If you want to try making your own bread for the first time, but not sure if you'll enjoy using a bread maker, or you want to cook a one-off meal: there's no longer a need to go out and buy the appliances to do so.
If you've ever bought yourself a cookbook or mixer with good intentions, only to sit it in your cupboard, you're not alone. At Christmas time, we are especially likely to join the frantic queues and panic buy things we use once, if at all, for the sake of impressions, or just good intentions.
Thanks to the Buy Nowt LS6 lending library, you no longer have to make that expensive one-off purchase.
A selection of items that can be borrowed from the LS6 lending library. / Image: Buy Nowt LS6
Buy Nowt LS6 believe we can all make an environmental difference by borrowing instead of buying.
So the idea is you can share resources, meet people in your local community and borrow stuff with a pay-as-you-feel donation. Not only does this lower carbon emissions but it helps your back pocket too.
Since Buy Nowt LS6 opened just eight weeks ago, they have loaned over 155 items over 16 days in total. This equates to saving over £3000 in the local community and approximately 3 tonnes of carbon.
It's not just foodie items you can borrow either: the lending library has everything from Otley Run costumes to hedge trimmers. There are hundreds of items to choose from, all loaned on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
One happy customer has turned their hand to tidying gardens for winter, another made their own raviloi.
The ravioli maker was borrowed to make a homemade vegan dish. / Image: Buy Nowt LS6
"When Headingley gives you #LibraryofThings, make vegan ravioli! Pasta maker borrowed from @buynowtls6, flour from @leedsrefills, pesto made with homegrown basil. Possibly the fanciest sustainable meal I ever made?!"
To see if you can save a trip to the supermarket or hardware store and 'buy nowt', you can check the inventory online at any time before heading over to the Headingley pick-up spot.
Buy Nowt LS6 is open Friday 4 - 6pm and Saturday 1 - 4 pm at Headingley Methodist Church.
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Clementine Hall
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
Sophie Smith -
3rd September 2023 
