Leeds

A local man is about to sit in a bath tub in Leeds city centre for over 60 HOURS

"I will be in this BATH TUB and I WILL NOT leave, until we’ve hit our target."

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 5th August 2026

Leeds’ City Square will welcome a crazy stunt this weekend all aid of a fantastic charity. 

If you’re walking through town this weekend, then you may see something a little bit out of the ordinary. In fact, a lot out of the ordinary. 

That’s because, fundraiser Chris Sylvester is on a mission to spread the word and beat the stigma around drug addiction. 

He is the founder of Getting Clean, a fantastic company that make and sell soaps raising funds to support people struggling with addiction and homelessness. 

Images: Getting Clean (Supplied)

This weekend, he has vowed to plonk himself in a bathtub in City Square and not move until he has reached the target of £50,000 from people buying the soap. 

The event will kick off on Friday 7 August and will run to Sunday 9 August, members of the public are encouraged to "free him" by purchasing the lovely bars of soap. 

Reaching the £50,000 sales target will then unlock a £20,000 donation to a recovery support project led by Forward Leeds, so it really is a good cause. 

So, how can you support Chris? You can support the initiative by placing an order online, visiting Chris on City Square this weekend, or buying one of their pay-it-forward ‘First Day’ packs which are designed to help people leaving prison or entering rehabilitation treatment. 

You can buy some soap and help the cause here.

Announcing the stunt to social media, here's what Chris and Getting Clean had to say: "HELP US SELL £50,000 WORTH OF SOAP TO HELP BEAT ADDICTION

"On 7th, 8th and 9th August I will be at Leeds city square. Just outside of Leeds city centre train station, right next to Thors bar. I will be in this BATH TUB and I WILL NOT leave, until we’ve hit our target. 50% of our profits go towards tackling addiction right here in Leeds, but there’s so much work left to do…"

Read more: Leeds has been crowned the UK’s top construction hotspot

Featured image - Getting Clean (Supplied)

Leeds

‘This was built by two girls in their twenties taking their first real risk in life’ – cult Leeds fitness studio announces heartbreaking closure

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A Leeds pilates studio loved by many has suddenly announced its shock closure.

Outskultped is a fitness studio specialising in reformer pilates based in Leeds city centre.

As one of the first in the city to offer the the pilates practice over two years ago, it quickly built a loyal following of those looking to get in on the trend.

Since then, a flurry of studios have opened in the city which unfortunately means Reform by Outskulpted is closing their doors for good.

The team issued a heartbreaking statement to Instagram, which says: "We cannot believe we are writing this.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Reform by Outskulpted. The studio will host the last classes on September 12th 2026.

"We understand that this is probably unexpected and feels like a quick turnaround, this decision has not been made lightly between us and we do wish there was another way. We are so grateful for the 2.5 years that we have had at Reform.

"This was built by two girls in their twenties taking their first real risk in life and watching it blossom into a community of individuals has been nothing shy of incredibly to experience.

"We will always be so proud of ourselves for bringing Reformer Pilates to the community of Leeds and seeing it become such a pivotal part of so many routines."

It continued: "The fitness space and Pilates industry is evolving at a rapid rate and unfortunately we are unable to maintain the same speed.

"We began this journey with a £20,000 loan, self belief and our best friend on our side. We didn't have £100,000s backing us in case it didn't work out. It took hard work, resilience and determination in order to get Reform by Outskulpted to become a recognisable brand in Leeds."

We wish the team all the luck in the future.

Read more: An all-day cafe and bar has just opened in one of Leeds’ most historic buildings – and it’s been packed ever since

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.

We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.

There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.

But first, allow us to tell you all about them...

Misu

Trinity Shopping Centre

Image: The Hoot Leeds

It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.

Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.

Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.

Read more: Miniature tiramisu drawers have landed in Leeds

Shokupan

12-16 Central Road, LS1 6DE

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.

Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.

Read more: A Japanese-inspired cafe serving spam sandos and traditional tonkatsu has opened in Leeds

Moods

98 Kirkgate, LS2 7DJ

Images: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.

Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs. 

Read more: An all-day cafe and bar has just opened in one of Leeds’ most historic buildings – and it’s been packed ever since

Dishoom

68–78 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH

Image: The Hoot Leeds

We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.

Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.

North Star Coffee

59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.

Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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