An independent matcha stand in Leeds has launched a petition to save the business, after council concerns could result in its closure.
This front garden matcha spot is none other than Sips Matcha, and it's safe to say its become a firm favourite in Leeds, with more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.
Many of us have made the trip to the vibrant green, family-run matcha shed at its Little Woodhouse residential location, and tasting some of Leeds' best matcha while nattering away to Matt and Julia, but this could soon change.
The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' only just celebrated its one year anniversary, but now faces closure in the coming weeks after a retroactive planning application was rejected.
According to Sips Matcha, Leeds City Council has given them 28 days' notice to stop trading and remove the shed.
In this published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons are listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.
This electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, lists spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.
The full statement reads: "The Local Planning Authority considers that the design, scale and position of the wooden shed fails to respect the previously un spoilt character of the host property, resulting in an unacceptable impact on visual amenity and the wider street scene.
"The Local Planning Authority considers that the use of the shed for retail sales in this quiet residential location would result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of local residents due to increased levels of comings-and-goings, demand for parking and antisocial behaviour including increased noise and litter, to the significant detriment of neighbouring amenity."
The matcha maestros have now launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.
Co-owner Julia has published a statement via the petition link where she details: "After being made redundant and at a crossroads in life Matt threw himself into making Sips something special - and it has become exactly that...
"Their concerns are that the shed is in a front garden, and that the business could cause nuisance - litter, traffic and parking issues. In over a year of trading, none of these have been a problem. Leeds City Council asked neighbours on the street for their opinion. Not one negative response.
"We are a registered food business with Leeds City Council, insured and hold our food and hygiene certificates. They have now asked us to stop trading and remove the shed within 28 days."
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thorâs Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if youâre not from Yorkshire, youâre going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds
Emily Sergeant
Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the cityâs interactive gaming scene, as Prison Island prepares to open its first northern venue.
The new multi-activity entertainment venue at the Merrion Centre will make itself at home inside an 11,000 sq ft unit across two floors, with Prison Island being at the heart of the action.
Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving, and unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges that enable them to create a different experience with every visit.
The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences - including interactive darts and interactive golf.
Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations, and will become the conceptâs fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England - joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Prison Island Leeds - which will create 18 jobs once it opens - will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Irelandâs leading attractions.
Suitable for groups of friends and families, as well as celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities, the venue is joining the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarterâs growing leisure and entertainment offer.
Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: "Weâre most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. Weâve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds / Credit: Supplied
"With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, weâre excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they havenât experienced before."
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.
Further information on the opening, including launch plans, will be announced in due course.
Thomas Melia -
7th August 2026 
