We're ranked in the same list as Antarctica, Berlin and Dominica.
What a title for our city.
The only UK city to make it onto the list, Leeds has a wealth of art and culture- and with a foodie scene that's ranked as 'the capital of the north', we like to think it's no surprise.
Leeds was ranked the best places in the world to visit along with some pretty iconic destinations. Antarctica nicked the top spot for for its 'dream destination status', Berlin for 'best for culture, clubbing and arty city breaks' followed in second whilst Bohol Island in The Philippines, took the bronze medal for its wealth of 'adventure, wildlife and out-of-this-world beaches'.
And then in ninth places, comes Leeds: 'best for gourmands, gallery-lovers and theatre fans'.
Rough Guides opened their guide on Leeds with "When it came to the UK, including Leeds in our best travel destinations to visit in 2023 was a no-brainer. Firstly, Leeds is the UK City of Culture in 2023. Secondly, Yorkshire was one of your top UK regions for 2023 staycations."
Image: Unsplash
Namedropping the Leeds Grand Theatre, and Northern Ballet and Opera North- the only nationally recognised UK opera company outside London no less- Rough Guides reckons that anyone visiting our city will be "spoiled for choice" if you love a live performance.
That's before mentioning the Guinness World Book of Record holder City Varieties, and the exciting reopening of Hyde Park Picture House coming in April. The last gas-lit cinema in the UK has undergone a huge renovation to modernise the space and make the cinema more accessible.
Naturally the thriving food scene in Leeds is mentioned here, shedding light on local's favourite Kirkgate Market for a lunchtime treat, quoting Leeds Indie Food as "a celebration of fresh fare from local growers and creators, plus global innovators drawn to the city's embracing of culinary culture."
Officially voted the ninth best place to visit in the world, we're ranked higher than Ljubljana, one of the most beautiful countries in the world by Rough Guides- which is impressive to say the least.
You can check out the full list of 'The Rough Guide to the best travel destinations in 2023' here.
Feature Image- Unsplash
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
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 December 2022 
