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Leeds
New tap-to-donate smart posters to help those sleeping on the streets in Leeds
To tackle homelessness and change the lives of those living on the streets of Leeds, new smart 'tap to donate' posters have been set up around the city centre.
Multiple 'tap-to-donate' units have being installed in Leeds city centre to raise money for those in need.
Leeds-based fundraising campaign Making Better has launched this week, with the aim of improving the lives of people in need on the streets of Leeds.
As part of the launch, 'tap-to-donate' units are being installed in the city to improve donation accessibility, as well as raising support and awareness for the new campaign.
The units will allow people to make direct donations by simply tapping their card on the machine, just as you would when making a contactless transaction in a store or restaurant.
This is an easy way to raise funds for a range of local charitable organisations operating across the city centre to support vulnerable individuals and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The smart posters have been set up for different charities around the UK. / Image: Tap for Bristol
So far, plans to rollout four donation units have been approved at Leeds Station, Tesco Briggate and Bond Street, and Wilko sites, and all should be installed over the week.
Money raised through the 'tap-to-donate' installations will go towards providing essential everyday items to those living on the streets of Leeds and any assistance they may need.
This will be done by supporting existing local charities working hard every day to tackle homelessness and social disconnection on the streets of the city centre. By connecting resources and enabling people to donate to those in genuine need, the campaign seeks to improve lives, communities and futures.
Tap to donate at four different Leeds locations. / Image: Leeds BID
Making Better comes after the success of 2018’s Big Change Leeds campaign, which saw LeedsBID working with Safer Leeds and Leeds Community Foundation to raise almost £80,000 for people in need.
Karen Butler, Head of Place Management and Delivery at LeedsBID, the campaign organisers, said:
“Rough sleeping, homelessness and street activities are increasing issues in Leeds. Making Better gives those experiencing or at risk of a life on the street the support they need to move towards a better and safer future.
"It also helps manage the challenges these things present to those living, working and visiting the city centre. Providing additional funds to existing charities helps make sure the support goes to those who require it and is tailored to those individuals’ needs.”
Briggate and Bond Street Tescos will host the smart posters. / Image: Raella
Making Better tap to donate units can be found at:
Leeds Train Station: New Station Street, located in the window of the unit adjacent to Pret a Manger
Tesco Bond Street: inside the store, by the Community Board at the end of the tills
Tesco Briggate: located in the window facing Briggate, to the left of the entrance
Wilko, Albion Street: located in the window to the left of the main entrance
To find out more information, including how you can help the Making Better campaign, visit their website.
Feature Image- Leeds BID
Leeds
British Pie Week 2026 – all the best places to find a pie in and around Leeds
Sweet, savoury, filled or plain: pies are a staple in the British diet.
It's the best week of the year...it's British Pie Week, not that we need much of an excuse to celebrate that flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry, but we're taking all the excuses we can this week to embrace all things pie related.
We've rounded up al our favourite spots to grab a pie, as a lunchtime snack or on the go in the city centre - so take your pick, whatever the occasion.
Dave's Pies and Ales
Kirkstall Road, Burley | Open from 5pm
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Dave's Pies and Ales is locally known as the smallest pub in Leeds - and whilst the menu and seating area might be teeny, what it does do, it does well.
Choose from a range of pies and peas with classic ales on tap to choose from inside this micropub 12-11pm every day of the week.
Whitelocks Ale House
Turk's Head Yard, just off Briggate | Kitchen open from 12pm
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelocks is known in Leeds for its Sunday Roasts, warm fire and homely pub ambience- but their pies are the unsung heroes on the menu.
The beef and ale pie is made from Yorkshire Meat Co. beef, a Wetherby-based supplier that brings beef from the likes of Tancred Grange Farm in Richmond to Leeds. This one is served with chunky chips and sautéed seasonal veg, seat by the fireplace optional.
Pieminister
Duncan Street, Leeds city centre | Open from 12pm
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Available as a Sunday roast, bottomless brunch or just a plain old (but beautifully presented) pie and mash, Pieminister is famous for its pies for all the right reasons. On the shelves in your local supermarkets and available as a sit-down scran on Boar Lane, Pieminister is a place where pies are guaranteed to make up the majority of the menu options.
Finer Pleasures
Multiple locations
If you don't know about Josh at Finer Pleasures, then you're seriously missing out. Josh is somewhat of a pie-oneer (sorry), and is the master of creating weird and wonderful pie creations from lasagna pies to gammon, egg and pineapple pork pies.
You can find him over in Crossgates most Wednesdays, but you're best bet is to keep an eye on his socials for the best chance on bagging one of his pies. Trust us, they're like gold dust.
Wilsons Butchers
Austhorpe Road, Cross Gates | Open from 7.30am
Image: Wilsons Butchers
Located in Armley, Morley and Pontfract - Wilsons Pies and Pasties is a small indie chain from Wilsons Butchers and crowned champions of the Yorkshire Small Pork Pie Championships.
At lunch time, the shops offer a true Yorkshire delicacy of pie and mushy pies with optional (but essential) mint sauce. All Wilsons pies and pasties are made using locally sourced produce in Garforth, so these a true Leeds pies, and well worth sampling.
Beloved late night Leeds cocktail bar The Maven announces permanent closure
Clementine Hall
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Sophie Smith -
9th December 2021 
