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.

Thankfully the area of Hyde Park and Headingley is blessed with a huge variety of indie shops,…read morecafes and restaurants. Hyde Park Exotic Food Store is one of those local treats. They stock a vast array of your standard fruit and veg - every staple item that you might need for your standard weekly shop - at very good prices. What's most exciting though is the fact that they stock, as you might have guessed from the name, an array of exotic fruits as well. This is particularly good as it can be extremely difficult to get a hold of anything beyond the ordinary in most of the supermarkets near by. Even something that I think of as reasonable common, such as Papaya, can produce listless open mouthed responses from the likes of Sainsburys staff members. A fun game - try purchasing 3 different fruits from here that you've never heard of/ne'er seen before and go home and make a smoothie from them. I haven't yet been disappointed! Although some have certainly been more successful than others.... Excitement in the form of fruit and vegetables. You know it makes sense.

With its rows of glossy mangoes, papayas and melons alongside the more typical bananas and oranges,…read moreHyde Park Exotic Food Store certainly lives up to its name and is the perfect place to stock up on more unusual ingredients. The fruit and vegetable selection is extensive, cheap and fresh, and the tinned and packaged goods inside provide many an entertaining hour puzzling over labels and odd-looking illustrations trying to work out exactly what they contain. If you're feeling peckish, go for the pakoras - they're 3 for a quid and some of the best I've tasted.

I came in here to purchase some jasmine tea and happened to ask about what they might have to…read moreremedy sciatica, as I've been suffering for nearly a year now, and am getting a little fed up with it. I explained I'd been to the doctors and have tried prescription drugs and am soon to receive physio but would like to look at other options. The chap in here was great, really friendly and immediately got his booklet down to show me the info he had. Apparently I can try St. John's Wort, amongst other things, so that was really useful to know. At only £5 roughly per bottle, it seems like that would be a pretty reasonable amount to spend, should physio fail me, so I am seriously considering coming back in the near future! My guess is that if you've an ailment and the traditional routes are failing you, as they are me so far, then absolutely pop in for some advice. I can't speak for the effectiveness of herbal and homeopathic remedies, other than my own experiences, but you'll be getting advice from someone who certainly knows this area well! (I've used homeopathic remedies before and actually, placebo or not, have found them to be successful!) As mentioned previously, this shop also holds all manner of speciality products (tofu, vegan items, wheat free etc) and a number of organic bits as well. Prices on those items are a little bit more than you'd hope to pay, (I almost gasped at the honey price tag, it's true) but I guess that's the premium that is speciality, isn't it? I'm sure, if there's a particular item that relates, this place would have it. For healthy bits this place is great and the staff offer lovely advice, but if you just want some plain free range eggs, at £2+ a go for six this mightn't be the shop!

If your lifestyle is taking it's toll and you are one of the very fit and healthy people in Leeds…read morewith a passion for a healthy welfare, you really need to know about Headingley Natural Food store. Leeds is without a Holland and Barrats, therefore Natural Food Store is a popular alternative. However it's prices reflect it's smaller chain name. In particular Maximusicle and other weight and muscle products (such as protein shakes) to me seem rather pricey with Maxi Muscle products being ten pounds more expensive than what larger brands offer! For a smaller store the selection is huge and the staff will order in any products you are after. The staff also seem to have a huge knowledge of their products. When questioning them on their whey products the bloke that served me really knew his stuff!! Located on North Lane you will have to search for near by parking however is very handy if you live close by and you are within walking distance.

Sometimes even I get bored of being such a materialistic and basis human being. It's times like…read morethese that I feel the need for action. Let's make the world a better place and spread some love people. That's exactly what the Green Action Food Co-Op tries to do. This is a top little find. How refreshing to find a place dedicated to making the world a better place to be in. Run by volunteers, it aims to provide cost price ethical food. Hoorah I say, take a bow. It's a truly fresh vibe kitted in hand written posters and bright funky colours. What you'll get is good quality food and services without the guilt. Without a doubt, try the vegetable boxes and you'll not regret it. Beautifully fresh and pure as the day is young. Sourced locally and organic as well. I think you're onto something. It's not just about the produce either. Pop along and engage in the green action movement through the library, action groups or purely meeting like minded people. It's a total experience and we should be supporting such groups to make sure their existence continues. Viva Le Revolution, Le Green ActionFood Co-Op Revolution.

One of the last bastions of free thinking being put into action (not many Universities seem to…read moreencourage this anymore, tis all about the money L ) the Students Union allows shops like the free-shop and the Green Action Co-op to exist by not charging rent. The Co-op (opening times are variable as it is run by volunteers) allows for reasonably priced health food products to be sold in a not for profit way which keeps the cost of speciality foods like coffee from the Zapatista's, coconut oil, millet and eco detergent at an affordable price. They also offer and organic veg box service which, by buying in bulk to a central area also keeps costs down. If this isn't an excellent thought and service I don't know what is. It allows access to goods that are normally charged at a premium down to an affordable level.

I really don't understand the need for frozen food stores. There is nothing good really that can…read morecome from a food shop that bases it's goods around items that are essentially only useful in times of food rationing. I nipped in here one hungry lunchtime, thinking I might find a half decent something or other in here, only to be rather disappointed. I must admit, I didn't expect the best but I couldn't find anything I wanted to spend money on at all. Towards the back end of the cold lino lined store there was a selection of canned goods, cheap versions of pot noodles (which I can't believe actually exist) and other such long-life preservative filled items. The fridge freezers were stacked with all manner of frozen baddies - pizza, chips, pies and some veg etc. There was also a selection of crisps and other bits akin to that. The lady was friendly enough and still thanked me, despite literally walking in a circle to come out disappointed and heading straight back for the door, so that was nice. I guess it's aimed at students, the quick and easy option, but even in those days I preferred to cook a fresh meal than rely on the likes of Fultons. And this isn't even Fultons. It's 'The Frozen Food Store'. If you catch my drift. Not worth it, in my book. But you may wish to shop here if you really don't want to cook.

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.