The front-of-house pays tribute to the innovators who shaped Leeds’ rich history, blending pivotal moments of identity from industrial elements and refined touches that embody Leeds’ pioneering spirit. Designed to celebrate the people and industries that cemented Leeds as a hub of innovation, the reception area evokes a vintage ambience with sepia tones, also nodding subtly to Louis Le Prince’s invention of the world’s first camera, while prestigious colour accents, influenced by the city’s tailoring heritage add a sophisticated flair.
The story of Leeds is particularly prominent in the design of the hotel rooms, with three different design themes that capture elements of the city – boardgames, textiles and film.
The first narrative is inspired by the rise and success of Leeds’ John Waddington who founded the popular board and card game company Waddingtons in the 1920s. Guestrooms have been designed to capture the playful essence of the company’s most iconic board – Monopoly – whilst seamlessly blending with the vibrant spirit of the roaring 20s.
Inspired by the innovative legacy of Burton and Leeds’ history in the textiles industry, the second guestroom design narrative weaves together natural tones of wool with the prestige of bespoke tailoring. Offering a soft, traditional base with playful details subtly interwoven, these guestrooms celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity rooted in the region’s heritage.
The final narrative draws inspiration from the vibrant culture of Leeds, centring the design around its legacy as ‘the city that invented film’, infused with the energy of nightlife and music. The rooms feature playful, hidden details that echo the spirit of the city’s nightlife and invites guests to embark on their own ‘owl trail’ of discovery in the city.
Hotel Indigo Leeds will be opening its doors alongside a brand-new Mediterranean-inspired bar and restaurant – The Banksia. Inspired by the Banksia flower, the name and interiors symbolise rebirth and new beginnings throughout, with its colour palette bringing warm and rich tones aligned with the native wildflower. Tactile material palette, eclectic finishes, standout art pieces and lush greenery will contribute to a uniquely inspired atmosphere, helping to create a relaxed, authentic and stylish experience for hotel guests and local Leeds residents. Taking inspiration from brunch and sharing plates, the restaurant includes all dining concepts to ensure The Banksia has something for everyone, with flavours influenced by the Mediterranean, but made from local Yorkshire ingredients.
Continuing the botanical theme of The Banksia, the meeting rooms for the hotel follow a calmer blue palette, with dark rich timbers and brass accents. These features create a hospitality feel and an atmosphere suitable for events such as celebrations, private dining for The Banksia along with meetings and conferences.
Nina Roberts-James, Associate Director at Franklin Ellis, who were responsible for the interior design, commented: “Throughout the hotel, we’ve woven the essence of Leeds into every detail. From the moment guests step through the door, they’ll experience a space that celebrates the city’s rich heritage, thoughtfully blended with modern, playful touches. Our hope is that the people of Leeds will feel a sense of pride in what we’ve created.”
Simon Grace, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Leeds added “The neighbourhood story informs every decision we make in the hotel and serves as a starting point for the design in all our hotels. In Leeds, we wanted to celebrate the city’s identity and what makes locals proud, highlighting our rich industrial history along with modern nightlife and music. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome guests to experience the city through the eyes of locals and embed them in key pieces of Yorkshire history and culture.”
To book a guestroom at Hotel Indigo Leeds, please visit: https://leeds.hotelindigo.com/.
