The Spike Reportwas designed by two students from the University of Leeds and has already received over 160 reports of drink spiking and injectations.
After a reported increase in drink spiking and injections, affecting a disproportionate number of women on nights out, two Leeds students have created an innovative way of measuring reports.
The Spike Report is a community-led spiking database designed "to help keep you and your mates safe" by The Egalitarian, a gender equality publication.
The easy-to-navigate website allows anyone to report their experience of drink spiking and their experience, including the location in which the incident happened, in order to help others make informed choices about where they feel safe.
Writers from The Egalitarian, Elysia O'Neill and Della Claydon, felt it was important for others to know where these drink spiking incidents are taking place so that others can make informed choices.
They noted that there was nothing like this in place and started what they believe to be the first Spike Report in the UK.
"After recent incidents, we realised there was no viewable database on spikings in the UK. You can report an incident to the police, but you can’t view what others have reported."
The database has already received over 160 reports from varying locations in the UK, but largely within the north of England.
Reports are kept anonymous online to protect the identity of those reporting a spiking incident, but names and emails are retained to verify accounts.
Words of solidarity have flooded in online for those that have shared their stories on the platform:
"These break my heart because so many of them end in someone questioning themselves and whether it really happened. We've literally been taught to take responsibility for someone else's actions and shamed into gaslighting ourselves. These kinds of stories are so powerful".
The Spike Report comes after Leeds students made national headlines by organising Girls Night In, a protest against drink spiking and violence on nights out.
As a result of the protest, bars and clubs around Leeds city centre have changed their security policies to increase searches and create a safer environment for everyone.
The Spike Report will continue to track incidents, but they also hope to hold virtual events online in the future.
It is hoped that by giving a voice to those affected by drink spiking, the public will be able to identify if someone has been subjected to this crime and help to prevent incidents from occurring in the future.
To view the anonymous submissions or report a spiking incident, the page can be found on The Egalitarian here.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Jungle are back and have announced a huge Leeds gig for later this year
Daisy Jackson
Modern funk and soul band Jungle are officially heading back to Leeds.
The Mercury Prize-nominated group will be performing at the First Direct Bank Arena this November, following their blistering summer on the festival circuit last year.
They'll be heading to Leeds on Saturday 21 November 2026.
Jungle was formed back in 2013 by producers and friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
While they technically worked as a duo for years (until 2023, when touring member Lydia Kitto became an official member of the band), Jungle are known for their huge live performances.
They always fill stages with musicians and vocalists, for incredible funk n soul live shows.
The bands huge hits include Back on 74, Casio, and Busy Earnin’, from four top-10 albums including 2023’s groundbreaking Volcano.
The upcoming Leeds date forms part of the band’s upcoming world tour, which arrives in the UK in November 2026 following a string of international performances across Europe, North America, and beyond.
Fans can expect a setlist jam packed with standout tracks, including fan favourites such as ‘Volcano’ and ‘Back On 74’ and newer material from their upcoming album ‘Sunshine’, released on 14 August that continues to push the band’s signature sound forward.
With over 3.4 billion streams to their name, Jungle’s Leeds show is set to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026 so we wouldn't mess about if we were you.
Tickets for Jungle in Manchester will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 27 March, with pre-sale from 10am on Thursday 26 March.
Sophie Smith -
8th November 2021 
