A 90's themed Cockapoo Café that found fame on Dragon's Den is coming to Leeds' Revolucion de Cuba in March.
Pop+Bark is a unique and innovative company which recently featured on BBC's Dragon's Den.
Founders Anushka Fernando and James Morgan caught the attention of businessmen Steven Bartlett and Toukar Suleman on last week's episode of the programme.
Both offered investment to the pair and although negotiations fizzled out, their idea was still given a big dragon seal of approval.
Image: Pop+Bark
Pop+Bark are the masterminds behind popular Dachshund Cafes which have been held in Leeds since 2019.
But now the company are kicking it up a notch and hosting a Cockapoo Cafe for the very first time.
On Sunday 5 March 2023, those looking to party with the pooches can head down to Revolucion de Cuba for an afternoon of fun for both you and your furry friends.
This year's theme is the 90's, with a fitting soundtrack and of course a 90's dress code very much encouraged.
Image: Pop+Bark
Expect doggy-sized furniture, a pop-up doggy boutique and the world's first 'Puppucino Bar'. There will also be plenty of delicious food and drink for humans to enjoy throughout the event, of course.
The cafe is open to anyone, whether you have a Cockapoo by your side or not.
Pop+Bark said: "Cockapoo Cafe is a safe, off-lead experience where cockapoos can roam, explore and play with other cockapoos. Just like birds of a feather flock together, dogs absolutely LOVE being with their fellow-kind.
Image: Pop+Bark
"Imagine being at a party where everyone has the same personality and social quirks - it's a recipe for the happiest party ever! With heaps of cute 90s photo opportunities, doggy-sized furniture and props, they'll love posing up a storm - in exchange for a treat, of course."
And it's not just Cockapoos who get to party at Revolucion de Cuba, the entire day is set out into specific time slots for other brilliant breeds such as Dachshunds, Frenchies and Pugs.
To find out more and to book your ticket, take a look at Pop+Bark's website.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Clementine Hall -
23rd January 2023 
