Asda will see that all paramedics, police officers and firefighters will be able to get their hands on a warming cup of tea or coffee during their shifts this winter.
It's the least we can do for our emergency services.
The UK supermarket chain is giving away free hot drinks to Britain’s emergency responders to help them get through their shifts this winter.
The service will be available all day, every day — including in Asda‘s 24-hour stores.
Opening the scheme up from over 330 Asda Stores, cafes and Express shops to help make their shifts that little bit easier during the colder weather in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s a great idea that surely everyone can get behind.
Active from 1 November right up until 31 December 2023 when emergency responders are waiting in the wings to help during the ever-unpredictable New Year’s Eve, so long as they come in-store wearing their uniform, they’ll be able to grab a quick brew or two at no charge. Lovely stuff.
Better still, with countless crucial key workers inside the supermarkets also busy with their shifts, members of the police, ambulance or fire service can help themselves to free tea or coffee not only from the Asda Cafe but the self-service Costa or Leon machines as well.
Speaking on this kind and convenient scheme, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Hayley Tatum, said:“This initiative is a token of our appreciation for the tireless work that our emergency responders are carrying out in the communities in which we operate.
There’s been lots of praise on Facebook for 19-year-old home shopping driver Ted from Asda Chatham who delivered groceries to his customers on foot after his van broke down. pic.twitter.com/2aee8bEKHw
“Whether on duty, enjoying a break or finishing a shift, we invite them to pop in, say hi and grab a cuppa.”
Likewise, Asda and its customers are always spotlighting their own staff for a job well done as they know how needed their roles are and recognise their importance, especially during the holiday season.
Off-duty responders with a Blue Light Card can also receive 10% back in their Cashpot account on all fresh purchases including fresh meat, fish and ready meals when they scan their Asda Rewards app at the checkout — a deal that is on all year-round, not just this winter).
It’s great to see the supermarket putting together schemes like this and free drinks for emergency responders is by no means the only one; in fact, Asda has launched four different helpful initiatives to help local communities this year.
Another vital one that has just rolled out recently is their ‘winter warmer’ deal, where those over 60 can get similar access to hot drinks as the emergency services as well as a portion of soup for just a pound.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
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.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
