JJ's Vish and Chips was said the first vegan fish and chip shop, not just in Leeds, but in the whole of the north, when it opened its doors three years ago.
At the time, it was greeted with huge enthusiasm - especially by the city's growing vegan foodie scene, who revelled at the chance to tuck into their wholesome Friday favourites without any of the guilt.
Serving 'fish' made from banana plants, nori-wrapped tofu, battered pickles and svam fitters, it soon became a hit - so much so that its owner, Jess Jones, expanded across the Pennines to Manchester last year.
Image: JJ's Vish and Chips
However, now she's been forced to make the sad decision to close up shop - citing rising costs across the board, and changing customer ordering habits due to the cost of living emergency.
The Manchester site has already closed, and the Leeds site will shut its doors this Saturday 9 July. after one final service this Friday.
Sharing the news to social media on Thursday, owner Jess Jones wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close our doors.'
Image: JJ's Vish and Chips
Citing 'numerous factors' including 'massive delivery platform fees, rising costs of oil, utilities, fuel, stock and more', she said that it had 'not been an easy decision' to close but she felt that it was 'a necessary one'.
Saying that she didn't want to 'keep increasing [...] prices beyond what we believe is reasonable', she also pointed to the impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, which she said had 'understandably changed customers' ordering habits.'
The takeaway gained something of a cult following amongst vegan foodies, with people quick to celebrate how it filled the gap in the market for a vegan chippy.
However, now it seems it may be the end of the road for JJ's - although its owner remains optimistic that she could reopen the business in the future.
The post continued: "We have enjoyed serving the people of Leeds for just over three years and Manchester for a year and a half. It has been a rollercoaster of a journey with many things thrown at us as a new independent business.
Image: JJ's Vish and CHips
"But it has also been an incredible journey too thanks to the loyalty and kindness of our amazing customers.
"I personally want to thank my family and friends who supported me with my somewhat mad idea at the beginning of 2019 and continued to do so throughout.
"A massive thanks goes to every single member of staff that has worked at JJs. I couldn't have done it without you!"
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Georgina Pellant -
8th July 2022 
