Viral Leeds sweetie business Sugar Rush has announced it will open its first brick-and-mortar store in the Merrion Centre later this year.
Founded by young professionals Harry Lynch and Tayla Harris in 2019, the business - initially started to help fund the pairs travel plans - doubled its orders during lockdown.
Now it's the biggest seller of sweets (both counter and online) in the whole of Yorkshire.
As a result, they felt it was time to find the sweet business a permanent home.
Sugar Rush Sweeties on Facebook
The new city centre store will sell more than 150 varieties of sweets, ranging from traditional to more modern confectionery with treats like pick n mix, chocolate, imported candy and soft drinks.
“We are excited to open our first city-centre venue in the heart of Leeds Arena Quarter, which we feel offers the exact vibe for our brand," said co-founder Tayla Harris.
"With the increasing number of new student accommodation within the immediate vicinity and the first direct Arena directly opposite, we see this as the perfect location for our latest, contemporary sweet shop and we can’t wait to introduce new customers to Sugar Rush.”
Sugar Rush Sweeties on Facebook
Charles Newman, Associate Director, Estates at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We look forward to welcoming Sugar Rush Sweeties to the Merrion Centre. It’s particularly rewarding to see a young, independent business enjoy rapid success and for us to be part of their growth journey.
"The new store is sure to prove popular with customers of all ages and we are confident that there will be an influx in people eager to have their first, in person, Sugar Rush experience.”
‘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.
Here’s 10 of the best student-friendly cheap eats in and around Leeds
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.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
