Leeds’ First Ever Immersive Retail and Hospitality Space

In late November, Leeds’ shoppers can enjoy a new café and retail space – The Collective – at 34 Boar Lane. It’s a first for the region, a working showroom where everything is for sale whether that’s the table at which you’re sitting, or more of the lite bites and fresh bakes you’re eating.

Dale Wynter and Ellen Price, Co-directors, were inspired by LA’s creative scene and decided to combine their experience in retail and hospitality to fill the gap in the market. It took a few years to find the right location, ready to launch this concept. Rachael Easton, interior designer, and James Kent, brand specialist, complete the team, also bringing their experience of the sectors.

Ellen Pryce: “We wanted to create a feast for the eyes as well as offering a space where people could re-fuel with some incredible food and drinks. Guests can peruse the art and dreamy décor in a really chilled atmosphere, giving them time to immerse themselves in the great-quality, hand-crafted goods we have for sale.

Yorkshire’s manufacturers and artisans such as Tyson lighting, Stucco & Stucco, Ceramique Internationale Ltd, and Staunton & Hughes provide some of the British craftmanship on sale.

Rachael Easton and James Kent: “We’ve worked really hard to source the amazing British brands we stock at The Collective, who are all experts in their fields of furnishings and tableware. There isn’t anywhere else around where guests can really fall in love with a piece before deciding to take it home with them. We want to champion products made in the UK, especially Yorkshire, and preserve traditional production skills that we risk losing as a nation. We know that our customers will appreciate the craftsmanship put into these bespoke pieces.”

Most of the furniture is made to order and is customisable. Interior design experts will be on-hand to discuss bespoke furniture and finish options with guests, helping them to pick the perfect pieces to suit their home and style. For those wanting a more extensive interior design service, appointments with The Collective’s experienced, award-winning interior designers can be booked. Their years of experience within residential and commercial designing offers customers a truly unique experience, ensuring they get the interior of their dreams.

As for the food, there is a menu for brunch and lunch, as well as all-day bowls, bagels, pastries and salads. Cheese and charcuterie boards are put together from locally sourced produce, ideal for nibblers. Maude Coffe provides its selection and Eden Wines the organic wine and an extensive cocktail choice. Food and drink can also be taken out.

A rather nice twist is the moveable bookcases, revealing corners for small meetings or to tackle email.

Creative workshops and other events are being programmed for the nearly 2,000 square feet of space at these premises, which are directly opposite Leeds train station, and until now, rather unloved.

Dale Wynter: “We’re really excited to be bringing something so unique to the heart of the City. We have put together an incredible team of people who have a wealth of experience within the hospitality and interior design sectors and we are certain people will love what we have created. The location, and building, are the perfect home for The Collective and we look forward to welcoming people to experience a new way to shop and dine.”

Address – 34 Boar Lane, Leeds
Get social – @thecollective_inc
Website -www.collectiveinc.co.uk

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