Drinkers on Headingley's famous Otley Run pub crawl could face on-the-spot fines for anti-social behaviour.
The legendary bar crawl, consisting of up to sixteen pubs from Far Headingley to Leeds City Centre has come under fire in recent months for causing problems, often thought to be alcohol-related.
Local Labour councillor Neil Walshaw commented that the Otley Run is making "Headingley look like Magaluf".
The two mile bar crawl sees hundreds of fancy dress drinkers walking through Headingley each week. / Image: Commons Wikimedia
In a meeting yesterday, the councillor suggested that the fancy dress pub crawl was attracting a different crowd than its original audience, commenting:
"Judging from the hairlines and the waistlines, it’s not undergraduates- it’s Gavin and Gary from accounts who are coming back to relive their glory days of 10 years ago.
“But joking aside, it’s all led to some cases that we’re picking up of on-street harassment of female residents."
“On a Friday and Saturday, Headingley looks like Magaluf at times."
Head of Neighbourhoods at Leeds City Council, Claire Smith announces that the city is leading a "targeted response" to the issues raised and explained that a Public Space Protection Order in the area means that any alcohol-related problems could end with the perpetrators issued a fine.
It appears that a crackdown on the Otley Run is going to increase in importance of the council: "We're bringing that all together, a lot tighter than it was before, with the issues it's causing it's something we need to do."
Reports from the BBC and LeedsLive sharing the issue have been gathering the public's opinion on the comments shared by local councillors yesterday.
The first pub on the Otley Run, Woodies Craft Ale House / Image: wikimedia
One commented: "Here we go again LCC turning the city into a police state, thinking they have the right to infringe on peoples civil liberties. Its just a bunch of young kids having a beer and enjoying themselves, like we all did/do what's wrong with that?"
Whilst another suggested the Otley Run is simply "students enjoying a good time in difficult times."
Others made sure to explain a local's perspective: "For those of us who live and work in the area, we actually like to see people coming to do the Otley run".
Feature Image- Wikicommons
Leeds
Tom Odell announces huge outdoor Leeds show as part of Sounds of the City
UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell is set to play a huge outdoor Leeds show this summer.
Sounds of the City is making a triumphant return this summer and we couldn't be more excited.
Being added to the already star-studded lineup is Tom Odell, a Chichester-born singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt piano ballads and distinctive tone.
You may also know him from a certain John Lewis advert which made sure there were no dry eyes in the house.
The announcement follows a huge year for Tom Odell, who released his latest album A Wonderful Life and completed a major UK arena tour.
Known for his emotionally charged, piano‑led anthems, Tom Odell first rose to prominence after winning the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in 2013 and has since become one of the UK’s most successful contemporary artists, with massive global hits like “Another Love”, which has now surpassed three billion streams on Spotify.
The ‘Another Love’ singer will perform on Saturday 4 July and will be supported by Matt Maltese.
Already announced for Sounds of the City are Dylan Gossett, Alabama Shakes, Wet Leg, The Human League and The Cribs.
The Millennium Square gigs are always fantastic fun, with previous acts including Blossoms, McFly and Mika bringing huge audiences to the city.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 February at 10am and you can get your tickets here.
Pre-sale starts this Thursday 5 February which you can access by signing up to Millennium Square's mailing list here.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Sophie Smith -
22nd July 2022 
