Get ready for a summer adventure like no other as the streets of Leeds come alive with the world’s first city-wide MONOPOLY experience.
Did you know that during the twentieth century Leeds was home to Waddingtons, the leading manufacturer of board games and playing cards in Britain?
The well-known company produced the UK version of MONOPOLY from the 1930s and was responsible for the now famous London properties in the game before selling on to Hasbro in 1994.
And to pay homage to the city that first brought the game to life, Leeds is be hosting a huge city-wide MONOPOLY over the summer.
Image: Supplied
Players can roll the dice, get out of jail free and pass go, with key sections of the city colour-coded into zones, and find a series of visual, mathematical and word puzzles to solve in a bid to buy back the city – designed for the whole family to get involved in.
And the whole event is completely free.
The MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, is brought to the city by LeedsBID and under license from Hasbro.
From 27 July to 1 September, the iconic family board game will take over the city, providing immersive gameplay for the whole family.
Free and family-friendly, the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover invites players to explore 22 key locations, solve puzzles, play mini-games and discover giant tokens scattered across eight themed zones. Grab a map and join the fun—it’s time to play MONOPOLY like never before.
The MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, brought to the city by LeedsBID and under license from Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, is a unique event celebrating Leeds’ rich gaming heritage while offering activities, entertainment and prizes for all ages.
“A key attribute of placemaking is honouring a place’s rich heritage, and this year, LeedsBID has looked at a new and innovative way of animating the city centre that does just that,” said Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive at LeedsBID.
“MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover is the ultimate placemaking game, paying homage to the city where it was produced so many years ago, with local streets and landmarks represented as the board. In collaboration with key partners, we are providing a free, large-scale, family-friendly activity during school summer holidays to inspire people of all ages to come by and have fun exploring Leeds, while helping drive that essential economic impact for businesses.”
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."
Clementine Hall -
29th July 2024 
