'The best and buzziest city in the north' is right here in Leeds.
It's official.
Leeds has come up top as the best place to live in the north and northeast by The Times.
In the annual 'best places to live list', our city was recognised for its 'youthful energy' and it's opportunities to thrive that aren't limited by age, or position on the property ladder: "the chance to be rich and enriched, to live a good life on a good salary".
The salary and career-climbing opportunities are quickly pointed to in the article, nodding to some of the big names that have set up in Leeds, making the city the UK’s biggest financial and legal centre outside London, and a true 'northern powerhouse' with the 'best-paying jobs in the provinces, ahead of Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester'.
And in terms of things to do, The Times recognised the limitless potential of Leeds, naming everything from Opera North, ("the only city outside London to have its own theatres, ballet and opera house"), the Royal Armouries and the Henry Moore Institute in the city centre, before praising our 'funky neighbourhoods' in the suburbs.
Chapel Allerton is a Sunday Times favourite, and has featured on its best places to live list for a number of years, but The Times praised the suburb here for "its tarted-up terraces and the award-winning cheesemonger George & Joseph"; before moving on to highlight Headingley, "where young families dodge students on the Otley Run (two and a half miles of pubs and bars, usually in fancy dress)," as well as Meanwood, Oakwood and Roundhay, "where 1920s and 1930s semis back on to shopping parades and well-kept parks."
Other notable mentions for Leeds will come as no surprise for locals: Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange and Trinity were all noted as top shopping spots whilst Salvo's and The Vinyl Whistle in Headingley; Tandem in Headingley and The Little Bookshop in Chapel Allerton all make ideal locations to pass the afternoon away in the outskirts of the city.
The Times noted that towns and cities across the UK were chosen this year for their ability to suit everyone: "whether they’re first-time buyers looking for city life, families seeking schools, healthy activities and green space, or active downsizers looking to enjoy the best of the great outdoors".
Previous national winners, including nearby York, that have "high house prices driven by high demand" did not make the cut this year, and instead the judges searched for "improving locations with a strong sense of community rather than high house prices driven by high demand."
Whilst Leeds was the overall best in the north, there were additional places in West Yorskhire that received a favourable mention from the judges: including Saltaire "A fancy, funky and functional village vibe within commuting distance of Leeds and Bradford" and Boston Spa "Move over Harrogate and put a spring in your step — this village’s Costcutter offers fine wines".
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Sophie Smith -
15th March 2024 
