The Light in Leeds is bringing the popular City Beach back to Cookridge Street this summer.
Following its huge success in 2021 and 2022, The City Beach invites anyone and everyone to take part in fun beach activities throughout the summer.
The Light will be transformed into a huge sandpit to make you feel like you're on holiday.
Frisbees, beachballs and bucket and spades will all be on hand for children to enjoy some fun and games in the giant sandpit.
Equally importantly, deck chairs will be provided for parents to relax in as they watch their little ones get stuck in building sandcastles and digging holes.
Image: The Light Leeds
The City Beach this year will also host a series of exciting events named 'Summer Sessions' for families and cocktail lovers alike, throughout the month of August.
The beach will be open until Sunday 3 September, with four free headline events taking place over the next few weeks.
First up on Wednesday 2 August is 'National Play Day' where children can get involved in a whole host of fun activities on the beach without driving to the coast. From glitter pace paint and dance parties to playing with bubbles and foam, this is the perfect way to entertain the little ones during the summer holidays.
'Sax on the Beach' on Saturday 5 August will see live music from local saxophone player Sarah Sax and DJ performers One2manyDjs between 3-7pm, complete with delicious food and drink on offer from The Radisson.
Do you love an Aperol Spritz? Then you'll want to head down to The City Beach on Saturday 19 August for their 'Spritz Session'. Complete with live music and food form 3-6pm, this is going to be a summer evening to remember.
And last but not least, the 'Family Beach Day' on Thursday 24 August will see Leeds Children Charity joining in on the celebrations and bringing with them a variety of beach-themed interactive activities. Including arts, crafts, games and giveaways for everyone to enjoy from 11am-4pm.
Stephanie James, Marketing Manager at The Light commented: “We are thrilled for the City Beach to return to Leeds this summer and are equally excited to offer such an exciting array of activities for all ages!
“With the beach freely accessible right up until the end of the school holidays, parents will be able to keep their children entertained and occupied, whilst being able to enjoy some of the best bits of the seaside, right here in the city.
"We’ll be hosting themed events throughout August to appeal to all audiences and can't wait to introduce live music and cocktails for our adult audience this year at the beach."
To find out more about The City Beach and the Summer Sessions, take a look at their website.
An independent bakery and coffee shop in Leeds has spoken out after a huge chain opened its doors opposite her cafe.
Savannah Roqaa, owner of The Savvy Baker, has said that she's on a mission to overtake the sales of Blank Street, the massive matcha chain that opened just metres away within weeks of her new site.
She said that while her brand is best-known for its baked goods, they also specialise in high-quality matcha - something Sav says wasn't in good supply in Leeds at the time she opened.
And now she's publicly spoken out about her mission to tempt people away from the big chain and into her independent business.
In a video shared online, Sav has been inviting customers leaving Blank Street to swap their matcha for one of hers, free of charge.
She then remakes the white chocolate matcha herself, but using quality Callebaut white chocolate, melting real chocolate into the drink.
The customer in the video says: "You can tell, it's way sweeter and like actually white chocolate tasting. And the matcha is greener, which is better."
Sav from The Savvy Baker has spoken of her mission to overtake Blank StreetMatcha from The Savvy Baker in Leeds
Sav said: "So when we signed the lease on literally the biggest risk ever, which is this huge shop in Leeds city centre, we had absolutely no idea that Blank Street were opening their biggest store in the entire world across the road.
"They are a global brand that is obviously very very popular, and we just wanted to try and at least match their sales."
She said that she's heard Blank Street sells 5,000 drinks every single week and is hoping to increase sales at The Savvy Baker enough to match.
Sav said: "Last week we sold 890 drinks. We've converted one, so that is 4,109 more people to convert...
"But we have a lot more tricks up our sleeve, so follow along to see if we can do it. And we would massively appreciate any support that you can give us."
First look inside Bruncho Leeds, the viral brunch spot serving Yorkshire puddings for breakfast
Daisy Jackson
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last.
Bruncho has opened on The Headrow this week, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre.
Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C.
We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
Bruncho has taken over the old Foley’s site, letting the unit’s huge arched windows and beautiful dark wooden floors do the talking.
The team have added in plenty of plants, seagrass lampshades, and colourful pieces of art to liven the place up.
But it’s really the menu where the colour kicks in with gusto - starting with the raspberry blue matcha made with 100% pure blue spirulina powder.
Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire puddingPistachio and Kinder French toastFresh pastriesBruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds siteThe huge windows at Bruncho LeedsNew York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf
There’s also the pistachio and Kinder French toast, topped with loads of pistachios, fresh berries, and an upside-down ice cream cone.
If you prefer a savoury brunch, their New York-style breakfast rolls served in a croissant bun are worth your attention.
And new for Leeds is Bruncho’s new Turkish eggs offering, served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. Obviously.
As for the counter, you’ll find all manner of creative pastries and bakes, like a Malteser cube pastry and Black Forest cruffin.
Clementine Hall -
31st July 2023 
