Premium footwear retailer French Sole is to open its first store outside of London in the Victoria Quarter in Leeds.

The store is due to open at the end of February in the Hammerson-owned luxury Grade 11 listed arcade. French Sole, which specialises in ballet shoes, will sit next to Space NK and Liz Earle.

The opening forms part of French Sole’s plans to grow its retail operations outside the capital.

Hammerson leasing executive Lucy Phillips said: “It is a real testament to the quality of our retail offer that French Sole has chosen Victoria Quarter for its first store outside of London. French Sole has been instrumental in ensuring the ballet flat is a must have item which can be updated seasonally. With their growing line of merchandise we are confident they will be a popular choice with our consumers.”

French Sole was founded by Jane Winkworth in 1989.