Plans for the city to forge a potential new international partnership between Leeds and the city of Kharkiv is being discussed by Leeds City Council.
The two cities, which sit more than 2,0000 apart, could be potentially twinned after a meeting with local councillors in Leeds yesterday.
The new relationship between the two locations would be the latest expression of solidarity from Leeds after the country was invaded by Russia earlier this year in February.
The city of Kharkiv currently shares twin city status with both the French city of Lille and Czech Republic's Brno, two of Leeds’s own twin cities.
Since the outbreak of the war, Kharkiv has faced continuous shelling, with around a third of the city’s 1.4 million residents evacuated from their homes.
Image: Leeds City Council
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The people of Leeds have opened their hearts and homes to the citizens of Ukraine, who have faced unimaginable suffering and upheaval amid the devastating impact of a needless war.
“This new partnership between Kharkiv and Leeds would cement forever the relationship between our two cities, which has remarkably blossomed even in the face of so much suffering.
“It would also stand as a lasting symbol of peace, unity and co-operation for generations to come.”
So far, Leeds has demonstrated compassion by sending goods to those in need, including vans full of donations.
Back in March, The Ukraine Aid Appeal, sponsored by the Leeds Charity Lunch, took two vans over to the country in a week-long trip that saw the likes of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow at the send-off.
In addition to this, the official Leeds Together for Ukraine appeal, which also launched earlier this year, has managed to raise more than £140,000 raised to help refugees forced from their homes, and donations still coming in from locals.
Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekov said: “We are proud to be reaching out across borders and boundaries to foster a new and special relationship with Leeds at this traumatic time for Ukraine.
“Both our cities have a unique heritage and history, which will last far beyond this conflict, and we look forward to sharing, growing and learning together for many decades to come.”
Regardless of the outcome of the meeting, Leeds City Council is still encouraging the city to get involved in the Leeds Together For Ukraine appeal, which was launched by Leeds City Council and administered by Leeds Community Foundation.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
The Hoot -
21st July 2022 
