Leeds

Mayor of West Yorkshire launches public tram consultation and promises routes between Bradford and Leeds

Have your say, the tram is on its way.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 15th July 2024

Detailed proposed routes for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire mass transit network have been released today.

And now, you are being invited to have your say on a choice of proposed routes that will connect central and South Leeds as well as Bradford and Leeds.

Phase one of the mass transit network aims to connect St James’ Hospital with south Leeds, with another line running from Bradford city centre to Leeds city centre. 

Leeds and Bradford have been chosen as the hubs for the West Yorkshire mass transit network system, as they are the region’s most concentrated centres of population, business, leisure and retail. 

All potential phase one options for the Leeds Line run close to the White Rose Centre, with two route options also running close to Elland Road.  

Other proposed route options would aim to connect people to the Leeds General Infirmary, The South Bank, Holbeck and Beeston. 

The Bradford Line will connect people between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre with the proposed route options aiming to connect areas like Thornbury, Laisterdyke, Pudsey, Armley and Wortley. 

And now, The Combined Authority wants your feedback – a public consultation is now open to everyone, starting today and running until September 30.  

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey.    

“A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy.  

“We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.” 

Have your say here.

Featured image - WYCA

Leeds

A spellbinding family-friendly Halloween trail is coming to Leeds this October

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Get ready to be bewitched this Halloween season.

‘Spellbound’ is a brand-new Halloween trail where the whole family can collect clues and help mend a broken spell.

Known for its award-winning Halloween events, Lotherton’s latest concept is simple. Ten witches. One broken spell. Mend it before winter.

Reckon you've got what it takes?

Every spooky season, the witches of Lotherton Hall cast one charm together to gather the last of the summer's warmth and store it to help the estate get through the winter safely.

Image: Supplied

But this year the charm has come undone and its ten words have scattered across the estate, waiting for you to find them.

Families can collect a spellbook at the gate and set off to find the ten willow arches belonging to each of the witches of Lotherton, searching through the woods, gardens, Wildlife World and around Lotherton Hall.

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “This year, Halloween at Lotherton promises to be better than ever, with magical events for the whole family.

“Once Upon a Nightmare is perfect for thrill seekers aged nine and above who are fans of fairytales with a scary twist, whereas Spellbound will be an enchanting trail for those interested in helping our witches mend a spell at a gentler pace.”

Image: Supplied

As well as Spellbound, the popular evening Halloween event Once Upon a Nightmare is returning for the third time, and the estate will also be welcoming visitors to its annual pumpkin patch.

Spellbound at Lotherton Hall will take place from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026 and is included in general Lotherton admission. Find out more here.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds: Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more

Featured image - Supplied

Leeds

Here’s 10 of the best student-friendly cheap eats in and around Leeds

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Just moved to lovely Leeds for uni? Here’s how to eat out for less than a tenner.

With Freshers’ Week fast approaching, you're probably trying to work out exactly how far your student loan is going to stretch.

But don't worry, we're here to help.

Whether you’re after a cheap lunch between lectures, somewhere to grab dinner with your new flatmates or a bite to eat before heading out for the night, Leeds city centre is packed with places where you can eat well without blowing your budget.

So, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite places where you can grab a bite for under £10.

Let’s get into it...

Bundobust

Mill Hill

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It wouldn't be a cheap eat round up without Bundobust. These Indian street food legends are the GOATS of dishes for under tenner, because every single thing is.

We recommend the Vada Pav - a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed in a springy bun. It'll fill you up good and proper and you can get two Vada Pav sliders for just £8. Class.

Mommy Thai

Duncan Street and Vicar Lane

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Okay you may have to forgive us on this one...but we couldn't not include it.

For just £10.95 (close enough) you can get two courses at one of Leeds' best Thai restaurants. And there's loads to choose from, from chicken satay and Pad Thai to corn cakes and Pad Grapow - you won't be going home hungry. The perfect fuel before a mad night out on Call Lane we think.

Brod

Great George Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Brod is a staple for those looking for a lunch in the city, famous for their stacked sandwiches for super low prices. Most sandwiches are around the £6 mark, using fresh and homemade ingredients prepped daily.

Karpaty Bakery

Kirkgate Market

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now this one really is a bargain. In the market hall of Kirkgate Market you'll find Karpaty Bakery, a wonderful Polish bakery serving traditional baked goods for under £3. They're absolutely massive and such great value for money.

Bánh and Mee

Kirkgate Market

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Another classic from the market is Bánh and Mee, a brilliant lunchtime option for those wanting hot and fresh Vietnamese food all for under a tenner.

Our favourite is the lemongrass chicken rice box or the aromatic pho that'll warm you up in an instant.

Eastern Oven

Kirkgate Market

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you hadn't gathered by now, Kirkgate Market is an absolute honeypot for cheap eats in the city centre where you'll find hundreds of dishes for under a tenner.

Another one of our favourites is Eastern Oven, a family-run stall selling fresh falafel wraps and pittas.

Meat:Stack

Bishopgate Street

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you're looking to be a bit naughty and get stuck into a burger and chips, then Meat:Stack is the spot for you.

American smash burgers, loaded fries and thick milkshakes all for great prices. They do a lunch deal where you can get a burger for just a fiver, or you can add on chips, a dip and a drink for a total of just £10. Available Monday - Friday from 11 - 3pm, it doesn't get much better then that.

Bakery 164

164 Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Based in Headingley just opposite the Parkinson Steps, this spot is the OG of great student deals. Gourmet sandwiches, all made fresh in-house for great prices - we wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself here every day of the week.

Kefiyo

17 Ash Rd, Headingley

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're after a sweet treat, then look no further than Kefiyo in Headingley. Here you can get a large tub of frozen yoghurt with unlimited toppings (yes, unlimited) for just £6.49.

Dough Boys

Belgrave Music Hall

Images: The Hoot Leeds

As a student in Leeds you will no doubt find yourself in Belgrave Music Hall, but don't sleep on their food options. Dough Boys specialise in unusual flavours for their pizza, with one standout, the Queen Brie, featuring roasted grapes to complement its namesake French brie.

All the slices are under a fiver, and between 12-7pm Sunday to Thursday and 12-5pm Friday and Saturday they're all half price. Class.

Read more: 10 of the best beer gardens, rooftops and terraces in Leeds

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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