Northern Rail says it is looking to recruit as many as 280 drivers and conductors across the north of England this year.
The train operator has launched a massive recruitment drive, and is looking to hire hundreds of new train drivers and conductors.
And do you know what the best bit is? You don’t even need any previous rail experience to apply, reports The Manc.
The operator says it is looking to recruit as many as 280 drivers and conductors across the north of England this year – with the new recruits all set to form part of the team that is responsible for running the over 2,500 services Northern provides to more that 500 stations throughout the region each day.
Image: Northern
Northern says both its driver and conductor roles “require no previous rail experience”, as full training will be provided at Northern’s academies in Leeds and Manchester.
The driver roles – which are based in Carlisle, Darlington, Hull, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Skipton and York – come with a starting salary of £23,000 a year, and eventually rise to an impressive £54,500 once fully qualified.
The conductor roles, meanwhile – which are based in Carlisle, Hull, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Skipton and York, as well as in Doncaster, Harrogate, Huddersfield, and Middlesbrough – have starting salaries of £22,000, which rise to £29,000 once fully qualified.
Image: Northern
Northern says its recruitment drive is “part of a natural replenishment of the workforce” across the region, and comes as a handful of its other team members retire, earn promotion, or move on to the next stage of their career.
The rail operator wants to attract “the best and brightest candidates” from other sectors who haven’t previously considered the rail industry as an option.
“These are fantastic roles for anyone passionate about helping connect people and places across the region,” explained Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern.
Image: Northern
“The rail industry has made great strides in many areas of diversity in recent years, but there is still much to be done, as drivers and conductors represent a huge proportion of our workforce, and if we can attract more people from a wider range of ethnicities and women into these roles, that’ll make a real difference.”
Ms Williams said the rail operator will be recruiting all throughout 2023, and is encouraging hopeful candidates to register for job alerts on the Northern website so they don’t miss out.
You can find out more information and apply for roles here.
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Call Lane bar closes down for good after almost a decade in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
A popular bar and nightlife spot on Call Lane has closed its doors for good this weekend.
Revolución de Cuba - or Revs de Cuba, to most of us - announced the imminent closure of its Leeds bar last week, and went out with a 'final fiesta' on Saturday.
The venue opened on Call Lane, right in the heart of Leeds' nightlife heartland, back in 2015, and remained open after the collapse of Revolution's parent company back in January 2026.
The group's other venue in the city, Revolution at the Electric Press, did close immediately in January.
Revs de Cuba was famed for its Latin-inspired food and cocktails, and its late-night parties that tried to recreate the party atmosphere of Cuba.
The two-storey venue also had live music throughout the week, plus dancers and entertainment at the weekends.
Posting a statement to followers, Revs de Cuba wrote: "We have loved shaking your cocktails and creating unmissable parties and events over the years, but as of today, 15th August 2026, we will sadly be closing our doors in Leeds.
"We want to extend an enormous thank you for joining the Revolucion party and making some unforgettable memories.
"Any guests with bookings will be contacted in due course - Thank you for your patience and understanding. Goodbye and Gracias."
Commenting on their farewell post, one person wrote: "Noooooo! I had the best nights ever at Revs. I have the best memories. This cannot be trueeee."
Another said: "Thanks for so many years of Live Music and Joy."
And someone else posted: "what a place, end of an era."
The existing Revs de Cuba site in Leeds is under the steer of the NEOS Hospitality, who have revealed grand plans for its future...
The Hoot -
19th January 2023 
