today, the Grand Arcade stands as a testament to Leeds’ rich Victorian heritage while embracing modern independent businesses and cultural venues. It is a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking a distinctive shopping and dining experience in a historic setting. The arcade’s unique clock and architectural details make it a photogenic and memorable landmark, contributing to Leeds’ identity as a city where history and contemporary creativity coexist harmoniously.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Temple Works
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Chapel Allerton Arts Festival
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Unmissable attractions to see
County Arcade
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City Varieties Music Hall
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Victoria Leeds
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Thornton's Arcade
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Discover Leeds’ oldest covered shopping arcade, a Victorian architectural gem blending history, culture, and unique independent shops under one elegant glass roof.
Queens Arcade
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Ivanhoe Clock Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds.
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Dortmund Square
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A bustling urban square in Leeds city centre, famed for the iconic Barrel Man statue and its cultural link to Dortmund.
The Core
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A vibrant Leeds city centre shopping destination blending retail, dining, and fitness under one roof.
The Merrion Centre
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Leeds' enduring retail landmark blending major brands with independent character.
Leeds Kirkgate Market
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Discover Leeds Kirkgate Market, Europe’s largest indoor market blending historic charm with vibrant global flavors and bustling community spirit.
The Light the Headrow
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Central Arcade
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Leeds Cathedral
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Leeds Corn Exchange
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Jonny's Pitch
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Essential places to dine
Zaap Thai Street Food Leeds
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Experience the vibrant flavors and buzzing atmosphere of Bangkok street food in Leeds’ Grand Arcade at Zaap Thai Street Food.
Casa Leeds
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Experience authentic South American gluten-free tapas and vibrant culture in Leeds’ historic Grand Arcade.
Thai a Roy Dee
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Authentic Thai flavors and generous portions in a casual Leeds setting with a BYOB policy and unbeatable value.
Chef Jono at V&V
0.1 km
Experience innovative Modern British fine dining with seasonal tasting menus crafted by Masterchef finalist Jono Hawthorne in the heart of Leeds.
Ox Club
0.2 km
A vibrant modern British grill in Leeds’ historic mill, famed for smoky wood-fired cooking and bold, locally sourced flavors.
The Swine That Dines
0.2 km
Experience cosy, creative modern British cuisine with a warm welcome in the heart of Leeds city centre.
The Man Behind The Curtain
0.2 km
A bold, artistic fine dining experience in Leeds where culinary innovation meets theatrical presentation and urban edge.
Three's A Crowd | Leeds
0.2 km
Rustic-chic gastropub in Leeds offering creative British dishes, generous portions, and a warm, lively atmosphere with attentive service.
The Ivy Victoria Quarter Leeds
0.2 km
Elegant British brasserie in Leeds’ Victoria Quarter, blending Art Deco glamour with classic and contemporary cuisine for all-day dining.
The Cut & Craft Leeds
0.3 km
Historic charm meets premium steakhouse dining in the heart of Leeds with vibrant atmosphere and craft cocktails.
The Ivy Asia Leeds
0.3 km
Experience luxurious pan-Asian dining and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Leeds’ stylish Victoria Quarter.
Turtle Bay Leeds
0.4 km
Experience bold Caribbean flavours, vibrant cocktails, and lively vibes at Turtle Bay Leeds in the heart of the city centre.
Fleur Restaurant and Bar Leeds
0.4 km
A vibrant fusion of British, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors set in a stunning floral-themed Leeds city centre restaurant.
Miller & Carter Leeds Light
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Savor expertly grilled British steaks in a stylish, welcoming setting at Miller & Carter Leeds Light, a city centre hotspot for steak lovers.
Lost & Found Leeds Club
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Step into Victorian grandeur and modern mixology at Lost & Found Leeds Club, a captivating dining and cocktail destination in the city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grand Arcade
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Discover Leeds’ historic Victorian arcade, a vibrant hub of independent shops, vintage cafes, and iconic clockwork charm.
Cow Vintage
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Explore ethical vintage fashion in Leeds’ historic County House with Cow Vintage’s curated, sustainable collection and spacious shopping experience.
Anthropologie
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Distinctive women’s fashion and homewares in Leeds’ elegant Victoria Gate shopping district.
Open Lifestyle Store
0.3 km
Discover stylish, quality men's fashion in the historic charm of Leeds’ Thornton's Arcade at Open Lifestyle Store.
