Leeds

Trains from Leeds ‘extremely limited’ amid record-breaking heatwave

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 25th June 2026

‘Extremely limited’ train services are running across Yorkshire this week as the country melts in a record-breaking heatwave.

Northern has reached out to passengers to warn that a ‘significantly reduced’ number of trains are operating in and out of Leeds.

They’re urging people to avoid travelling at all unless your journey is ‘absolutely essential’.

And if you do have to travel, they’ve warned of ‘significantly longer waiting times, busy trains and short-notice cancellations’.

The disruption is set to continue all day today and into tomorrow, Friday 26 June, as temperatures up north are forecast to hit 34ºC and an Amber weather warning for extreme heat covers much of the country.

Northern has assured passengers that they ‘are doing everything we can to keep people moving as efficiently as possible’.

Passengers are encouraged to check their journey before setting off, carry water, and avoid peak times where possible.

If you chose not to take a planned journey, you can claim a full refund on your ticket, or travel on another day using Northern’s ticket easement.

You can see the full travel advice for Northern HERE.

Northern said in a notice to passengers: “Due to the continued extreme heat, we have significantly reduced the number of trains running on routes in and out of Manchester, and services remain in high demand. This will now continue into Friday, 26 June.

“We strongly recommend customers consider whether their journey is necessary and if customers do choose to travel this week, they are advised to prepare for significantly longer waiting times, busy trains and short-notice cancellations.

“We would ask all customers to only travel if your journey is absolutely essential and to check your full journey before setting off.”

Read more: Restoration of beloved Leeds mural preserves a piece of the city’s cultural heritage

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds




























Leeds

The very best ice cream and gelato spots in and around Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.

It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.

Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.

Melting Point

The Corn Exchange, Leeds

New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.

It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.

Tsujiri

17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds. 

This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.

Knoops

Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.

Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up. 

Mr Whippy Leeds

Around Leeds

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.

Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.

Ice Scoop Gelato

From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.

Amorino

Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY

Image: Amorino

This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.

Read more: 10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in Leeds

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Famous Leeds restaurant receives £500,000 investment ahead of landmark refurbishment

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

One of Yorkshire's most celebrated restaurants, The Box Tree, has announced a £500,000 investment in the future of the business.

Set within one of Ilkley's oldest buildings, The Box Tree is a renowned restaurant that has been a defining name in British fine dining since 1962.

Originally a 1720 stone farmhouse, The Box Tree became one of the North's most celebrated restaurants, earning two Michelin stars in 1977 and establishing a legacy shaped by chefs including the one and only Marco Pierre White.

And now, The Box Tree is heading in a brand-new direction having received a £500,000 investment.

Images: Supplied

From August, the restaurant will temporarily close before reopening on early September, unveiling a new dining experience that honours more than 60 years of heritage and history.

The refurbishment will be led by award-winning interior designers Studio Two, who's work is known for creating spaces that are both timeless and individual.

Alongside the refreshed interiors, guests can look forward to an enhanced dining experience, where every element has been thoughtfully considered to complement Head Chef, Brayden Davies' modern approach to British cuisine.

But before closing its doors for refurbishment, The Box Tree will present The Box Tree: Eras – a limited four-week dining series celebrating defining moments from the restaurant's culinary journey.

Head Chef, Brayden Davies said: "The Box Tree has an incredible history, and before we begin the next chapter, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate everything that has come before it.

"The Eras dinners are inspired by the chefs, dishes and moments that have shaped the restaurant over the decades, while reflecting where we are today. At the same time, we're incredibly excited about what's ahead. This investment is a huge vote of confidence in The Box Tree and allows us to create a
dining experience that reflects where we are today while respecting everything that makes this restaurant so special."

Read more: A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide

Featured image - Supplied

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