Get your buckos together because there’s an epic pirate-themed water park just thirty minutes drive away from Leeds.
Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Calypso Cove boasts a splash zone, wave pool, a hidden diving area behind a huge pirate skull, big slides and more.
The impressive pirate skull, which sits as the centre of the park, also functions as an under-water viewing platform where guests can watch other swimmers.
The Yorkshire waterpark also has its very own partially sunken pirate ship or Sunken Galleon, complete with water cannons and a tipping bucket. From here, you can slide right into the water or fire jet streams at your friends from the deck.
There are two pools, a wave pool and a larger one for swimming lengths, and four slides - including some of the UK’s fastest flumes.
The biggest slide is the Terror Torrent, described as “darker than Davy Jones’s locker.” Said to be one of the speediest in the country, it’s sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
Of course, if that’s not for you there’s more family-friendly slides too, like the Kraken - where plucky pirates can choose their own music before sliding down more gently. Note that there are no height restrictions here, but parents cannot ride together with children.
Meanwhile, on Eruption, riders must be 1.2m tall and able to swim up to 50m as the slide finishes in a little pool. Again, parents cannot ride with children here.
Then there’s the Splash Ahoy area, complete with four lane slides perfect for racing, and secure, interactive splash zone Barnacle Bay - ideal for younger children aged 8 and under.
Weekend tickets start from £8 for children and £11 for adults, with family tickets beginning at £25.
Note that, In line with government guidance, Calypso Cove is only accepting groups of a maximum of 6 people from the same household or support bubble. Booking is essential.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
28th April 2021 
