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Leeds is set to be hotter than Barcelona this weekend

See you in the beer garden.

The Hoot - 5th April 2024

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.

Roundhay park in Leeds. — 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.

Read more: The best summer hangout spots in Leeds – including parks, terraces, beer gardens and ice cream shops

Featured image - Unsplash

Leeds

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

Daisy Jackson Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

Iconic Leeds United pub The Moot reopens after six-figure refurb

The Moot Hall Arms, Leeds' favourite football pub, has just reopened its doors after a six-figure refurb.

The iconic Leeds United pub is still covered in local sports memorabilia and merch, but there's even more of it now.

That's because The Moot has now expanded across two floors and three bars, including a brand-new bar and events space upstairs, The Changing Rooms, created to celebrate the rich history of Leeds United.

That extra space is ready for busy matchdays and the full seven-days-a-week programme of events and deals, which includes live music, karaoke, bingo, quiz nights, and more.

And operator Claire says she wants to the pub to be Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with pints available from £3 in the week.

The popular Craft Union Pub Company venue has reopened its doors today to the bigger, brighter pub, ready to once again attract football fans from across the UK looking to experience its unique atmosphere.

The 'significant' refurbishment includes new decor, bars, furniture, lighting, toilets, and entertainment facilities, like nine TVs, two large projector screens, and three Sky boxes.

Over this weekend and the bank holiday weekend, there'll be DJs, live music, karaoke, themed events, and special guest appearances from former Leeds United favourites Stuart Dallas, Mel Sterland and Noel Whelan.

Inside The Moot in Leeds

The new 'Changing Rooms' bar at The Moot Hall Arms — Inside The Moot in Leeds

Claire, Operator at The Moot Hall Arms, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be reopening and finally showing everyone what we've been working on.

"Over the last five years we've worked extremely hard to build The Moot into something special. We're proud of the community that's grown around the pub, the friendships that have been made here and the reputation we've built among Leeds United supporters.

"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the pub and what it has become. We've managed to make The Moot bigger, better and more versatile, while keeping everything people love about it."

Sport remains central to the venue's identity, with the pub continuing to show Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports coverage throughout the year.

When it's a Leeds United fixture, the full matchday experience will include pre- and post-match DJs, live entertainment, and full sound for games.

Claire said: "We want The Moot to be much more than somewhere people simply come for a drink. Our ambition is to be one of Leeds city centre's best-value sports and entertainment venues, with something happening every day of the week."

New artwork in the windows

Leeds Leeds Leeds — New artwork in the windows

Alongside its sporting credentials, The Moot Hall Arms has also earned recognition for its commitment to charitable causes, raising more than £100,000 for charities and good causes, supporting organisations including St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds Women's Aid and NECS Uganda.

The Moot's team has also travelled to Uganda in recent years, sponsoring the education of four children, delivering aid and supporting community projects within local villages.

For Claire and her team, the most important thing is ensuring The Moot remains true to its roots.

She said: "We’re passionate about keeping the Moot accessible and affordable. At a time when customers are watching what they spend, we want people to know they can still come into the centre of Leeds, have a reasonably priced pint, watch live sport and enjoy entertainment without spending a fortune.

"Most importantly, we want The Moot to retain its personality. It’s still going to be loud on matchdays, full of Leeds United memorabilia, packed for big games, raising money for good causes and putting on entertainment throughout the week – there’s just a lot more of it now!"

Read more: Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by founder’s childhood on the Indian railways

A new Indian bistro has opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, promising authentic dishes that span the length and breadth of Indian cuisine.

The Crossing Indian Bistro has ventured to Leeds for its first-ever UK restaurant, having already established sites in Paris, Dubai and Nice.

It comes from chef-founder Ankur Chakraborty, who has drawn on his family history for inspiration - his dad used to work for the Indian Railways, and it introduced Ankur to the incredible variety in flavours, tastes, and dishes of different regions across India.

That’s the heart and soul of The Crossing, celebrating the ingredients and techniques that have shaped the country’s vibrant cuisine.

The modern take on regional Indian cuisine will include traditional recipes but contemporary techniques, for signature dishes like Railway Lamb Curry, Alleppey Prawn Curry (inspired by Kerala’s backwaters), and a Madras Mutton Pepper Fry.

You’ll also find delicious small plates like gunpowder prawns, Kerala fried chicken, dal moradabadi, and The Crossing chaat bowl.

And as for dessert, expect dishes like the Goan-Portuguese influenced Mango Serradura, and the Dubai date toffee pudding, served with homemade carrot halwa ice cream.

At lunchtimes diners can tuck into a £15 thali deal, served in traditional silverware, and including a main curry, Zeera Aloo, Saag Makai, dal of the day, raita, house pickles, steamed basmati rice, and a choice of freshly-baked tandoor bread.

Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country — Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country. Credit: TheTravelBuds

Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country — Chapel Allerton’s new Indian restaurant inspired by railway journeys across the country. Credit: TheTravelBuds

The Crossing Indian Bistro chose to open its first UK site in Chapel Allerton after being inspired by the area’s independent spirit and strong neighbourhood identity.

Ankur Chakraborty, Chef-Founder of The Crossing Indian Bistro and co-founder of Lemon Butter, said: “The Crossing is built on the idea that India is not one cuisine, but thousands of local food cultures connected by movement, exchange and memory.

“The railways helped those cultures meet as people travelled, allowing recipes to cross regions and flavours to evolve. We’ve reflected this in the menu, which takes guests on a journey through India, where they can discover lesser-known dishes inspired by its different regions.

“Chapel Allerton feels like the right first home for us in the UK with its strong identity and an independent, community-minded spirit. We hope to add something distinctive to that neighbourhood, with an expression of modern India that is regionally rooted, generous and full of discovery.”

The Crossing Indian Bistro has already opened its doors in Chapel Allerton, and is offering 50% off all food until 31 August as it settles into the Leeds suburb.

Bookings can be made HERE.

Read more: A new rotisserie chicken restaurant promising to be ‘clucking delicious’ is coming to Leeds

Featured image: TheTravelBuds