No, we’re not exaggerating, Leeds is genuinely set to be hotter than Barcelona and even LA this weekend.
This is it, the summer is well and truly on its way, people.
Unbelievably so, whilst some parts of the country are set to be hit with yellow weather warning-worthy high winds this week – Leeds and beyond are set to get a much-needed dose of sunshine and warmth.
The temperatures have gradually been creeping up ever since we entered spring but we’re yet to have a properly hot day. However, this Saturday (April 6) it’s projected that us Yorkshire lot will be able to bask in anywhere between 17-18ºC weather, according to the Met Office.
Image: Unsplash
Far from groundbreaking, obviously, but we’ll absolutely take it.
Not only is this the hottest day we will have had all year thus far, but somehow it’s also higher than LA is set to be this weekend; yes, the actual Los Angeles, California, where it’s pretty much permanent sunshine most of the year.
While the day might start off cloudy and we’re still expected to see some of the rain from the wider precipitation sweeping across the country, the thermometer isn’t set to go any lower than 13ºC all day and if Apple Weather is to be believed, we might even tip into 19ºC.
Absolutely glorious stuff.
As mentioned, while much of Northern Island, Scotland as well as the west coast of England and Wales are facing blasts of 70mph winds, down south temperatures could peak to as high as 24ºC.
With most of the UK only teetering into the springtime so far and April showers having still made it feel very British, we really cannot wait for the sun to properly make its return. It feels like it’s been forever.
Sunbathing in beer gardens until the evening is coming soon enough, just you wait.
One of Leeds' longest-running pub will be closing.
The Cross Keys in Holbeck is a lovely little boozer.
And it's got a fair bit of history too. Dating back to the early 1800s, the pub has stood on Water Lane for more than two centuries, with its story closely tied to Holbeck's industrial past.
Back when the area was one of Leeds' major manufacturing hubs, the Cross Keys was a local drinking spot for workers from the surrounding foundries and engineering works.
The pub itself fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1980s, before being brought back to life during a major restoration in the 2000s.
But now, The Cross Keys is closing once again.
Images: The Cross Keys
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, the pub said: "It's with a heavy heart that we share the Cross Key's will be closing its doors on the 3rd of October.
"The whole team thank you for your support during our time in business."
In classic Leeds fashion, the comments were flooded with support from fans of the pub alongside fellow local businesses.
One comment reads: "Absolutely gutted about this. I held my fiance (now husband’s) 30th at The Cross Keys and it was excellent and the team were so helpful and hospitable. So sad to hear this."
Whilst another said: "Gutted, the home of some great memories and significant pints in my life."
So, if you've had a significant pint in The Cross Keys and wish to bid it a proper farewell, you've got until Saturday 3 October to do so.
Brand-new ‘party pub’ to take over the old Revolution site on Call Lane after £600,000 investment
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready to party Leeds, because a 'party pub' experience is coming to Call Lane.
Following a whopping £600,000 investment, Bonnie Rogues is preparing to open in the former Revolution site in Leeds city centre that will close this month.
After a major refurbishment, Leeds’ first Bonnie Rogues venue and the sixth site for the fast- growing UK brand will open in November 2026.
Designed as an all-day-to-night social destination, Bonnie Rogues combines live music, live sport, and late-night celebrations in one immersive venue.
From big nights out to spontaneous after-work drinks and even Sunday Roasts, Bonnie Rogues aims to offer something completely different from the traditional pub experience.
Expect live performances, crowd-involved entertainment and interactive moments in an atmosphere that flows seamlessly from day to night.
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said, “Leeds has such a strong social scene and a real appetite for experience-led venues, so we think Bonnie Rogues will fit perfectly into the city.
"It’s a concept that brings together everything people love about going out - live music, sport, food, entertainment and great atmosphere, all in one place. We’re excited to bring something new to Leeds and can’t wait to welcome guests later this year.”
The Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Bonnie Rogues venues across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its portfolio following its acquisition of multiple Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more.
The Hoot -
5th April 2024 
