The Yorkshire nickname for us Leeds locals has some pretty interesting history behind itwhich dates all the way back to the 19th century.
So, what do you call a person from Leeds? A Leedscunion? A Leedsudlian? Those don't exactly have a very good ring to it, in our humble opinion.
But what about a Loiner? You may have heard this name for a Leeds native being thrown about around Yorkshire and beyond, and it is indeed the correct term for us locals.
It is believed that the word ‘loiner’ is an elongated version of the city’s unique alleyways, known as ‘loins’ or ‘low ins’.
These passageways and yards are tucked away between shops and pubs on Briggate, waiting to take you from one street to the next. Many have closed down over the years but some still remain.
The loins provide cobbled transport to three historic 17th and 18th century pubs on Upper Briggate: The Packhorse, The Angel Inn and The Ship. These pubs have served proper ales and hearty grub to loiners for years - they are drenched in history and are even thought to be the only timber-framed buildings left in the city.
The Leeds loins have not only been a place of shelter from the wind and the rain for centuries, but they’ve also given us a pretty unique nickname which we absolutely love.
But this is in fact only one theory, another theory as to why we call ourself Loiners is that it stems from the name Loidis, which was used in the 8th century to refer to the district around modern day Leeds.
Loidis later became known as Ledes or Leedes, and eventually Leeds.
Yard Act are back as they announce first round of UK headline dates since 2024.
We are so, so back.
It's been a few years, but Yard Act have just announced a small selection of UK gigs for later in the year including a homecoming gig at the O2 Academy on Friday 6 November.
The dates follow the band’s first show of the year at the 6Music Festival this Friday across The Pennines in Manchester.
After Leeds, the lads will be performing shows at the O2 Victoria Warehouse on Friday 13 November before making their way down south to the O2 Academy in Brixton on Thursday 26 November.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Yard Act completed the touring for their critically acclaimed second album Where’s My Utopia? with a victory lap back home at the 5000 capacity Millennium Square in Leeds in August 2024.
It was a record that brought a stark change of pace to the acerbic, post-punk of their debut, embracing something altogether more playful and bringing a different energy. It shifted the dynamic on stage too, with the addition of dancing backing singers and additional musicians and openly challenged listeners to reconsider who they thought Yard Act were.
Since then, the band have remained active, whether writing Where’s My Utopia’s follow-up on scratching the itch to get back on stage, heading out across the UK and Europe with The Hives, which was preceded by an intimate one-off show at Blackpool Tower last May.
Following a lengthy stint in the studio, the band now look to the Autumn for three big UK dates and we cannot wait.
Tickets go on artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 25 March before hitting general sale at 10am on Friday 27 March. Sign up here.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Clementine Hall -
13th March 2023 
