I went to Leeds Christmas Market for the first time - it was perfect apart from one major issue
After being disappointed by my first experience of York's a Christmas market, I decided I should give the offering at Leeds a try - and I am so pleased I did, although there was one vital issue that needs addressing for next year.
Situated right outside the train station with big signs saying pointing to the 'hundreds' of stalls of the Christmas Market around the huge Christmas tree with sparkling lights, I was instantly impressed. Unlike York, the market was easy to find and all in one place.
I was hooked from the very second I walked out of the station and felt my festive excitement levels rise. Walking down the 'street' of traditional wooden stalls to find the perfect gifts for friends and family, I felt like I was in a Hallmark Christmas film.
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My magical experience was enhanced even more by the Christmas music booming all around me and the enticing smells of the different food on offer swirling in the winter air. It was everything I wanted and more from a Christmas Market.
There was so much to look at, which made it hard not to buy everything. As I have learned from my previous experience at York, it is quite expensive buying things from Christmas markets. However, this did not stop me from buying some Turkish Delights, a gingerbread candle and some fudge.
After spending what seemed like eternity walking and exploring, I was starving and decided to try some of the food on offer. My first order was a Yorkshire Pudding wrap. You can choose from beef, turkey or chicken with sauces, gravy and veg. I opted for turkey with everything but stuffing and cranberry sauce.
After watching the traders put my meal together, I could not wait to taste it as it smelled delicious and how could it go wrong? Well, I wish I knew, as it did.
After paying £15, I added some pigs in blankets on top. My first bite was revolting and I struggled to breathe as the Yorkshire Pudding was powdery which made my mouth dry. I quickly had to go to another stall for a bottle of water before continuing further in the wrap.
Surely, I thought, the veg and pigs and blankets would be better but it all seemed flavourless - even the gravy. Everything seemed frozen as well and sadly, despite my best efforts to keep eating - I had to throw it away as I thought it was inedible.
Sad and still hungry, I went to try the pancake stall and make up for the experience. Watching it being poured on the hot disc oven top with Nutella spread on top with marshmallows, I was sure this would be better. Sadly, it was not.
The pancake tasted like cardboard and was flavourless. I knew that even I could have made better pancakes. Not even the Nutella and marshmallows could save it, so that was £6 wasted on top of my other food purchase.
Thankfully, it was then time to head to my train, so I waited until I got home for some food.
Even thought the markets seemed perfect at first, I was left disappointed by my trip to Leeds Christmas Markets and foolish for spending so much on food which was then put in the bin immediately.
This won't put me off returning for another year, and I have heard rave reviews on the Yorkshire pudding wraps and pancakes from my colleagues, so it could just be a matter of personal taste. But to make this the truly magical Christmas experience I was after, there needs to be a few more options or improvements made to the food stalls already there to get my vote.
Does it have the edge over York? Quite possibly.
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