But it arguably doesn’t get much better than a title like this as Leeds has now been named one of the best cities in the whole of Europe for 2025, thanks to a new ranking by Resonance Co.
This year, the global placemaking company’s research encompassed 128 cities across Europe with metropolitan area populations of 500,000 or more, and evaluated each of them based on 30 performance indicators and perception metrics derived from surveys of more than 7,500 respondents across 10 European countries.
Images: Al Elmes | Gary Butterfield (Via Unsplash)
Once each of these performance indictors had been evaluated, every city was given its own ‘Place Power Score’ to determine its ranking.
A city’s ‘Place Power Score’ examines three core dimensions – liveability, which takes into account things like housing affordability, healthcare access, green space, air quality, and cycling infrastructure; loveability, which encompasses culture, nightlife, culinary scenes, and more; and prosperity, which includes business environment, talent density, GDP per capita, airport connectivity, and more.
While Manchester may have missed out on both the top 10 and top 20, considering it’s a top 100 list, our city has claimed the respectable 47th spot, beating out mega cities such as Venice, Nice, Athens, and loads more.
In fact, 18 British cities are included in the top 100.
Image: Oliver Sherwin (Via Unsplash)
Explaining why Leeds has been ranked, Resonance Co said in its city description: "Following its ambitious Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, the city has doubled down on long-term investments to match its creative clout. The airport is undergoing a £100- million terminal expansion, with the first phase opening this summer to accommodate rising visitor demand (and improve on its tepid #79 Airport ranking).
"That’s just one of many hospitality developments shaping the skyline. Hyatt is debuting two hotels— Hyatt Place and Hyatt House—at Sovereign Square near the rail station, offering 305 rooms, rooftop dining and extended-stay amenities. Premier Inn’s parent Whitbread is expanding its city footprint with two new hotels, including a 143-room property as part of the Kirkgate redevelopment.
"These moves ride the momentum built during the city’s culture-filled 2023, including concerts, festivals and storytelling, and cement its legacy as a nightlife capital (#24). Leeds’s six universities help sustain its reputation for student-fuelled creativity and economic vitality.
"Roundhay Park remains a massive outdoor draw, and Leeds ranks in our Top 10 for Green Space (and #11 for Air Quality). The city’s skilled workforce and academic engine helped secure its designation as England’s third Investment Zone, expected to generate 2,500 new jobs and unlock £220 million by decade’s end."
Which city took the title of the best city in Europe though? Well unfortunately, we have to give it to the southerners on this one, as London took the top spot.
But at least it’s an impressive win for the UK, if nothing else.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
8th May 2025 
