Senior councillors in Leeds will meet next week to consider plans to open up venues across the city as 'warm places'.
At it's meeting on Wednesday 19 October 2022, the council's executive board will meet to discuss reports on how the city will respond to the current cost of living crisis.
The first report will focus on the range of support that the council and it's partners will offer on welfare and financial inclusion, whilst the second is aimed at the impact of the current crisis on child poverty in the city.
One feature of the council's response to the cost of living crisis is to promote public locations such as community hubs and libraries as warm sites. These locations will act as places where people can be warm through the winter and reduce their home energy costs.
The council is working with partners across the city and with 36 sites planned, they hope to reveal their location and open them soon with further venues to follow.
The venues will offer a 'warm welcome' to those visiting, with free hot refreshments and activities for children and families to enjoy. These facilities will join the already existing services of free access to books, computers and Wi-Fi.
Image: Leeds Library
Leeds City Council executive member for communities, Councillor Mary Harland said:
“We know people across Leeds are really struggling due to the cost of living crisis, and the council is committed to doing everything it can to work together with our partners and stakeholders to help.
"Especially during the cold winter months ahead, we would encourage people to make use of the warm places around the city to help keep their home costs down and to make use of all free support and guidance available. By working together and looking out for each other we can help especially the most vulnerable people in Leeds to get through this challenging time.
Further support and free financial guidance is currently available in all council-managed community hubs whilst an overview of all the support available can be found at the council's dedicated website. This includes help across food services, health, housing, water and jobs.
You can also find low-cost and free events for children and families at the Leeds Inspired website.
A renowned brewery have announced that they will be taking over the reigns of a popular craft beer bottle shop in Ilkley.
Fuggle & Golding opened in 2015 on Leeds road in Ilkley and quickly grew a loyal following with locals and visitors alike.
Sadly they announced last month that their last day of trading would be Saturday 28 February, news which was met with huge disappointment.
However this is no longer the case, as Horsforth Brewery is set to reopen the venue on Wednesday. Hooray!
Announcing the welcomed news to Instagram, Horsforth Brewery wrote: "When we saw they were going to close we were determined to not lose another great venue from the local beer scene.
"We owe a massive thank you to George and the landlord for getting a deal across the line in quick order.
"We’re going to take a few days to put our stamp on the place and then we will be open on Wednesday!"
"Obviously we will be stocking our beers here but as anyone who knows will know, we love the beer scene so we will continue to have a good amount of guest beer on as well. We’ll even been joining in with the biggest beer launches from around the country.
"Want to know the best news? We’re doing this solo. No outside interests, no investors, no debt. In the current climate being able to organically grow like this is so so hard and it’s thanks to all our team that we’ve been able to do this.
"We’ve always been determined to grow our business in a healthy and sustainable way; it may have (absolutely has) been tough over the years but we’ve got ourselves in a position to take us to the next level in a sustainable way."
Beloved late night Leeds cocktail bar The Maven announces permanent closure
Clementine Hall
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Clementine Hall -
11th October 2022 
