For those searching for a mid-week boost of serotonin, we reckon we’ve found the best way to de-stress from the week.
Puppy Yoga is a new concept combining easy to practice yoga moves with the smallest of puppies.
The idea is that you get a combination of 45 minutes of yoga and then an additional 30 minutes of ‘pure puppy playtime’ where there’s ample opportunity to have some one-to-one puppy time and get some snaps with the pups too.
Puppy Yoga are a company of animal lovers who feel passionate about the positive effects of pets on mental health.
Having only just opened in Leeds as of July 2022, the company is new to the city, but has already managed to host a series of successful yoga sessions for those who wish to relax, unwind and de-stress through yoga and puppy therapy.
The classes come to Leeds after proving a resounding success in Liverpool, owners state that "Puppy Yoga is a unique yoga class that boosts well-being through combined effects of yoga and puppy interactions".
"After one hour and twenty minutes of puppy love, everyone leaves the experience de-stressed and full of joy from the boost of serotonin."
The class starts off with 15 whole minutes of puppy play-time, followed by a 45 minute professional yoga class and finishing off with 20 more minutes of puppy play time. The participant even gets to take home a free polaroid picture of them and one of the adorable puppies.
The class will consist of around 16-23 participants and feature between 5-12 puppies, depending on the size of the class. All abilities are welcome to join the class, whether you are a self proclaimed 'yogi' or an absolute beginner.
Puppy Yoga states that “The puppies will not be directly involved in any yoga positions but will be free to move, play, and cuddle during the yoga class as part of their socialisation and development”- we really can’t think of a better way to spend our evenings.
The next available Puppy Yoga class is Friday 16 September 2022, but due to popular demand, the event has now sold out. For the next available Puppy Yoga event, keep an eye on their dedicated website or follow @puppyyogaleeds on Instagram.
For more information, including how to get tickets, visit the Puppy Yoga website.
Feature Image- Puppy Yoga
Leeds
Leeds restaurant crowned one of the best local restaurants in Britain just three months after opening
The Good Food Guide has just released its list of the 100 best local restaurants in Britain – and three Leeds spots have made the list.
The latest edition of the Best 100 Local Restaurants list celebrates the very best venues that are loved by their communities.
A team of reviewers and inspectors scour the country to find the best of the best, and this year three restaurants in Leeds have earned themselves a place on the numbered list.
One in particular has been included just three months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield opened in April taking over the old Reliance space on North Street, and it's safe to say they had very big shoes to fill.
But they have done with ease, celebrating Yorkshire produce to a crowd that are overjoyed to see the space being brought back to life.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what the Good Food Guide had to say after awarding The Smithfield with 80th place: "Opening in one of the city’s most hallowed restaurant sites was always going to invite comparison. In its day, the Reliance was a much-loved neighbourhood haunt that became the gateway drug for a generation of Leeds foodies, and a return to its burgundy paint job was a statement of intent from its new owners.
"Head chef James Donovan's CV includes Clerkenwell's Rochelle Canteen, and you don't have to do much dusting to see the Fergus and Margot Henderson's nose-to-tail fingerprints: pig's head, ox heart, hogget, and a meritocratic approach to the menu with produce leading the way – occasionally nudged along by a well-timed dollop of gribiche or a slick of bisque."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Elsewhere on the list, it won't come as a surprise to see that the ever-so-brilliant Bavette has been crowned in 16th place. Described as a "convivial neighbourhood bistro in the northerly suburb of Horsforth" that perfectly exudes a "Franco-Yorkshire alliance".
And lastly for Leeds, the ultra-cool Empire Cafe takes spot 31 where "owners Sam Pullan and Nicole Deighton have done a grand job here, rekindling the nostalgia while making the place feel emphatically of the moment, 'high-class yet down-to-earth'."
It's a trio of great wins for Leeds' foodie scene, and you can read the full list here.
England World Cup semi-final to be shown at Leeds’ Millennium Square as giant fanzone announced
Clementine Hall
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
The Hoot -
12th September 2022 