John Lewis & Partners
0.3 km
Leeds’ largest John Lewis store located in the vibrant Victoria Gate, offering extensive shopping and expert services in a modern, accessible setting.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Scandinavian-inspired fashion in Leeds' most architecturally celebrated shopping destination.
Gems Leeds
0.3 km
Trendy ladies' boutique in Leeds' St Johns Centre, famed for chic sets and coordinated fashion finds in a lively city shopping hub.
The Works
0.3 km
Affordable books, crafts, toys, and stationery in the heart of Leeds’ Merrion Shopping Centre, inspiring creativity for all ages.
Pop Boutique
0.3 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique retro treasures at Pop Boutique, Leeds’ beloved destination for curated vintage style from the 50s to 90s.
Intrigue Fashion
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Discover stylish ladies' clothing and accessories in the heart of Leeds Kirkgate Market at Intrigue Fashion.
Montblanc Boutique Leeds
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Discover timeless elegance and expert craftsmanship at Montblanc Boutique Leeds, your premier destination for luxury watches and accessories.
Blue Rinse
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Leeds’ oldest vintage shop offering curated, sustainable, and iconic retro fashion across multiple floors at 14 Call Lane.
Yellow Sunrise
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Discover Leeds’ vibrant metaphysical shop in Central Arcade, where colorful curiosities and spiritual treasures await every visitor.
Tomorrow Store
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The Allotment Store
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Leeds’ leading boutique for avant-garde designer menswear and exclusive high-end fashion collections.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mean-Eyed Cat Bar Leeds
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MOJO
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Leeds' rock 'n' roll dive bar: killer cocktails, guitar anthems, and late-night grit since '96. Arm yourself for unpretentious Northern Quarter revelry.
Blind Tyger
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Leeds' clandestine cocktail den: prohibition vibes, rare spirits, and inventive mixes in a candlelit hideaway perfect for intimate evenings.
North Bar
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Leeds’ original craft beer pioneer offering an eclectic selection of beers and cocktails in a quirky, cosy setting since 1997.
Headrow House
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Leeds' multi-floor gem in a historic mill: unpasteurized beers, grilled seasonal feasts, rooftop skyline views, and live music beats.
Whitelock's Ale House
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Leeds' oldest ale house since 1715: Grade II*-listed Victorian splendor, real ales from Yorkshire taps, and hearty local grub in a hidden city yard.
The Maven
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Step into The Maven, Leeds’ stylish 1920s speakeasy bar where expert cocktails and lively late-night parties create unforgettable nights.
Jake's Bar & Still Room
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Tiki Hideaway
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Escape to Leeds’ original tiki bar for tropical cocktails, vibrant vibes, and a 1950s Polynesian island party right in the city centre.
Cuckoo
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A colorful, quirky cocktail bar in Leeds city centre with free pizzas, adventurous drinks, and vibrant party vibes until the early hours.
The Alchemist Trinity
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Smokestack
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Roland's Leeds
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Be At One - Greek Street Leeds
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Lost & Found Leeds
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Eclectic cocktails, global cuisine, and vibrant vibes converge at The Lost & Found, a stylish bar and restaurant in Leeds city centre.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
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Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
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Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Key Club
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PRYZM
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Home Nightclub Leeds
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Leeds' £2.5M superclub: VOID sound, pyrotechnic spectacles, multi-room vibes from house anthems to urban grooves—pure festival energy underground.
Wire
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The HiFi Club
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Leeds' underground gem for live music, comedy stardom, and late-night grooves—independent vibes since 2000.
The Space
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Dive into Leeds' basement beats at The Space, where funky house and urban rhythms fuel non-stop dancing till dawn in a sleek underground haven.
ULTRA
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Experience Leeds’ vibrant nightlife at ULTRA, where electrifying beats and dynamic dance floors create unforgettable late-night memories.
SAFARI AFRIQUE
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A compact, high‑energy late‑night club on Assembly Street serving bass‑driven nights and lively weekend crowds.
Popworld - Leeds
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Quadrophenia Night
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Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
The Backroom
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A chic speakeasy-style nightclub in Leeds with handcrafted cocktails, eclectic music, and vibrant weekend nightlife beneath a historic railway bridge.
Baracoa Luxe Bar
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Glamorous Call Lane haven blending luxe cocktails, beer garden chills, and pulsating club nights in Leeds' vibrant heart since 2010.
Arabian Night Lounge
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Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
