My Yorkshire: Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-owner of Dowsing & Reynolds

Ally Dowsing-Reynolds is co-owner of Leeds-based Dowsing & Reynolds. Specialising in striking fittings and stylish accents for the home, the company sells design-led interiors accessories.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I grew up in York but have lived in North Leeds for 17 years. I now live in Far Headingley with my husband and business partner James, and our daughter.

What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?

Leeds city centre. That might sound surprising but I think it’s got such a nice vibe to it. It’s compact enough to walk from one end to the other, but big enough to have lots of choice and variety. I love how many new bars and restaurants are opening up and it’s nice to see how much the city that has evolved and changed over the years.

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

There are so many places I haven’t explored properly. I like to visit places like Bolton Abbey, anywhere that has a bit of history and an old ruin! As our daughter gets older and can appreciate the history I’d love to cross more abbeys and historical sites off my list.

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

Our first meal at Man Behind the Curtain when it first opened. We’ve eaten at Michael O’Hare’s restaurants plenty of times before, but this was a really special experience and the fact that he opened up in Leeds is fantastic for the city’s food scene. It’s great to see him doing really well and this has reminded me I need to book in again.

What is your most Yorkshire trait?

Saying ‘no’ in a Yorkshire accent! The elongated ‘no’ just comes out sometimes, I can’t help it!

Favourite piece of trivia about the region?

The ready-to-wear fashion trade originated in Leeds when John Barron opened a wholesale clothing factory in 1856. My granddad was a director at the Kirkstall headquarters of John Collier, so I love how that side of accessible fashion came out of Leeds.

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

Patrick Stewart – I’m a bit of a Trekkie at heart!

Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?

How long it takes to get to the East Yorkshire coast from Leeds. I would love to be able to get to Whitby faster.

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

I would steal Northumberland’s coast. Their windswept beaches are so beautifully untouched and hard to beat.

What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?

I’m not sure we’re a county that does overrated! We’re pretty down to earth in Yorkshire so it’s difficult to say what others might perceive as overrated… in my opinion, there isn’t really anything. It’s a wonderful county to feel part of.