My Yorkshire: Patrick Barrett, Barrett+Barrett Architects

Patrick Barrett is the managing director of Barrett+Barrett Architects in Leeds and Logic Architecture in Middleborough. A chartered architect for 27 years, Patrick has been involved with a huge variety of building projects ranging from factories, car show rooms, offices and retail units to social housing, apartments conversions and new build houses.

What is your favourite place in Yorkshire and why?

Roundhay is my very favourite part of the region. There are many beautiful and stimulating places to visit and escape to but for me Roundhay has it all.

Firstly the park is absolutely gorgeous at any time of year. I particularly love it at the moment when there is so much going on. It’s a fantastic public space that is enjoyed by so many people and it has a fascinating history.

Then there are the tree-lined roads and some very fine houses adjacent to the park and Street Lane’s array of shops, cafes and great places to eat out.

It takes just a few minutes to get to the city centre either by bus or car and similarly just a few minutes to get out into the countryside. What more could you want.

What is still on your “to do” list in the region?

Being an architect I am passionate about buildings and design, and I really want to design a civic building or public space like a museum, gallery or visitor centre somewhere in the region. I don’t mind whether it’s in one of the urban areas or in the countryside, or how big or small. It would be the pinnacle of what has been a fascinating career.

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?

I have had many memorable meals at Salvo’s in Headingley. It’s been my ‘go to’ place for over 20 years and I nearly always have a Pestcatore pizza.

Whether it’s to celebrate a family event or to meet up with pals and businesses acquaintances, the atmosphere and food are always spot on. The Dammone family who run it are very welcoming and know how to look after their customers.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

I’ve been told I’m a bit like a Yorkshire terrier! Once I get the bit between my teeth I’m determined to see things through. It’s a theme that runs through most aspects of my life I think; with my work I battle with town planners constantly and won’t give up, and with my running, despite being injured a lot these last couple of years, I’m determined to keep on trying for that sub 3.15 (better make that sub 3.30) marathon!

Favourite piece of trivia about the region

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park was the first of its kind in the UK. It initially aimed to emulate the temporary outdoor exhibitions that took place in some of the London parks. Being an architect I am drawn to design and art in all forms and visit YSP as often as I can. Every time I go there’s something different to see and be inspired by.

The parkland itself is stunning and whether you like the pieces on display or not you, always learn something, if only about what you do and don’t like.

What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?

This is a difficult one for me because there are so many great things about Yorkshire but if I had to choose it would be between Wensleydale cheese and Lishman’s pork pies. What a delicious combination.

I think the pies would just have the edge though. The crispy crunch of the pastry, the squidge of jelly and peppery heat of the meat is perfect.

What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK county) if you could?

I’d steal the (former) chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein. What a fantastic leader he is for the city, I wish we had that sort of visionary here. He’s been very clever in his approach towards tackling central government and is working hard getting Manchester into back into shape. He’s really getting things done for the city. The deal he struck with the chancellor to regain control of the city’s municipal budgets is exceptional and I hope it’s a big success.

What’s the worst experience, or worst thing about Yorkshire?

The football teams! Oh my goodness what’s a lifelong Leeds supporter to do? We’ve had a miserable run of things for quite some time now and poor old Bradford and Huddersfield aren’t doing much better.

I love sport, all sport and it’s fantastic that we’ve got some of the UK’s – if not world’s – best boxers, cyclists, athletes, tri-athletes and rugby league players here in the region but it would be wonderful if Leeds United could find a bit of form again. My sons can’t understand why I still bother to check out Leeds’ scores.