Leeds

Inside Pop Mart Leeds – the viral toy store that has taken the world by storm

Labubu lovers assemble.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 30th January 2026

The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived, Pop Mart has opened on Briggate.

If you were one of the many who were swept up in the viral Labubu craze last year, then you'll know exactly what we're talking about.

But if you're not familiar, then allow us to fill you in.

Pop Mart is a Chinese toy chain famed for its huge collection of designer toys and collectible items, often attracting fans from far and wide who are prepared to queue up outside the doors before opening.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The brand is most famously known for stocking Labubus.

A Labubu is the name of the viral plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to make this worldwide cuddly phenomenon.

They have been flying off the shelves and even creating some controversy, with some shops refusing to stock them due to customers fighting over them in the streets.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The new Leeds store, located in the old Dune site at the top of Briggate, is as joyful and as colourful as you'd expect.

The shelves are stacked to the brim with all the blind boxes you could ever want, but we don't see them sticking around for long as punters were already queueing round the block hours before they opened their doors this morning, 30 January.

With Yorkshire Pop Mart fans now being able to grab their next collectable here in Leeds rather than trekking across the Pennines to Manchester, we've no doubt it's going to go down an absolute storm.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Peter Shipman, Head of Europe and Managing Director at POP MART, said about the opening: "Bringing POP MART to Leeds is more than just opening a new store; it’s a long-awaited thank you to our fans in
Yorkshire, who have long championed our brand and products.

"Our arrival here was only a matter of time! We are thrilled to create a space that sparks joy for both longtime collectors and newcomers alike."

So, which blind box are you going to buy first?

Read more: Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Leeds suburb named one of the UK’s top ‘property hotspots’ for 2026 as house prices soar

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A residential area in Leeds has been highlighted as a UK ‘property hotspot’ based off house price data from 2025.

And it's probably not the place you’d expect either.

There’s no doubt the property market in our region has been booming over the last decade or so, with average house prices seeming to rise year-on-year, and more and more areas becoming sought-after as the places to live time goes on – but now, Rightmove has released its list of the top UK property hotspots for this year based off 2025 data, and a rather surprising Leeds suburb has made their way onto it.

To create its list of hotspots, the UK’s biggest property website compared average house prices across the UK during 2025 to out find the areas where prices they have risen the most, and the areas where prices are increasing more than the national average indicate that the area is a ‘hotspot’.

As well as soaring prices, Rightmove also considers a ‘property hotspot’ to be a place where there is a high demand for homes too.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Seacroft in Leeds claimed ninth place on the top ten list.

The data shows the average house price in Seacroft to be £218,893 with a 9% increase since January 2025.

Taking the top spot is Hawick, in Roxburghshire, that saw average asking prices rise by as much as 18% in 2025, reaching £148,633. Scotland features strongly overall, with three locations appearing in the top 10.

Durham nabbed second place, with average asking prices up 15% year on year to £251,339, whilst Stannington in Sheffield completes the top three, with prices up 12% to £264,078.

Lesley Robinson, branch manager at Manning Stainton Crossgates, adds: “Seacroft has seen notable growth in asking prices over the past year, reflecting a wider trend we’re observing across more affordably priced areas in Leeds.

"Buyers are increasingly drawn to locations that offer strong transport links and easy access to the city centre, and Seacroft fits that profile.”

You can find read the full report here.

Read more: ‘Ugly, run-down’ and ‘untidy’ – Leeds named UK’s tenth best big city

Featured image - Wikimedia Commons

Leeds

Historic family-run Leeds restaurant that’s been open for half a century is forced to close

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.

Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.

Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.

The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.

The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,

"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.

"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.

"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.

"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."

The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.

"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."

Read more: Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism given green light to open in Leeds suburb

Featured image - Salvo's

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