The warmer weather has got us all craving an Aperol Spritz, so we've cherry picked five of the best spots in Leeds where you can sip one in the sunshine.
The Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitif cocktails in Italy and over the past couple of years it's been cropping up in the UK and has become a firm beer garden favourite.
There's just something about that neon orange, sparkling nectar which just hits the spot on every level.
A divine combination of Aperol, prosecco and soda, topped with a juicy slice of orange and sometimes (if you're lucky) an olive - this glorious drink is the ultimate summer beverage.
We've hand picked five places in Leeds where you can get yourself a brilliant Aperol Spritz, keep reading to find out and prepare to feel a little bit thirsty...
Green Room
36 Wellington Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' best sun traps and rooftops Green Room really know how to do a good spritz. Maybe the idyllic setting has something to do with it, but the spritzes here are utter perfection.
With a dedicated summer spritz menu, you can start off with an Aperol and then make your way down the list. We're a huge fan of the Elderflower Spritz which features fresh mint to really refresh you on a hot summer's day.
Roland's
39 Call Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know that Roland's make world class drinks, but we absolutely love their aperol for one huge reason - the olive. Not only do they have the ratios of the ingredients down to an absolute T, but the addition of an olive on top of the orange slice just really takes it up a notch.
Take your spritz upstairs to their secret rooftop and sip away whilst watching the sun go down. And if you need a pick me up, we also recommend their Espresso Martini. Or any other drink to be honest, because Roland's know exactly what they're doing.
Friends of Ham
4 New Station Street Leeds, Wells Road Ilkley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
We all know and love Friends of Ham for their brilliant charcuterie, delicious cheese and impressive beer selection. But their Aperol Spritz is one we keep going back for time and time again. They get the ratio absolutely bang on, every single time.
Granted the Leeds location doesn't have an outdoor area but the Ilkley location has a stunning courtyard which basks in the afternoon sun and is the perfect spritz spot. What's better is that you can order a delicious bowl of Perello olives to go alongside it, can you think of anything better? We definitely can't.
Livin' Italy
Granary Wharf, Wharf Approach
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Italians of course know how to make an Aperol Spritz, so Livin' Italy is the obvious choice and they certainly do not disappoint. With branded glasses and Aperol decor surrounding you in it's sun-filled terrace, you immediately know it's going to be a cracker before the tipple has even arrived at your table.
Enjoy yours alongside a delicious pizza or pasta for the ultimate Italian experience, you'll soon be cancelling your trip to Rome and booking a table here instead.
Headrow House
19 The Headrow
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Headrow House is undeniably one of Leeds' best rooftop bars, the drinks are fantastic, the music is great and the terrace offers an ultimate party atmosphere.
Not only do they make great Aperols but all day every day, they serve them for 2 for £12. You probably won't find an Aperol Spritz cheaper than this anywhere in the city but for the views you get at the same time, it's almost like they're giving them away.
In a fairly big bit of British broadcasting news, Football Focus is ending after more than half a century on our screens.
Announced on Thursday, 23 April, the once flagship show and weekly TV guide staple for countless domestic households is set to be cancelled after 52 seasons' worth of coverage.
With BBC Sport confirming the tough decision in a lengthy statement, the long-running show will be taken off the air at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Most programmes like these have seen declining audiences across the board in the era of streaming and digital packages across various platforms, but this is truly the end of an era.
An incredible 52-year journey comes to an end.
Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season.
First broadcast in 1974, Football Focus is a testament to the brilliant team who have… pic.twitter.com/bmHQqQdf6J
An official social media post reads: "An incredible 52-year journey comes to an end. Following extensive consideration, BBC Sport has made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season. "First broadcast in 1974, Football Focus is a testament to the brilliant team who have worked on it over the years and, of course, the audience. The programme has been a staple of the BBC’s football coverage for decades, providing fans with interviews, analysis and stories from across the game ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.
"But changing audience behaviours means fans are now increasingly consuming football content in different ways, and we need to respond appropriately as we face difficult decisions around how the licence fee is spent."
Second only really to Match of the Day (MotD), which first began a whole decade prior to its once equally popular spin-off, Gary Lineker, Manish Bhasin, Alex Scott and others have all enjoyed varying periods hosting the regular weekend watch.
While even MotD has seen steadily dipping viewing figures, not just following the Lineker departure/saga, but ever since YouTube highlights and the social media era.
They go on to add: "Fans are accessing discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing, and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it is right that BBC Sport adapts how it brings football coverage to the widest audiences across television, radio, online and to its extensive social platforms. BBC Sport boasts a strong football rights portfolio and is set to significantly expand its digital output this year, growing content across BBC platforms, as well as a bold new slate of exclusive shows on YouTube.
"Featuring fresh formats, big personalities and more frequent, always-on content tailored for digital audiences, the expansion will bring fans closer to the game than ever before, delivering more high-quality, accessible and engaging football coverage at scale. We will release further details on these plans in the coming months."
Will you miss it? Perhaps more to the point, do you still watch Match of the Day, Soccer Saturday and the like on terrestrial telly here in the UK?
Farmer Copleys bans dogs from popular Tulip Festival after tragic death of beloved pet
Daisy Jackson
Farmer Copleys, which is behind the popular Tulip Festival attraction, has spoken out after the tragic death of a dog who visited last weekend.
The family-run farm has decided to ban dogs (with the exception of service dogs) from its site, after a visitor reported that her beloved springer spaniel Bobby had died just hours after attending the Tulip Festival.
It's believed that Bobby had eaten a tulip bulb or flower, which can be deadly to dogs.
Farmer Copleys has now shared a statement about the incident, writing that the team are 'deeply saddened' by the animal's death.
They stressed that while the exact cause of his death remains unknown, they 'do not wish to take any further risks' and will no longer be permitting dogs at the Tulip Festival.
"The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors and their pets is something we take extremely seriously," Farmer Copleys wrote in a statement shared today.
Customers who are no longer able to attend since the change are welcome to get in touch with the farm directly to discuss a refund.
And assistance dogs are still welcome, but owners will need to sign a disclaimer before taking them into the Tulip Festival.
Farmer Copleys tulip festival is one of the most popular events in Yorkshire every springDogs will no longer be allowed at the Tulip Festival
Farmer Copleys wrote: "We are deeply saddened by the recent incident involving a visitor’s dog following a visit to our Tulip Festival, and our thoughts remain with the owner at this difficult time.
"We must stress while the exact cause of this incident remains unknown, many flowers and plants in outdoor environments can pose risks to dogs if ingested, particularly the bulb, and we do not wish to take any further risk.
"The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors and their pets is something we take extremely seriously. As a precautionary measure, we have made the difficult decision to no longer permit dogs at our Tulip Festival for the remainder of the season.
"In addition, this has further reinforced our decision to close the pick your own area for the remainder of the festival.
"We understand this may be disappointing for some visitors. Any customers who have booked and are now unable to attend due to this change are welcome to contact us regarding a refund at info@farmercopleys.co.uk.
"We are undertaking a full investigation and make a decision on 2027’s season in due course."
Clementine Hall -
24th May 2023 
