Leeds

Plans for Leeds Kirkgate Market ‘container village’, STACK, take huge step forward

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 27th March 2026

A planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.

The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.

It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.

The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.

Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.

“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.

“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”

Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.

Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.

Read more: Three of the most exciting new openings coming to Leeds this spring

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

The best bakeries in Leeds serving everything from crusty loaves to flakey croissants

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

If you're got a sweet tooth, then you're going to want to keep reading.

Oh Leeds, if there's one thing we're good at - it's baking.

Just walking around the city you'll bump into delightful bakeries offering sweet treats galore, and you'll find even better gems when you venture into the suburbs.

We've rounded up a handy little guide for you to make your way through when you're looking to treat yourself to a cheeky baked good, which should be every day if we're being honest.

So, without further ado let's dive into the best bakeries in Leeds.

Bake

Mustard Approach, Mustard Wharf

Images: The Hoot Leeds

From the team behind Things in Bread and Doh'hut comes this absolutely beautiful bakery by the water.

Led by mastermind Tom, they're serving up great British bakes but with a refined twist. Think ultra cheesy cheese twists, sticky school cake and unbeatable sausage rolls.

Underground Bakery

Call Lane

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after a really great almond croissant, then you've got to get yourself to Underground Bakery. They're serving a whole array of baked goods but doing them all really, really well.

Right in the centre of town, it's a great spot to swing by on your way to work because everyone deserves a midweek croissant every now and again.

Laynes

New Station Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one probably doesn't need any introduction, as Laynes bakery are known amongst the city for their exceptional bakes and it's not hard to see why.

They stock a number of coffee shops across Leeds but for the true experience, pop in and enjoy a bake alongside a cup of their fabulous coffee.

Nova

Leeds Dock

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Nova Bakehouse is a beautiful sun drenched spot that serve up irresistible morning buns, chewy cookies and speciality bread.

They focus on 'flavour forward baking' using seasonal ingredients to create monthly specials that'll have you going back time and time again.

Oh, and they've been named one of the best bakeries in the UK by The Good Food Guide two years running now - so you know it's good.

Read more: Leeds bakery crowned one of the best in the UK for second year running by The Good Food Guide

Chunk

174 Kirkstall Hill

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If cookies are your kryptonite, then Chunk is where you need to be.

From baking inside her student shared house to opening her very first bakery, the last few years have been a whirlwind for owner Amy Bennett- and there's really no stopping her now.

Her gooey NYX-style cookies are out of this world, served with great drinks to match.

The Savvy Baker

Albion Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Again, this one needs absolutely no introduction. A Leeds staple that has been curing sweet toothed brownie-lovers for years, it's The Savvy Baker.

Their new site in the city centre is truly one to behold, baking cookies on site and whipping up speciality matchas from a dedicated matcha bar - you don't want to miss it.

Karpaty Bakery

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Images: The Hoot Leeds

⁠This traditional Polish bakery inside the market is selling some of the cheapest bakes you can get your hands on. Their authentic donuts are as big as your head and the perfect sweet treat that won't break the bank.

Street Lane Bakery

399 Street Lane

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Hidden away just behind Street Lane, is Street Lane Bakery.

These guys have been baking up a storm in the kitchen for over a decade, from their ever-so-famous home-cooked bagels to the sweetest of treats.

Slow Rise Bakery

Sunnybank Avenue, Horsforth

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Can't get over to New York but craving a proper chewy, stacked bagel with all the trimmings? Slow Rise Bakery is the only answer.

Pick your flavour bagel from sesame to everything and then pick your fillings, we'd recommend going for lashings of cream cheese and layers of smoked salmon. Delicious.

Read more: Three of the most exciting new openings coming to Leeds this spring

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.

Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.

The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.

They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.

A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.

J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.

Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.

So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.

If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."

We're absolutely obsessed.

Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.

Read more:

Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)

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