York Designer Outlet McDonald's Indoor York…read more The York Designer Outlet is a large outlet mall, it's operated by McArthurGlen which is a familiar brand across Europe. It's set a couple of miles out of York City centre, it's served by multiple buses including the 415 Sapphire although on this occasion I travelled via car. The mall is fully indoors, it is over two floors with the upper level mainly consisting of places to eat including McDonald's, Five Guys, Wagamama and Pizza Express. For coffee, there is a Starbucks downstairs and a Pret upstairs, amongst a few other options. There is a good number of stores here, and few empty units. Brands with stores here include Adidas, Hugo Boss, Levi's, Nike, Marks and Spencer, Puma, Superdry, The Body Shop, UGG and others. The brands in question mainly sell out-of-season/fashion gear, I did find the prices still to be a little expensive for what should be an Outlet. I did find it a little confusing to get around the mall, especially with multiple entrances and exits, the construction of the mall is designed to force you to walk all the way around, and getting from one entrance or store to another looked so much easier on the map than it was in principle. I notice this has also been mentioned in other reviews, even going back 10 years, so it seems they haven't bothered to do anything to improve the experience in a while. There weren't any employees for the centre dotted around to ask for help either which made things worse. Good selection of brands to shop and dine at, although dining options here is predominantly fast food and coffee.

Excellent shopping experience- I would recommend it wholeheartedly- I visit (usually) once a week.read more

I stumbled across Pop Boutique after visiting the haberdashery right next to it. I was surprised to…read moresay the least. Cute little woollen skirts and check shirts seemed to be the running trend. Along with lots of lurex and sparkles! A lot of the clothes here are recycled, hence their motto - recyclable fashion! The fitting rooms are plastered with cool band photos and pin ups advertising burlesque evenings. I bought a shirt and a skirt from here and can't wait to wear them. Different and affordable with lovely, polite staff. 5 stars from me!

Pop Boutique is one of that strange breed of shop that seems to market itself as a 'vintage' yet…read morestocks entirely new clothing, cut from new textiles in designs vaguely inspired by vintage clothing. There are a few genuine vintage finds in here, but they seem to be getting fewer and farther between as the stock leans more and more towards the new. Put aside any qualms over the label 'vintage', however, and you'll find that Pop Boutique is a fine addition to the pile of central Leeds clothes shops, and while its cute tea dresses and floral skirts may not be originals from the 1950s they're still different - and cheaper - than anything you might find on the high street.

Swish, Damn Swish - no, not a famous line from a swashbuckling James Bond rip off, this arcade is…read moreincredible. A whole Victorian street in the shopping heart of Leeds enclosed by a wonderfully modern glass covering. OK, so the shops are all designer, the ones everyone loves to look in, sometimes go in to have a look at just how much some people are prepared to pay for t-shirt....but boy the designers have designed a perfect place for designers to come sell their designer bits 'n bobs. little bubbling fountains, coffee and bagel huts for that quick pit stop and belly filler. I sat in here for about an hour, just sipping my cheap filter coffee and commoner's bacon and egg bagel getting a good view of how the other half live. I didn't mind, I was content, in such a place I find it hard to believe anyone could feel otherwise.

The Victoria Quarter is the Leeds hotspot for chic shopping. I'm sure it would object to being…read moredescribed as such but that's tough, cos it's be that's writing it so ner. In all seriousness, The Victoria Quarter is the opulent home to some of the more high end brands of the Leeds shopping arena, and with it comes certain prestige in being housed here. The little independent stores like the French Revolution and Rose & Co gain a little kudos in being located here, as that is the effect the Victoria Quarter has on a business here. It is really rather easy to get lost in the annals of the walkways, be it through gawping at all the lovely shopping enticements, or be it from the identical high vaulted ceilings and archways criss crossing across one another, identical fountains, and sympathetic shop signage so that it doesn't interfer with the original features and feel of the Victorian decor. Depending on which entrance you take you will find fountains tinkling delicately, or small tables with coffee service, or even a small but assuredly delicious pattisserie. Benches are also dotted around and if you take the time to perch, and knock your head back you'll see the bizarre yet beautiful glass decoration. A worthy attraction all on it's own.

It used to be PDSA, I think, and it was a vintage charity shop before, but the guys at Sue Ryder…read morehave done an incredible job of making this charity shop a consistently excellent source of vintage goods. When ever I'm in Headingley I pop in, no matter what schedule I'm on, as there's always a quick, amazing bargain to be had. I love their window displays -- they always catch my eye, and more than once I've bought something from the mannequin. If you're in any way a fan of vintage clothing, this place has to be on your list of spots to have a browse. As well as great threads (often with really ace old school labels or handmade items) they have some really great antique bric a brac -- leather handbags, scarves, ornaments, crockery, records, sewing machines, and all sorts. The staff are always lovely too! If you're about town, pop in and have a rummage. It's a feel-good buy all round!

