Join all your favourite small businesses in Leeds over Halloween weekend for an afternoon of tasty treats and early Christmas shopping.
In Leeds, we're pretty passionate about supporting small businesses.
After all, we do have a spectacular selection of bakeries, bars, gift shops, designers, creatives and more on offer in the city.
Whether it's championing the Yorkshire's finest brownies from The Savvy Baker or tucking into some delicious Chinese from Mans Markets, supporting your local is not only a great way to sample fresh dishes or get to know the latest trends, it's also good for the local economy.
According to a recent report, 63% of independent business’ profit goes back into the local economy.
The Savvy Baker will be hosting the small business event at their HQ but the amazing brownies are regularly available at pop-up locations across the city centre. / Image: The Savvy Baker
High Street stores give just 40% back, so why not head down to the Halloween Small Business Event in the city next weekend and find the city's latest hidden treasure.
On Saturday 30 October, the small business event will be hosting a wide range of Leeds-based companies, some of which only usually sell online.
Since there's nothing like seeing your online wish list basket in real life, this event is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and get some early Christmas shopping out of the way without worrying about delivery delays.
Hosted by The Savvy Baker, there will be plenty of independent stores to choose from along with Arches Sweets, Burtz Drinks, The Cheesy Living Co. and you'll even be able to grab your caffeine fix from Kopi Coffee too.
Get in the spooky spirit with Halloween Face Painting and prizes for the best dressed dog in attendance.
There will be plenty of treats on hand for your furry friends too, with Pick N Tricks supplying dog-friendly biscuits that look so delicious, you'd easily mistake them for human treats.
There will also be the chance to check out Poppy's Potting Shed, The Resin Room and Thiccc Sauce on the day too.
Get down, support your locals and bring a genuine smile to a real company that cherish every order they receive.
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Government to slash prices of bus travel, cinema tickets and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Cinema tickets, trips to the theatre and the zoo, and children’s meals out are all set to be cheaper than ever this summer.
That’s because the Government has announced its newest initiative, Great British Summer Savings, which means that from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Children’s meals served in restaurants, children’s and family tickets for the cinema, theatre, exhibitions, shows, and concerts, and admission tickets – for both children and adults – to a wide range of different attractions will be eligible for the discount.
Whether you want to visit an amusement park, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centre, or something similar this summer, it just got a whole lot cheaper.
This aim of this initiative is to make family days out more affordable, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall.
The Government says it will work with eligible businesses to get the scheme ‘up and running’.
The Government is slashing the prices of cinema tickets, bus travel, and LOADS more across UK for kids this summer / Credit: Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash) | Supplied
And to make it even better, this is a UK-wide initiative, so no matter where you are in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the reduced rate will apply.
Going one step further, there will also be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England in August, helping to support families getting out and about this summer.
The Government says the Great British Summer Savings initiative supports the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including cutting energy bills, freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
Businesses will be able to apply the 5% rate of VAT on eligible sales between 25 June and 1 September 2026.
Sophie Smith -
20th October 2021 
