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North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate

Clementine Hall - 26th May 2026

One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.

Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.

North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.

They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.

One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.

Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.

Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.

Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.

"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”

Fancy it? Us too, we'll see you there.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026

Clementine Hall

Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.

We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.

The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.

So, what's going to be different?

Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.

Image: Supplied

The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.

Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.

There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.

Image: Supplied

Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”

“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."

To find out more, check out their website.

Read more: An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

News

Met Office reports on how long the heatwave will last as yesterday was hottest May day on record

The Met Office has given us an idea of how long this current heatwave may last.

It comes after a new UK temperature record was broken yesterday, as it reached 34.8°C at the weather station in Kew Gardens – with the figure being both the highest daily maximum temperature recorded in meteorological spring (March, April, and May), as well as the highest temperature in May all together.

The previous record of 32.8°C was reached in 1922 and 1944.

If confirmed and validated, and May sees a new official daily temperature record, it would mean that more than half of the monthly record highs – seven out of 12 – have been set since 2003.

But what exactly is considered to be a heatwave? Well, heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.

Looking ahead to the rest of the week, and providing the public with an indication of how long these temperatures could last, Met Office weather forecasters say the start of the week will see the heatwave continue for much of England and Wales with temperatures ‘well above average’, and today (Tuesday 26) expected to be another ‘very hot day’ with a rapid rise in temperatures through the morning.

The heat will then continue through the week, with highs of 31°C forecast for Wednesday, 30°C on Thursday, 27°C on Friday, and 28°C on Saturday.

“We’ve now provisionally broken the spring and May temperature record,” commented Met Office Chief Operational Meteorologist, Dan Suri.

“Meteorologically, what we’ve seen is the influence of warmth building under an area of high pressure near the UK allowing exceptional heat to build allowing maximum and minimum temperatures to reach levels not previously reported at this time of year.

“Further heat is in the forecast for much of England and Wales, with similar temperatures forecast for Tuesday.

“High pressure is forecast to gradually lose its influence later in the week, though maximum temperatures will still remain high and in the low 30°Cs for some mid-week and high 20°Cs late this week.”

Read more: Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli

Featured Image – Milo Kaye (via Unsplash)