As the country faces news story after news story about food shortages causing havoc in restaurants and pubs across the UK, local people are becoming increasingly aware of the knock-on effects of Brexit - which has led to a huge shortfall in HGV drivers.
Of course, Brexit isn't the only thing to blame (although it is worth noting that new rules from the European Union and a reluctance by government officials to allow temporary emergency work visas are definitely contributing to the problem).
The covid pandemic isn't helping things, either. Between the number of people falling ill and the 'pingdemic' being caused by the test and trace app, it seems that everyone in the country is short-staffed right now.
It's not all bad news, though. Yes, there is a definite shortage of HGV drivers - but with every cloud comes a silver lining. Here in Leeds, there might not be any milkshakes in McDonald's but there are some really well-paid HGV driver jobs going right now.
If you're unemployed, or maybe just fed up with your current job and tempted by the idea of earning as much as £50,000 a year for driving, one of these could be for you.
We've picked out some of the better-looking adverts below - but you can find more listed over on Indeed here.
HGV Low Loader/Relief Tipper Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: £40,000 - £50,,000 a year
Employer: DCS Environmental Ltd
More information: Due to expansion, DCS Environmental Ltd are looking for a HGV Class 1 (C+E) Heavy Haulage Low Loader Driver driver. (STGO Cat 2, up to 80 tonnes). Find out more.
HGV Class 1 Driver Days
Location: Bradford
Salary: £29,273 - £42,284 a year
Employer: Expect Distribution Ltd
More information: We have Class 1 available across various shift patterns for both standard runs and cover runs as well as our Boost account. Find out more.
Recovery Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: £32,000 a year
Employer: The AA
More information: Making up for the breakdown, you’ll be the friendly face of the UK’s largest motoring organisation. To our members, you’ll be a superhero. Find out more.
HGV Driver
Location: Dewsbury
Salary: £23,698 - £47,264 a year
Employer: Veola
More information: Making up for the breakdown, you’ll be the friendly face of the UK’s largest motoring organisation. To our members, you’ll be a superhero. Find out more.
Abnormal Load Escort Driver
Location: Leeds
Salary: 5,000 - £30,000 a year
Employer: DCS Environmental Ltd
More information: Due to increased business levels and expansion DCS is looking for someone who has experience escorting abnormal loads on UK roads. Find out more.
To discover more well paid HGV driver listings, click here.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Georgina Pellant -
27th August 2021 
