Leeds United supporters have been given the top spot this season according to a new Premier League poll.
According to football website 1sports1, Leeds have the 'most passionate fans' out of all the Premier League teams and claim that fans share their loyalty from Elland Road to all corners of the UK and beyond.
The company stated that "Having passionate fans inside the stadium creates an incredible atmosphere that acts as the 12th man for the team. In this article, we have all the 20 clubs ranked according to the most passionate EPL fan bases."
Whilst it was no surprise to us Yorkshire folk that Leeds grabbed the top spot at number one, the top twenty was filled with surprises. The top three were all northern football clubs (with Newcastle in second and Liverpool third) and internationally recognised clubs like Manchester United and City placed a dismal 16th and 17th respectively.
The full list of the most to least passionate clubs is as followed:
Leeds
Newcastle
Liverpool
West Ham
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Crystal Palace
Wolves
Norwich
Southhampton
Chelsea
Leicester
Tottenham
Brighton
Everton
Manchester United
Manchester City
Burnley
Watford
Brentford
To us, it's pretty obvious why Leeds United got first place: you only need to take one look down Elland Road on match day to see the enthusiasm of the fans, but here's why 1sports1 felt our city deserved the title of 'most passionate fans in the Premier Leagues'.
"The lilywhites of West Yorkshire are simply one of the most famous clubs in the country. They’ve experienced great success in the past and have a great fanbase."
"Leeds is the largest English city with only one professional club and even during tough times their fans still come close to filling the 37,000 seat capacity at Elland Road while screaming, “We are Leeds!” Perhaps it’s the fiery northern mentality that is so deeply ingrained into the psyche of every Leeds fan that makes them collectively feel they’re capable of creating an atmosphere that changes score lines. An Elland Road in full voice not only spurs Leeds United on, but it also terrifies the opposition."
The list has caused quite a stir online, with many Leeds fans agreeing with their rightful first place, whilst others were quick to criticise the placement of larger clubs:
"My top three would be Leeds, Newcastle and Villa. All have proper fans, unlike Man Utd, City, and Chelsea who are glory chasing tourists."
Image: Leeds United, Instagram
"What a joke….Anyone who really goes to football matches would know this list is absolute tosh, Probably compiled by someone who watches games on Sky…."
"My top 3 would be Newcastle, Villa and Wolves not one of the big clubs whose grounds are always full of tourists ticking off another ground off their bucket list."
The Good Food Guide has just released its list of the 100 best local restaurants in Britain – and three Leeds spots have made the list.
The latest edition of the Best 100 Local Restaurants list celebrates the very best venues that are loved by their communities.
A team of reviewers and inspectors scour the country to find the best of the best, and this year three restaurants in Leeds have earned themselves a place on the numbered list.
One in particular has been included just three months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield opened in April taking over the old Reliance space on North Street, and it's safe to say they had very big shoes to fill.
But they have done with ease, celebrating Yorkshire produce to a crowd that are overjoyed to see the space being brought back to life.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what the Good Food Guide had to say after awarding The Smithfield with 80th place: "Opening in one of the city’s most hallowed restaurant sites was always going to invite comparison. In its day, the Reliance was a much-loved neighbourhood haunt that became the gateway drug for a generation of Leeds foodies, and a return to its burgundy paint job was a statement of intent from its new owners.
"Head chef James Donovan's CV includes Clerkenwell's Rochelle Canteen, and you don't have to do much dusting to see the Fergus and Margot Henderson's nose-to-tail fingerprints: pig's head, ox heart, hogget, and a meritocratic approach to the menu with produce leading the way – occasionally nudged along by a well-timed dollop of gribiche or a slick of bisque."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Elsewhere on the list, it won't come as a surprise to see that the ever-so-brilliant Bavette has been crowned in 16th place. Described as a "convivial neighbourhood bistro in the northerly suburb of Horsforth" that perfectly exudes a "Franco-Yorkshire alliance".
And lastly for Leeds, the ultra-cool Empire Cafe takes spot 31 where "owners Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton have done a grand job here, rekindling the nostalgia while making the place feel emphatically of the moment, 'high-class yet down-to-earth'."
It's a trio of great wins for Leeds' foodie scene, and you can read the full list here.
England World Cup semi-final to be shown at Leeds’ Millennium Square as giant fanzone announced
Clementine Hall
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
Sophie Smith -
3rd February 2022 
