"We're going on a bear hunt, we're going to catch a big one" - ring any bells?
The Leeds Bear Hunt has officially begins on Saturday 1 July 2023.
The much loved children storybook We're Going On A Bear Hunt is being brought to life across the city this month - and it's all for a great cause.
Raising money for Leeds Hospitals Charity, Leeds Bear Hunt is a trail around the city over the next ten weeks that'll have you seeking out giant bear sculptures.
Image: Leeds Bear Hunt
The idea is that you download the app on your phone, and use the interactive map to find the location of each bear.
From there, each bear has a four digit code that you can input on the app so you can track all the bears you've spotted.
There's 35 different bears, and 48 bear cubs, to find in total, but you have got a full ten weeks to find them all.
We're not going to tell you exactly where they all (because that would be cheating) but let's just say there's plenty to find in familiar spots like the Victoria Quarter, spanning all the way up to the Merrion Centre and even further down the city centre to Leeds Dock.
At the end of the trail, the bears will be auctioned off on 28 September 2023 to continue fundraising efforts for Leeds Hospitals Charity.
One of the most exciting bears we've come across so far is Frankie, the Leeds Rhinos bear.
The bear says: "As SOYO becomes the heart of Leeds' cultural quarter, we continue to be inspired by the work Leeds Hospitals Charity does for the local community and for those living with Motor Neurone Disease. We couldn't be prouder to be involved in this initiative whilst raising the flag for our very own Team Rhinos."
Leeds Bear Hunt says "Leeds Bear Hunt will show off the very best creative talent from local, regional and national artists. Money raised through the event will enable Leeds Hospitals Charity support Leeds Children’s Hospital to give the best possible care to very ill babies and children."
To find out everything you need to know about the bears, head over to the Leeds Bear Hunt website.
Feature Image - Leeds Bear Hunt
Things To Do
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
30th June 2023 
