Long time sweet treat favourites Batch'd will be opening a store in the heart of Leeds this summer.
If you've caught the scent of melting chocolate or the crunch of cookies in Leeds Train Station over the past few months, chances are you've been drooling over Batch'd, the Leeds-born small business championing the city's independent dessert traders.
There's delicious baked goods and artisan desserts aplenty to choose from. Think donuts, brownies, cookies, cookie pies, pastel de natas and ice cream from Leeds-own Doboy donuts, Brown & Blond Brownies, 42nd East Bakehouse, Sweet Tooth Bakery to choose from- and now, there will be a brand new location for foodies to pick up their sweet treats.
Just one year on from their first kiosk opening at White Rose Shopping Centre in 2021, Batch'd will be opening their very own store inside Leeds Trinity Shopping Centre. The business started as a lockdown success after owner David Richmond's airport taxi company was impacted by the pandemic.
Coming together with his colleagues Harry Clavane and Louis Richmond, the team started Batch'd after developing a business that delivered fresh groceries before eventually moving on to the notion of getting a delivering locally-produced cakes, doughnuts and brownies and selling them at a food fair, where they came up with the concept of Batch’d.
Harry Clavane, Managing Director at Batch’d, said: “We’re proud to offer something completely different from the mass-produced baked goods you often see. We do pick-ups from our independent, small-batch bakeries in the north every morning, and deliver them straight to our kiosks and stores to ensure they’re at their freshest.
Image: Supplied (UMPH)
“Opening our first stand-alone store, at the same time as celebrating the 1st anniversary of our first kiosk at the White Rose centre, feels like a momentous milestone and we’re excited to give local artisan bakers a platform in such an iconic location as Trinity Leeds.”
Nick Jones, Assistant Centre Director, at Trinity Leeds, said: “Batch’d is a fantastic example of a local business supporting other independent Leeds-based suppliers and we’re excited to have them on board here at Trinity Leeds, offering the perfect pitstop for anyone with a sweet tooth.”
Whilst the official opening date is yet to be announced, you can bet that the news will keep Loiners heading to Leeds Trinity in anticipation of the new opening.
Feature Image- Supplied
Leeds
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Sophie Smith -
21st July 2022 
