The Leeds-Hull rivalry goes way deeper than football, it's now displayed on the 'Welcome to Hull' sign.
It's an open secret that certain counties in Yorkshire like to think they're better than Leeds and whilst we completely disagree, it's funny to think about the unnecessary vendetor that the likes of Sheffield, Hull and other Yorkshire cities have against Leeds.
Now, the people of Hull have taken the rivalry to an unprecedented level after a new 'Welcome to Hull' sign has appeared with mock at our city, reading 'Welcome to Hull: We know we aren't perfect but at least we aren't Leeds'.
BBC News Presenter, Peter Levy was one of the first to spot the mysterious sign and ask the council who put the sign up before sharing his adoration of the sign.
The BBC presenter tweeted, "Bottom line of signs just been put up. Not sure who at @Hullccnews is responsible for this but it’s genius. Love it."
The council have since stated that the sign is suspected to be "a bit of mischievous fun", but that doesn't appear to have stopped Twitter users questioning the sign's authenticity, or why they're desperate to put a downer on Leeds in the first place.
Hull was named the 'Capital of Culture' in 2019. / Image: 43 Clicks North
The responses to the sign have been mixed, fuelling the rivalry of the two cities even further. One user tweeted "When I lived in Sheffield we used to watch Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, as we refuse to watch the one coming from Leeds", and another jibed "Cool [.] please leave it on there"
Meanwhile, plenty of others jumped to the defence of Leeds, suggesting the sign was in bad taste.
One Twitter user said, " [I] Suggest the people of Kingston Upon the River Hull don't need to have snide remarks defaming another city in order to welcome visitors. No city is perfect, we have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of. Please get the line covered up asap and apologise to Leeds."
'We know we aren't perfect but at least we aren't Leeds. / Image: Peter Levy, Twitter
Other comments included: "I think that is disrespectful. Yes, have great pride in your city but not at the defamation of another" and "Oh come on, surely we're better than that. What a great way to stir up trouble with away fans, visiting our City. What dimwit on our council thought that one up ?The signs need changing anyway, our City is called Kingston-upon-Hull."
Hull City Council have since issued a statement to clarify that the sign was not changed by the council itself and was just a bit of fun by a prankster that's got Yorkshire talking.
Whilst it may all be a bit of banter to Hull, it seems that the sign has sparked more comments about the whether the city should be preferred as Hull or Kingston Upon Hull.
"Please can you put back the rest of the city‘s name. It’s Kingston Upon Hull"
"The people of Hull spoke in a referendum that they wanted Hull over the full Kingston-upon-Hull but let's not talk about referendums as people get a tad touchy."
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."
Sophie Smith -
13th January 2022 
