Monopoly has launched a new Elf-themed game that’s now available to buy here in the UK and it sounds absolutely brilliant.
Yes, it may only be September, but there’s no harm in getting into the spirit early - especially when it's for something this good.
The iconic board game has been reimagined in the world of Elf, the 2003 Christmas smash hit starring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau.
The film is an undeniable Christmas classic and often right at the top of the watch list for most people as the festive season begins to roll around.
Just like the iconic Elf, the game also follows Buddy the Elf as he travels from the north pole to New York City in search of his father, after finding out that he is actually a human and fleeing Santa's workshop.
Using key themes from the film, this customised Elf board game works just like the original Monopoly that we all know and love - with some festive quirks added in for good measure.
Suitable for those aged eight and over, you will travel around the board touring wondrous landmarks on Buddy's journey.
All of this is done using festive tokens like maple syrup - taking care not to be a "cotton headed ninny muggins" and end up in jail.
Further tokens referencing classics from the film include Santa’s bag, a mailroom coffee mug, a polar bear cub, Santa’s sleigh, and a Jack-in-the-box.
New festive additions to the board that nod to the film, meanwhile, include Santa’s Workshop, the Empire State Building, and Central Park Woods.
Featuring a host of iconic moments from Christmas favourite Elf such as custom hotels and homes, players of this special Monopoly edition will get to relive some of their favourite film moments through the new board game.
Elf Monopoly is now available to buy Amazon for £37.95here.
News
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sheffield amongst nine areas to be long listed for UK City of Culture 2029
Clementine Hall
It's big news for Sheffield as the city has officially been long listed to become the UK City of Culture in 2029.
It’s one of just nine places across the country to make the cut, alongside the likes of Blackpool, Portsmouth and Wrexham.
Winning the title could bring huge investment to Sheffield, thousands of visitors, and a massive spotlight on everything that makes our city special - and let’s be honest, Sheffield’s got plenty to shout about.
From music and film to art and grassroots creativity, culture runs right through this city, and it would be a huge achievement to receive this title.
So, what happens now? Each arena will now receive £60,000 to develop a full application with the aim to build a vibrant cultural programme by 2028.
The nine confirmed long listed locations are: Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon and Wrexham.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country. The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation.
"I look forward to seeing what the nine long listed places have in store as they progress in the competition. I also urge any towns thinking about entering the UK Town of Culture competition to seize this opportunity and get involved. It’s a chance to show the country what makes them unique and shine a spotlight on their cultural offer, enriching the lives of local people."
Go on Sheffield, we're rooting for you big time. We can't think of a city more worthy.
Georgina Pellant -
15th September 2021 
