What an absolute treat, what an utter delight, what a fantastic edition to the greatness that is…read moreHeadingley town. One thing I have longed to see in Headingley was a decent butcher. We've so many fantastic independent little shops and cafés, it seems only right that such essentials as cheap quality meats grace our presence. I understand the convenience of such stolid forces, the likes of Sainsbury's, but I for one have been crying out for a cheaper, more local option for some time. Together, with R. K. Harris and Artisan Baker, the triumvirate of local produce has arrived. And what a force for good these three powerhouses are. I can now purchase my three main food groups (meat, veg and bread) independently, cheaply and within a few minutes of each other - how's that for convenience? And you can't top the banter neither. The last time I visited Headingley Farm Butchers I was delighted to purchase enough casserole beef to feed four, for a mere £3.50. Their chicken breasts are large enough to satisfy the mighty Thor, albeit non-free-range, though when I discussed this the friendly banterous butcher informed me that they are well kept. (Of course, he would be able to say anything but I'm inclined to trust an independent over a supermarket, right?) And once again, I believe I purchased two gargantuan breasticles for about £3 ish. Boom! Go here for meat. That is all.

Ordered a large number of ham hocks about a month ago, for a dinner party I was hosting. I ordered…read morethem way in advance to make sure they had them, I also left them my phone number in case there were any problems. They didn't order them, and they also didn't call me to tell me that there would be a problem. The most I got from them was an apathetic apology, apparently the rewards you get for attempting to support local business instead of going to a supermarket.

Thanks to Runcible's review, I went here yesterday and bought two juicy 10oz sirloins for £11. I'm…read moreclueless when it comes to steaks, so I just asked the moustachio'd chap behind the counter what he'd suggest, and it resulted in the tastiest steak I've ever cooked. Melt in the mouth it was. And that's not because I'm a particularly good cook Cheers for the tip off, shall come here for all my meat requirements from now on!

I implicitly trust my friend Runcible when it comes to businesses like this…read more Amazing meats. I always have to buy a scotch egg or two when I visit. Super friendly and knowledgeable.

Wow this was an absolute delight to go to last weekend, I can't believe I have lived in Leeds all…read morethese years and never been before. I didn't actually believe that anything substantial, let alone good, could take place in the small rose garden outside of the bar, The Arc, in Headingley. It just looked too small. But when I went last weekend it was like the space had magically morphed and increased in size! There were stalls selling organic vegetables, fruit, cheese, local wine, local meat, cakes, bread, Indian food, eggs, even a stall selling plants from a nursery in Pudsey. They had some pots of raspberry stems but I was on my bike so I couldn't get them home. Fortunately, I got their card and might pop along during the week to pick some up as they were a good price and I know they will work on the allotment as they have been grown in Leeds. Besides the market stalls there was a live band! This made it for me as usually at farmers markets you want to linger a bit but once you've made your purchases can't really find a reason to but the band was the perfect Saturday morning entertainment. If you haven't been down you better give it a go!

There's nothing quite so entertaining as watching harassed-looking people stumble out of…read moreSainsbury's with bags bulging with bread, eggs and vegetables while you hop across the road to buy the same goods at cheaper prices and a far higher quality - such is the beauty of Headingley Farmers' Market. With stalls selling tasty organic vegetables, free-range eggs the size of your palm, fresh fish and meat, artisan cheeses and a whole host of seasonal, local treats, this market, held the second Saturday of each month, turns the weekly shop into a day out in its own right. There are always plenty of free samples to taste, and with each purchase helping to support local farmers and keep your food miles low, stuffing your face has never felt so good!

With it coming up to St Patrick's day and having a half Irish boyfriend who likes to celebrate it,…read moreI thought what better way to do it than with a good old beef and Guinness stew? So I toddled off to the Market and found B&J Callard had exactly what I was after. The very nice butcher weighed out 2lbs of braising steak for me and as he was bagging it up, I was rummaging for my purse. Which was not in my bag. Panic set in then and I apologised profusely and said I'd have to leave it for today. Nope. Instead of sending me on my merry way, he handed me the bag of beef and told me to drop the money in another time. I was speechless. I didn't think this happened anymore in this day and age! So after lots of thanking, I dashed off to get a bus home and see if my purse was there - thank goodness it was and after another sprint to get the bus back to town (I had to go to work after this too!), I went and paid the lovely butcher. I will definitely use them again, they went above and beyond to provide their service and I'm so very grateful to them for it.

