This interest prompted me to study for a degree in Arabic and French and then a Masters in Algerian Culture in France. I took both courses at Leeds University in the north of England.

I believe that increasingly more people in the Leeds have started to enjoy Arab culture.

Helen outside the Moorish Cafe, Leeds

Over the last five or six years Arab culture has grown to be a really popular thing here.

Previously it had been popular in London and then it spead to other northern cities like Manchester and Sheffield but really Leeds is special in that Arab culture is a lot more prominent - in my opinion.

I think more people are getting hooked on Arab culture because it offers a real alternative to British ... binge drinking culture.

Arab cafe culture especially is all about relaxing and chatting and taking life really easy. If offers a real alternative as well to the stress of work.

Big belly dancing scene

People are interested in many different aspects of Arab culture. Arab cafes play a massive part in the popularity of Arab culture in Leeds but there are also Arabic restaurants and there is quite a big belly dancing scene in Leeds.

Mint tea ceremony

Although I love coming to Arab cafes for a cup of mint tea and some mouth watering food and a puff on a shisha pipe, there is something else available at these cafes that is even more important to me.

It gives me the chance to meet people from the Arab world that now live in Leeds. It also gives people from the Arab world a meeting point.

It really creates a sense of community within the Arab population in Leeds. Also because it's so welcoming it gives people in Leeds a chance to join in with this sense of community.