Bramley Baths has extended its community share offer after raising £120,000.
Built to improve public health and wellbeing in response to the outbreak of cholera, Bramley Baths was one of eight public bath houses in Leeds.
Local residents came to wash, swim and use the Russian Steam Baths which was a fashionable habit with the wealthier Edwardians.
The baths have remained a constant in Leeds life, and following restoration in the late 80s, was reopened in the early 90s.
Last year the baths celebrated its tenth anniversary of being a community-led enterprise and a Blue Plaque from Leeds Civic Trust was awarded in recognition of its significance in Leeds’s wider heritage.
But earlier this year, a series of vital repairs were uncovered including a full replacement of the bath's roof.
Last month a campaign was launched to raise £350,000 for repairs and in the six weeks since an impressive £120,000 has been raised.
As part of it, a Community Share Offer was launched which allows people who donate to purchase a part of the historic site from as little as £50.
Sharing the news on Instagram, they said: "Thanks to the amazing support of our community and organisations we have raised over £122,515 with 188 people investing, however, for us to unlock more match funding, we still need help to ensure the roof is repaired and we can implement cost saving measures for us to make long term savings on energy bills.
"To get involved you can invest from as little as £50. You can support either through our Crowdfunder page (you can find the link in our bio) or at reception, where you can also pick up a full brochure.
"You can even buy shares as a gift for Christmas (for those people that have everything!) or in memory of someone special.
"With your help, we will be able to continue providing our services for years to come and ensure that future generations of local children have the chance to learn to swim."
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.
Clementine Hall -
12th December 2024 