Away from the competition of Butcher's Row, Crawshaws cuts an independent and confident figure in…read moreLeeds Kirkgate Market. There are currently 17 branches of the Northern chain, located throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside. The Leeds based stall is split into two sections. The fresh meat fridges contain all manner of chicken, pork, lamb, livers and beef cuts; but if you require something different to the pre-packed portions, the staff are helpful in providing it for you. There are large pots of beef and pork stir-fry mixture, all ready to take home and cook. In the fridge area, there is also a number of ready meals, which include meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken kievs and meat grills. Although I prefer making my own when time is of abundance, I think this offers customers a better option to synthetic ready meals from the supermarket. Definitely a useful thing to have squirreled away in the freezer, to rely on during busy times. The array of cold cuts is varied and of good value, in fact Crawshaws meats are all suitable for the budget conscious and savvy shopper. Three packs of fresh meat costs only £5, both supporting the economy of the customer and of the local area. The rotisserie is a convenient and tasty commodity to have locally. Crawshaws stocks gammon, lamb, and whole chickens; accompanied with minted roast potatoes, should your heart (or appetite) desire them. Freshly cooked, hot meat is not something that is massively available in the city centre, and it is often the lunch of choice between my colleagues and I. When three chickens cost £5, it makes a cheap but flavourful meal. There is something communal and sociable about one of us going to collect the meat (hilariously dubbed the Chicken Run), then constructing award-winning hot salads as a group, served with fresh baguettes. I enjoy the meat that Crawshaws provides for our lunches, and consider the local chain to be a gem, shining away within the confines of the market.

Oh, another one. I have to say, that in comparison to the other Crawshaws I have encountered in…read moreBramley, this one is bigger, better and overall, is better presented. Describing itself as 'Yorkshire's Leading Independent Butchers', I refuse to believe that this slogan is really allowed. Both Crawshaws I have encountered are primarily Rotisseries, selling cooked, cured and roasted meats, both hot and cold, then they have a few fridges with prepackaged 'fresh'-ish meat that if I am completely honest, look as though they could very well have been pinched from the local supermarkets bins, though I'm positive they haven't really. Overall, they sell a good variety of meats that come in all varying states, from fresh to roasted, however, with so many fantastic butchers in Kirkgate Market, why you'd come here other than to buy a pre cooked chicken or hunk of pork is beyond me..

Great place always good prices.read more

From the owner: Herbs & Spices Fruit & Vegetables…read moreChilled Foods Frozen Foods Halal Meat Instore Takeaway Instore Post Office (Open Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm Sat 9am -1pm)

A lot of stalls inside and out. If you need something I can guarantee you would find it here!read more

A humongous indoor market that holds hundreds and hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of food and…read moremerchandise. A wide variety of items can be found, although I can't speak for the quality. The website lists the available traders along with a map. The area was bustling with people on a Friday afternoon, but not as crowded compared to some of the other markets that I have visited. We simply did a brief walkthrough that took about half-an-hour. There is a food court too for those looking for a quick bite.

The store is situated in a very large building that looks like a department store towering over the…read morestreet. I suspect it is most frequently visited by restaurant/cafe owners or those with massive families who stock up on huge bags of rice, pulses and other products available in 'bulk buy'. They do, however, sell single portions of things for the lone shopper who enters anyway despite the huge 'cash and carry' exterior, such as myself. I managed to find cans of Coconut milk for only 59p each which is almost half the price of other retailers. My whole basket came to less than a fiver, which would have been more around the £8 - £10 mark in most other shops. They sell vegetables, breads, and meats fresh or frozen. Biscuits, sweet goods, kitchen wear such as baking trays and other handy bits and bobs, and various cosmetics such as bath/shower gel etc. Susan is right about the name being somewhat confusing as it is mainly foods from Asia and Africa and not the common British conception of 'continental food' (deli style West European). If you are after the latter (Italian, French, Spanish etc) you are probably better off going to a deli in town or a chain supermarket.

Great shop on the former Fforde Grene site. Good access and…read moreplenty of parking- even open until 10 most nights! Specialises on pulses/spices/grain/meat/breads/veg and sauces I would associate with West Indian/Pakistani/Asian and possibly even Greek cooking. I'm a regular here to stock up on spices/chick peas and even black peppercorns as they're so cheap! I also frequent the butchery for Mutton or Goat to do in a curry. Prices are fantastic, packages have a variety of sizes to suit your needs and it's like an Aladdin's Cave. Go have a snoop around, I bet they stock something you'll want to buy at a great price!

Brilliant choice and quality...Won't buy from anywhere else now. The meat is always fresh and…read moreprepared to order in front of you.

As many area's in Leeds are inhabited predominantly by Muslim families, there is a large selection…read moreof Halal butchers, restaurants and takeaways. Mahmood's is a small butchers on the edge of Hyde Park, and I have been assured by many people it is one of the best. They sell a wide range of Halal meat at very good prices (much cheaper than chain stores) and are extremely friendly and welcoming. If you are cooking a meal in which halal meat is must, then Mahmoods will have it and it wont cost you much at all.