Spring has well and truly arrived, so there's no time like the preset to whack on your swimmers and go for a dip.
It's not often we're blessed with glorious weather in the UK, but when the sun does occasionally pop his hat on there's nothing better than visiting a lovely lido.
Whether you're in it for the laps or just to lap up the rays, an outdoor pool is a novelty that we will never get over.
In honour of the arrival of spring, the team at Betway Casino set out to discover the most popular lidos in the UK - and one in Yorkshire made the top ten list.
Ilkley Lido just squeezed in at number ten, and was the only lido to feature in the whole of the north.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The research found that Ilkley Lido has been tagged 1,258 times on Instagram and searched for 177,600 times over the past year.
We're not surprised, the lovely spa town of Ilkley is boasting a lot of things but the historic lido is one of the very best.
Having first opened its gates in 1935 as part of King George V’s silver jubilee, the lido is is an iconic part of the town’s history.
The mushroom shaped pool consists of 4,800 square meters of water, features the famous wedding cake shaped fountain and in peak season can welcome up to 4,000 visitors per day.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
From the famed ‘Ilkley Lido Solstice Swim’ that invites swimmers to greet the summer sunrise to various fitness and wellness events, the lido remains etched in the collective memory of the community.
Taking top spot though was Brockwell Lido followed by London Fields Lido and Tooting Bec Lido.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
11th April 2025 
