News

Leeds has been crowned the UK’s spiciest city, according to new research

Pass us the milk.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 21st September 2026

With National Curry Week just around the corner, new research has revealed which UK cities like their food with a kick.

The outcome? Leeds has come out firmly on top.

The research, carried has been out by Britsuperstore, analysed TripAdvisor data to find the UK cities with the highest concentration of restaurants serving some of the world’s most flavour-packed cuisines, including Indian, Thai, Caribbean, Mexican, Korean and Ethiopian food.

And it seems us Leeds lot aren't afraid of a little bit of spice, with the city boasting 51.33 spicy-cuisine restaurants per 100,000 people. Now that's a lot of spice.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

That puts Leeds ahead of Bath and Oxford, which take second and third place respectively, as the cities with the highest concentration of restaurants serving cuisines known for their fiery flavours.

At the other end of the scale, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has been named the UK’s mildest city, with just 7.14 spicy-cuisine restaurants per 100,000 people.

The top 10 spiciest cities in the UK are:

  1. Leeds
  2. Bath
  3. Oxford
  4. Edinburgh
  5. Bristol
  6. York
  7. Cardiff
  8. London
  9. Swansea
  10. Sheffield

And we can't say we're particularly surprised, as here in Leeds our diverse food scene is very impressive indeed. From iconic Indian street food at Bundobust to Kerala-inspired small plates at Kerala Canteen, there's a spicy dish for everyone to enjoy in and around the city.

So, whether you're someone who orders Extra Hot at Nandos or prefers to keep things firmly on the milder side, Leeds looks like the place to be when it comes to getting your spice fix.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Channel 4 needs people from Yorkshire who think they can survive the apocalypse for a new TV series

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo

Have you always wondered how long you’d last in an apocalypse?

Well now's your chance, as Apocalypse is potentially coming back to Channel 4 for a second series, with producers having put out a nationwide casting call for contestants willing to take part. 

The casting call simply reads: "Do you think you have what it takes to survive the end of the world?"

Described as a dystopian series designed to test the creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience of our nation, Apocalypse sees players are pushed out of their comfort zones and put to the ultimate test.

In the series, ordinary people are tasked with surviving for 28 days in an abandoned city - used previously only for the military to practice urban warfare - with no food, running water, electricity or heat. 

Produced by The Garden - which is part of ITV Studios - for Channel 4, the show’s creators are now calling on people from Yorkshire with the 'courage and ingenuity' to compete, to get in touch and apply for the potential second series.

Does your mate always bang on after watching a post-apocalyptic film that they would’ve done things differently? Or is the news at the moment freaking you out and you want to give the end of the world a bit of a practice run? Either way, sign up, test that plan you’ve built in your head, and see if you’ve really got what it takes.

Applications are now open, and all you need to do is fill in a short application form and one of the production team will get back to you if they would like to proceed. Come on, let's prove what we're made of.

Applications close on Sunday 4 October 2026 at midnight, and you must be 18 or above, with a valid UK or ROI passport, to enter. 

Find out more and apply here.

Featured Image - Matthew Salacuse / Channel 4

News

A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.

It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.

The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.

You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.

Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.

Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?

Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.

"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.

"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."

The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

More News

Feature

Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities

Audio

Audio North’s Artist of the Month – Kenzo Jae | September 2026

Leeds

Inside the huge multi-million-pound makeover transforming Leeds United’s facilities