Sonder in Leeds’ Grand Arcade is a unique lifestyle haven that combines ‘Japantro’ aesthetics with café culture. It offers a serene shopping experience, quality coffee, unique homeware, and local art, making it the perfect place to relax and indulge in plant-based treats while surrounded by the historic charm of the arcade.
What is Sonder and what does it offer in Leeds’ Grand Arcade?
Sonder in Leeds’ Grand Arcade is a distinctive lifestyle haven combining ‘Japantro’ aesthetics—Japanese and retro influences—with café culture. It’s a tranquil place for quality coffee, unique homeware, and local art. Visitors can enjoy a serene shopping experience, indulge in plant-based treats, and find a calm workspace amidst the historic arcade’s charm.
The Genesis of Sonder: A Visionary Blend of Design and Comfort
Nestled within the Grand Arcade’s historic charm, a unique establishment named Sonder has recently opened its doors, offering a novel experience in Leeds. Sonder isn’t just an ordinary store; it’s a confluence of lifestyle, homeware, and a coffee haven all in one place. Visitors can immerse themselves in a serene environment, savoring a coffee while engaging in work or leisure reading, all the while surrounded by an exquisite collection of homeware and art celebrating the ‘Japantro’ theme—a distinctive blend of Japanese and retro influences.
The vision behind Sonder comes from Olivia Fayne, a local fine line tattooist known for her creative prowess. Alongside her partner, they have transformed a former beauty salon into a stylishly designed two-floor space that captivates the eye upon entry. Fayne’s passion for interior design shines through the minimalist yet warm aesthetic, with carefully selected neutral colors and ambient lighting setting the tone for a tranquil shopping and relaxation space. “[Sonder] is just an extension of my love for interiors and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Fayne shared, highlighting her dedication to creating an inclusive ambiance for everyday people from all walks of life.
Within Sonder, the delicate fusion of Japanese-inspired elements and mid-century design manifests in an array of unique products that patrons can take home. Among the curated items, shoppers will find exclusive kitchenware such as cups, coasters, and bowls that add a touch of individuality to any home. The lower level of the establishment serves as a showcase for an eclectic mix of local artists and makers, providing a platform for their work and products, perpetually refreshing the store’s collection.
Sonder as a Functional Retreat: More Than Just a Pretty Space
Sonder’s allure extends beyond its visually pleasing interiors. It has been designed with practicality in mind, featuring workspaces equipped with plug sockets, catering to those looking to escape the bustle of daily life and concentrate on personal projects. The layout considers the balance between functionality and comfort, ensuring the space remains a calm retreat. Outdoor seating is available in the picturesque arcade, with a careful approach to maintaining a tranquil setting. Olivia Fayne comments on the customer experience at Sonder, emphasizing the goal to cultivate a regular clientele who genuinely enjoy the space, rather than focusing on a high turnover: “We want to build a regular client base of people who just enjoy the space.”
For those seeking a caffeine fix or a tasty treat, Sonder doesn’t disappoint. The café aspect of the store offers an array of beverages, from classic lattes and cappuccinos to the more adventurous Sonder Signature—a lavish hot chocolate with caramel and toasted marshmallows. Complementing the drink selection, Compassionate Kitchen, a Morley-based mother and daughter duo, supplies Sonder with a range of plant-based, small-batch baked goods. Patrons can indulge in delights such as blueberry and lemon cake, chai blondies, and the particularly addictive Oreo Ball, which Fayne herself confesses to being unable to resist. The coming year promises to expand on these delicious offerings, with the addition of brunch to Sonder’s menu, signaling even more reasons to visit this unique oasis.
An Escape Within the City: Sonder’s Promise of a Laid-back Experience
Sonder’s commitment to providing a sanctuary within the city is clear. It stands as a testament to the desire for spaces where one can take a momentary pause from life’s demands. The serene atmosphere, combined with a carefully crafted selection of goods and delightful edibles, makes Sonder a multifaceted destination. It is not merely a store or a café; it is a place to shop, to take a break, to eat, and to drink. It epitomizes the modern lifestyle store that aims to be a part of the everyday lives of its visitors.
Located at 27-28 Grand Arcade, Merrion Street, Leeds, LS1 6PQ, Sonder welcomes guests from Tuesday to Friday between 8 am to 4 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. This new addition to Leeds’ assortment of unique venues offers an experience that transcends the conventional retail or café visit. In the words of Olivia Fayne, Sonder is about delivering “a really nice laid-back experience, where you can take twenty minutes, half an hour, just to chill out for a moment and take a bit of time to yourself.” Whether to find a perfect gift, beautify one’s living space, or simply enjoy a moment of repose, Sonder beckons to those seeking to embrace the ‘Japantro’ way of life amidst the historic allure of the Grand Arcade.
- Sonder in Leeds’ Grand Arcade combines ‘Japantro’ aesthetics with café culture.
- It offers a serene shopping experience, quality coffee, unique homeware, and local art.
- Sonder is the vision of Olivia Fayne, a local fine line tattooist, and her partner.
- The store features a minimalist yet warm aesthetic with a focus on inclusivity.
- Sonder provides practical workspaces and a variety of beverages and plant-based treats.