What a lovely charity shop! My Mum and I had gone for a wander in Meanwood on our return to Leeds…read moreand we nipped in here, drawn in by the delights in the window. They had a number of gorgeous tea sets, bowls and other things in the window so we nipped in for a proper rummage. I managed to pick up a huge coffee pot set for five pounds and a large fruit bowl for three pounds, all specially wrapped up by the lovely staff. It has to be said they were particularly helpful and friendly, which is wonderful given that I'm assuming they're volunteers. The shop was abuzz with folks looking for a bargain, and whilst the majority of the space is taken up with clothing, there's plenty of ornamentals, kitchen ware, games, and other oddments to pick up. If you've the patience to rummage through you're sure to find a fab new frock, pair of trousers, tea set and much more. A delightful find and I shall be back soon!

This is an absolute gem among Leeds' charity shops. A quick glance in the window revealed an…read moreamazing display of vintage china ornaments, crockery and trays with some very unusual and charming pieces. Darting straight in I wasn't disappointed as there was many an OTT vintage hat displayed high on the walls and a determined search through the rails and shelves yielded yet more bargainous finds. The Community Shop does have many average charity shop items, but within them you're guaranteed to find some lovely bits and bobs - a treat for any junk shop enthusiast!

This is my favourite charity shop in Headingley. I usually nip in to most of them if I'm walking…read morethrough and have a spare hour, but this one I will always check out. On first glance you could think it's a dead loss - inside there's not always a lot to see. But once you delve a little deeper the substance becomes apparent. For a start, their window displays are second to none for creativity. They always have wonderful sign writing on the glass, and change the visual management of the window area every week to something new, exciting and themed. It is always themed, halloween, christmas and even more specific things like harvest or autumn. They also have offers on, which in some ways is almost ridiculous since when it comes to charity people shouldn't squibble over a few pounds. Nevertheless often when I go in I notice they have the "All clothes £1" sign up - and I can tell you, when you rumage to find a MaxMara jumper for a quid, you are going to be pleased as punch. Finally, I think that this shop gives everything a nice personal touch. I went in once looking for beads to make some jewellery and found a bag of broken necklaces. I told the lady how useful it was and she said that she would tell the other volunteers and that it would be a regular thing - if the necklaces went unsold for an amount of time, they'd be broken up and put into a bargain bag that I should look for on a regular basis. How kind! And sure enough, they are still doing it. Of course, now I've given away my supply source, but hey. They are so awesome it was worth talking about it.

Until recently I'm ashamed to say I didn't even realize The Martin House Shop was a charity shop!…read moreAll the products in the window look so squeaky clean and brand new that a quick glance when walking past led me to believe it was some sort of gift shop. This shows the effort the staff put into the window displays - they take pride in their stock. The Martin House Shop is a great little charity shop with some interesting finds to be found! They have some unusual pieces of crockery and home ware and a large selection of picture frames of different sizes and styles. For anyone with babies soon to be appearing in their lives there's a whole rail of delightful hand-knitted baby jumpers and cardigans, each one unique! And much cheaper than a similar item on the high street (which would actually be pretty difficult to come by!). And in case you felt like making your own they sell loads of wool as well as various balls of cotton and craft materials. The Martin House Shop seems to sell all the usual charity shop items but with a bit of added character. They had a few vintage items in the clothing section and most of their stock seems just that bit more unusual than your standard charity shop. I think I'd agree with Rowena - Martin House is my favourite Headingley charity shop!

I was looking for souvenirs for my kids and asked around the clerk at John Lewis recommended it. It…read moreclosed at 6 pm, so I had to return the following day to check it out. The name outside this oval shape some building is called Corn Exchange Shops. It houses a collection of speciality boutique stores. It claimed that the merchandises were exclusively from local independent makers, artists and designers of Yorkshire. The basement level has a few ping pong tables set up for recreational players. I did pick a few unique items from the shop called Natural & Nice. It has two camera stores that sell old SLR cameras that used films. It is pretty cool place to hang out and do window shopping.

Ahh yes another one, if Pound World wasn't enough for you then there's Poundland! Woohoo! More…read morenon-pound busting budget basket fillers for your delectation. There are lots of various household items in here to be had, from de-icer for the car in those winter months, which seem to get longer and longer with each year. Really they do don't they?! Now Poundland is currently stocking a selection of character Easter Eggs, retailing at £1 each or £3 for four, with a variety of characters to choose from, be it The Simpsons, High School Musical or Peppa Pig, if they get a Glee one I am totally there! There are plenty of other branded home items to be had in here too, from body lotions and toothpaste, face wash, shampoo and conditioners, handwash, soap, baby food, baby juice, cold and flu remedies, seriously Beechams All in One £1, Boots, £4, Bargain! Pop, crisps, chocolate, stationary, colouring books, random car stuff and garden things that I need nor understand, but it's there.

Pound shops are always a winner. This one has all the usual stuff - deodorants, candles, kids toys,…read moretravel accessories etc etc. Typically it's a bit of a mess and the staff really don't want to be there, but you can't argue with the prices. Obviously not everything is good value, but if you spend some time you can really find some bargains. Often you'll find brand names at half the price. Definitely worth calling in if you're shopping in this area.