Over one thousand free Christmas meals will be prepared by Mumtaz.
The cost of Christmas rises each year, and whilst many of us look forward to tucking into a festive dinner of December 25th, for many people around Leeds, it simply won't be an option.
In order to change this and selflessly support those who need a warm dinner the most, Mumtaz Leeds will be offering out over one thousands free meals on Christmas Day.
Anyone and everyone is encouraged to take up the kind offering, though the Indian restaurant ask customers to prioritise children or those that may rely on others for support.
All collections are to be made 2pm - 4pm on Christmas Day from the restaurant's reception on Chadwick Street, Leeds Dock (LS10).
Mumtaz have openly stated that act of kindness was inspired by Marcus Rashford and Tom Kerridge's £10 Christmas dinner, and have encouraged other restaurants to do so, even in uncertain times as 'good only begets good'.
The restaurant issued this statement:
"Inspired by Marcus Rashford once more. Reminding us again this is about doing our part to help.
"Any person, whether needy or not, please come to us on Christmas Day (25 December) between 2pm to 4pm and we will provide you with a pre-made dinner to take away. We ask you to kindly prioritise and think about those who actually will need this bit of festive joy and kindness. We will prepare over 1000 meals so there should be plenty.
"Please arrive in a safe manner as we do not know what the Covid rules will be by that time. Covid has truly ruined our hospitality industry and the new restrictions have put us back on our knees BUT we again thank people like @marcusrashford and @cheftomkerridge who have inspired us and reminded us that we must always remember to be grateful and help others.
"WE WILL DO OUR PART TO HELP.
"PLEASE spread the word. This literally may be a lifesaver for some. And if you are a business owner please do consider doing this yourself. Good only begets good. We have to help each other during these very difficult times".
The restaurant itself is still open for booking over the Christmas period, as well as New Years Eve. For more information on how to enjoy your Christmas Dinner, either as a free collection or inside the restaurant, visit the Mumtaz Instagram page.
Feature Image- Mumtaz Leeds
Leeds
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Sophie Smith -
16th December 2021 
