Charcuterie, cheese and fine wine- what more do you need this summer?
Opera North is now set to host one of this summer's most exciting openings.
Located on New Briggate inside the Opera North's gorgeous Grade II listed space, Kino is set to open its doors from Wednesday 6 July 2022- and they'll be serving up a range of wholesome Yorkshire foodie faves.
Expect regional cheese and charcuterie all summer long, supplied by the likes of Leeds’ George & Joseph, North Star Coffee Roasters, Latitude Wines and Northern Monk in addition to Darlington’s Acorn Dairy, Lishman’s of Ilkley and Bluebird Bakery.
Served with a carefully curated wine list with craft beers and cocktails sat alongside the best of local produce, the menu here will be ever-evolving to showcase the seasonal favourites, guest chefs and kitchen residencies over the summer months.
Then, from September, the restaurant will open with a full food offer from one of Leeds' most exciting pop-up brands. Whilst the details of this haven't been fully announced yet, it is expected that Kino at Opera North will have more than a few exciting names to add to their plentiful menu come autumn.
Championing local suppliers. / Image: Chapter 81
Inspired by the cinematic experience formerly hosted inside the Grade II listed building, Kino means 'cinema' in multiple languages, but also encompasses the minimalist style that the restaurant is set to take on as part of its opening identity.
Inside you'll see 100 covers across a whopping three floors with clean lines to create a relaxed and welcoming space perfect for pre-show drinks, post-performance bites and everything in between.
The restaurant will run on renewable energy. / Image: Chapter 81
This exciting new opening will be far more than a foodie option for theatre-goers, it'll be a game-changer restaurant championing independents near and far, all whilst keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum.
Running on renewable energy created from solar panels and from the grid, Kino promises to put sustainability in everything it does- and we can't wait to see the restaurant in action later this summer.
Richard Mantle, General Director, Opera North says: “Opening Kino is the final piece in the puzzle following our transformative £18 million redevelopment programme, Music Works. Located next to Leeds Grand Theatre, where Opera North is a resident company, and below the Howard Assembly Room, the most eclectic music venue in the north of England, Kino will be the perfect spot to enjoy drinks and a bite to eat before a performance, or as a destination in its own right. With Kino, we continue to do what we do best – entertaining through memorable experiences – adding seriously delicious food and drink to our repertoire.”
A new opening to look forward to this summer. / Image: Chapter 81
Kino will initially open on Wednesday and Thursday evenings 5pm - 11pm, and all day on Fridays and Saturdays over the summer before moving into its September menu and full restaurant opening.
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Daisy Jackson
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Sophie Smith -
30th May 2022 
