As well all know, the Yorkshire accent is categorically the best of all northern accents. For anyone who wants to argue, let us point you to this recent study, where the Yorkshire accent was voted the most trustworthy in the UK
However, now new research from the Universities of Portsmouth and Cambridge has suggested that northern accents are at risk and could potentially die out completely within 45 years. Ey up?
Using physics modelling, university researchers mapped out how they thought northern accents will look by 2066 - and the results are rather shocking.
Research showed that much loved northern accents, such as the dry Yorkshire accent, the friendly Geordie and the instantly recognisable Liverpudlian accent, could be replaced by ‘posh’ south eastern pronunciations as soon as 2066.
And that's not all - pronunciation isn't the only thing that's predicted to change.
Some words, it was found, are disappearing across the country altogether - such as 'backend', used to describe autumn in the north, and 'fall' which is used similarly in the south.
That said, it seems that some north-south differences are likely to remain.
For example, 'strut’, (which currently rhymes with ‘foot’ in northern England), is expected to stop rhyming by 2066, whilst it's predicted we'll still be disagreeing on the correct pronounciation of 'bath' across the country for some time.
"In about 1900, almost everybody said "thawing" pronounced "thaw-wing", but the majority of people now pronounce the words "thawing" with an intrusive "r", which means it sounds like "thaw-ring". Our model predicts this change happened over about 25 years," said researcher Dr Burridge.
"We found that the word has changed because it was tricky to pronounce and children are more likely to pick up the easier pronunciation. This then becomes the norm."
"However, it hasn't changed everywhere yet because some major cities like Leeds and Manchester have rejected the change."
As well as comparing data from two prior dialect surveys, namely the Survey of English dialects (SED) and the English dialect app (EDA), SED researchers also interviewed a large number of older people to get a good picture of that generations dialects.
50,000 English speakers were also asked questions via an app regarding their use of language by EDA.
This information was then used to compile the models which have since suggested that northern accents could die out within 45 years.
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Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Government to slash prices of bus travel, cinema tickets and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
29th July 2021 
