The UK's most dog-friendly cities have been revealed, and Leeds has secured a place in the top 10.
Our city can often be found featured on coveted lists across a wide range of categories, tut arguably no title is cuter than this one - that's right, Leeds has been crowned one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK.
Recent research has shown that around 36% of British households are dog owners, and apparently the pet care industry is projected to reach £16.5 billion by 2033.
So credit company, Capital on Tap, has carried out a study to reveal which are the best UK cities for dog owners.
Leeds has been crowned one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK / Credit: Manikuttan (via Pexels) | Rawpixel
The company analysed 30 major UK cities - comparing things like green spaces, dog-friendly venues, the number of pet shops, and more in the process.
Manchester secured the top spot as the UK's most dog-friendly city, thanks to the city being made up of an impressive 34.7% of green space, along with there being 128 pet shops, and 243 pet groomers.
Whether it’s weekend park adventures, or weekday convenience, Manchester was found to 'truly lead the pack' for dog lovers.
But West Yorkshire is also very well-represented on the list.
The UK's Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cites
Manchester
London
Brighton and Hove
Bradford
Swansea
Leeds
Stoke-on-Trent
Edinburgh
Plymouth
Aberdeen
Both Leeds and Bradford can be found in the top 10 - with Bradford at number four and Leeds at number six.
Leeds is made up of 41.9% of green space, just over 6% of venues and businesses are dog-friendly, and there are dozens of pet shops and dog grooming facilites for pet owners to choose from.
On top of these two Yorkshire cities, other major areas making up the top 10 include Brighton and Hove, Swansea, Edinburgh, and of course, London.
Featured Image - The Pup Up Cafe
Leeds
Tom Odell announces huge outdoor Leeds show as part of Sounds of the City
UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell is set to play a huge outdoor Leeds show this summer.
Sounds of the City is making a triumphant return this summer and we couldn't be more excited.
Being added to the already star-studded lineup is Tom Odell, a Chichester-born singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt piano ballads and distinctive tone.
You may also know him from a certain John Lewis advert which made sure there were no dry eyes in the house.
The announcement follows a huge year for Tom Odell, who released his latest album A Wonderful Life and completed a major UK arena tour.
Known for his emotionally charged, piano‑led anthems, Tom Odell first rose to prominence after winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2013 and has since become one of the UK’s most successful contemporary artists, with massive global hits like “Another Love”, which has now surpassed three billion streams on Spotify.
The ‘Another Love’ singer will perform on Saturday 4 July and will be supported by Matt Maltese.
Already announced for Sounds of the City are Dylan Gossett, Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League and The Cribs.
The Millennium Square gigs are always fantastic fun, with previous acts including Blossoms, McFly and Mika bringing huge audiences to the city.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 February at 10am and you can get your tickets here.
Pre-sale starts this Thursday 5 February which you can access by signing up to Millennium Square's mailing list here.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2025 
