This week sees the return of indoor mixing as bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs reopen their doors for the first time in a long time. Museums, art galleries and cafes can also now reopen to the public.
So it seems understandable that some Leeds students are wondering why they can't go to university for in-person learning, but they can go and sit in the pub.
A group of students at Leeds University have started a petition demanding "a complete return to in-person teaching for University of Leeds students."
Students also want to see the current "blended learning approach" - confirmed as policy by the University just this week - be dropped immediately.
The current blended learning approach sees small group learning situations, like seminars, tutorials and practicals, continue face-to-face whilst larger gatherings, such as lectures with over 50 students, will continue to be hosted remotely.
Leeds student protest
The University insists on its website: "your health, safety and wellbeing is our top priority and we will continue to review our plans and implement any changes, in line with government guidance, as quickly as possible."
However, students - such as Will Huddie, who set up the online petition - feel angry and ignored.
He told student paper The Tab that he "felt extremely angry and frustrated at their [the university's] decisions."
"I know LLU is separate from the university but the thing is that if clubs and other mass gatherings are allowed to go ahead, then why not a lecture theatre with 250 people."
So, Will set up an online petition and created an open letter template to help students make their voices heard.
After all, it doesn't make much sense that the Student Union club night Fruity's is back hosting five events in June, but the the University still claims to be unable to hold in-person lectures or exams next year.
Others have pointed out that the decision adversely affects those with learning disabilities and asked why their tuition fees are so high when remote learning is now the norm.
Public Technology
At the time of writing, the petition has gathered over 2,500 signatures.
The Change,org petition reads: "It has come to our attention as students that the University of Leeds plans to continue with a blended teaching approach for the coming academic year 2021/2022.
"It is our opinion that this approach is unacceptable, considering the quality of teaching and assessment that is expected at a university of such a high standard.
"The University should emphatically not be planning for a blended teaching approach, considering the freedoms that will be allowed in other parts of society come the start of the next academic year.
"Instead, the University should, considering the advice of the UK Government and UK Chief Medical Officers, be planning for a return to complete normality in terms of teaching. A blended teaching approach should be a last resort in the event that the UK’s return to normality is delayed.
"Online teaching is in no way a substitute for in-person learning and it is ridiculous that the University would expect us to agree with or even accept their decision on teaching for the next academic year.
"We welcome discussion with the University over this issue, but our aim is clear: Normality must return in all areas of society, and most importantly we demand a complete return to in-person teaching for all students at the University of Leeds."
Feature image - WikiCommons.
Leeds
Leeds pizza shop hailed ‘exceptional’ and ‘best in the UK’ by major reviewer
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
Georgina Pellant -
18th May 2021 
