King Edward House, Leeds

King Edward House, nestled in the heart of Leeds' Victorian Quarter between Vicar Lane and Briggate, is a splendid example of late 19th-century architecture. Constructed during the period from 1898 to 1900 by the renowned architect Frank Matcham for the Leeds Estates Company, this building forms a crucial part of the County Arcade development. It showcases a distinctive aesthetic with its use of pink brick and Burmantofts terracotta, topped by a slate and lead roof, embodying the grandeur of art nouveau above its modern shop fronts along King Edward Street.

Originally designed to house offices, King Edward House also featured prominent ground-floor establishments like the County Cafe and the King Edward Restaurant at the corner of Fish Street. These venues were once the chosen spots for the affluent of Leeds to engage in lunch, casual conversations, and business dealings. The building's facade, marked by gold mosaic wall plaques that depict fish, game, and wine, highlights its historical significance and the opulence of its era.

Today, King Edward House stands as a Grade II listed building, a status that underscores its historical and architectural importance. The building's facade, particularly at the rear, reveals intricate terracotta detailing, making it a highly photogenic site that captures the essence of Victorian architecture at its finest. For anyone visiting Leeds, taking the time to explore King Edward House and the surrounding area offers a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty.