You don’t have to look too hard in Leeds to find a quirky events space.
From intimate gig venues to underground bars, the city has a thriving creative scene – but Hyde Park Book Club is the arts hub that has it all.
Living up to its name, the location now has a brand new book shop, in addition to its other facilities.
A book shop dedicated to Yorkshire
First opened almost two years ago, Hyde Park Book Club was already home to a live music and arts event space, a bottle shop and a vegetarian cafe, before its new book shop was unveiled.
“The space will definitely be available to aspiring writers.”
Jack Simpson, Hyde Park Book Club owner and founder
Launched on Sunday 3 December, the Yorkshire-themed shop sells the work of some of the region’s most acclaimed authors, including Alan Bennett, Clare Fisher, James Oddy and June Taylor, and aims to help aspiring local talent showcase their work.
“Our desire is really to support structures that make it easier for people to be creative in the way they wish,” says Jack Simpson, Hyde Park Book Club owner and founder.
“Being an artist is intrinsically linked to the kind of economy you’re part of and, in our tiny way, we want to support creatives in the city.
“We will have a section pushing writing from Yorkshire writers, along with launches for literary works – the space will definitely be available to aspiring writers.”
An eventful two years
Housed in a re-purposed petrol station kiosk, adjoined to a fancy dress shop, Hyde Park Book Club has played an important role in the regeneration of the food and nightlife scenes in the surrounding area.
“Leeds culture is so great right now, so we’re loving watching lots of exciting things develop at ours.”
Jack Simpson, Hyde Park Book Club owner and founder
The Book Club has certainly come a long way since starting life as a small cafe.
“It feels great to be nearing our second birthday, the time has just flown,” says Simpson.
“We’ve been bowled over by the support and interest and, in some sense, we’ve let the city and the area help us find what we are.
“Though we had ideas, we didn’t plan it all out from the start. In that sense, the whole thing has been a crazy journey already.”
The venue has developed organically over the years, transforming into a live music and arts space across two floors, with everything from food and drink, to books and records on offer for visitors to enjoy.
Now almost two years on, the space has expanded, and is home to a new basement and outdoor area, in addition to the book shop.
“The last two years have been amazing, and there have been so many great acts, artists and writers that have come through our doors,” says Simpson.
“Leeds culture is so great right now, so we’re loving watching lots of exciting things develop at ours.
“It’s an amazing time to be in Yorkshire. From Gil Scott-Heron’s band, to loads of young DJs and artists that are now key parts of the cultural scene – it’s been super exciting to be here.”
A champion for the creative arts
The unique venue hosts everything from music festivals, spoken word and open letter readings, to debates, book launches, and art and photography exhibitions, establishing it as a champion for local creatives, no matter their specialism.
“We think writing needs to be more valued in the city.”
Jack Simpson, Hyde Park Book Club owner and founder
“I’m interested in the possibilities of pan arts communities, where less divisions between art forms exist,” explains Simpson.
“Lots of us could’ve gone either way, but chose music, writing, painting or photography, for example, as our art form.
“In that sense, we just wanted somewhere that reflected this idea. There are lots of people doing interesting things in the city, but I think we’re different in our own way.”
A fervent supporter of music and arts, Simpson hopes the newly opened book shop will provide a much needed platform for aspiring writers and help more local talent gain much deserved recognition in the city.
“We all love the music, arts and food stuff we have going on, but we also think writing needs to be more valued in the city,” he says.
“There is such a great scene around Yorkshire writing developing at the moment, so we really want to help showcase and highlight that.”
More from i Leeds:
What to expect from the new night food market coming to Leeds
The lesser-known Leeds museums even most locals won’t have visited
Getting on the property ladder: a first-time buyer’s guide to Leeds