19 photos take you back to Leeds in 1989

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 24th Jul 2023, 04:45 BST

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All aboard for this gallery of memories celebrating a year in the life of Leeds at the end of the 1980s.

1989 was the year which saw the launch of mobile libraries travelling into the city’s communities to spread the joy of reading and books to residents. These photos also feature fun, friendship and food with a much-loved bakery and restaurant in focus among the gems celebrating 12 months in the life your Leeds. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 27 photos take you back to Leeds in 1987 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

One of Leeds City Libraries' Mobile Libraries on the circular roadway in the grounds to the rear of the Civic Hall, taken when the mobile was new in 1989. The glass bridge linking the Civic Hall to its Annexe can be seen to the left. The tall building partly visible behind this is Leeds College of Technology.

1. Leeds in 1989

One of Leeds City Libraries' Mobile Libraries on the circular roadway in the grounds to the rear of the Civic Hall, taken when the mobile was new in 1989. The glass bridge linking the Civic Hall to its Annexe can be seen to the left. The tall building partly visible behind this is Leeds College of Technology. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Daily Bread Bakery, a Caribbean baker on Chapeltown Road. It was housed in one of the shop units of the Chapeltown Business Centre and run by Ma and Floyd 'the Man' Parris. All the bread and cakes are freshly baked on the premises and include a British and Caribbean range.

2. Leeds in 1989

The Daily Bread Bakery, a Caribbean baker on Chapeltown Road. It was housed in one of the shop units of the Chapeltown Business Centre and run by Ma and Floyd 'the Man' Parris. All the bread and cakes are freshly baked on the premises and include a British and Caribbean range. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Intime Jewellers on Lands Lane in April 1989. Posters advertise a stock clearance sale with watches at half price. A passageway on the right leads to the back of the shop.

3. Leeds in 1989

Intime Jewellers on Lands Lane in April 1989. Posters advertise a stock clearance sale with watches at half price. A passageway on the right leads to the back of the shop. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The east side of Lands Lane in Apirl 1989. Shops in focus are from left, Peter Jones China, with Reed employment agency above, In time jewellers, Dolcis footwear and Miss Selfridge ladieswear. Offices above the shops are advertised as being to let.

4. Leeds in 1989

The east side of Lands Lane in Apirl 1989. Shops in focus are from left, Peter Jones China, with Reed employment agency above, In time jewellers, Dolcis footwear and Miss Selfridge ladieswear. Offices above the shops are advertised as being to let. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Staff behind the counter of Dr. B's Caribbean restaurant, set up by Doctor Barnado's, the young people's charity. The restaurant was run with funding from Task Force, the Home Office and Leeds City Council. The 36 seater venue provided young people with City and Guilds, Caterbase Hotel and Catering Training Board qualifications over two years, and they were paid YTS training allowances. The restaurant proved very popular for its traditional dishes of Caribbean chicken, steamed fish with cornmeal, stuffed cheese aubergine, served with gunga peas and rice, leaks, plantain and roast potatoes. Pictured in December 1989.

5. Leeds in 1989

Staff behind the counter of Dr. B's Caribbean restaurant, set up by Doctor Barnado's, the young people's charity. The restaurant was run with funding from Task Force, the Home Office and Leeds City Council. The 36 seater venue provided young people with City and Guilds, Caterbase Hotel and Catering Training Board qualifications over two years, and they were paid YTS training allowances. The restaurant proved very popular for its traditional dishes of Caribbean chicken, steamed fish with cornmeal, stuffed cheese aubergine, served with gunga peas and rice, leaks, plantain and roast potatoes. Pictured in December 1989. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Lone pilot Tony Smith, who flew half way around the world in a 50 year old Bucker Jungmann biplane, arrived at Sherburn-in-Elmet in May 1989 not quite the man he was. The 43-year-old touched down two stones lighter after the 12,000 mile journey took him through some of the world's hot spots.

6. Leeds in 1989

Lone pilot Tony Smith, who flew half way around the world in a 50 year old Bucker Jungmann biplane, arrived at Sherburn-in-Elmet in May 1989 not quite the man he was. The 43-year-old touched down two stones lighter after the 12,000 mile journey took him through some of the world's hot spots. Photo: YPN

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