Feature

Pop Mart to open in Leeds City Centre selling viral Labubu plushies

Oh. Em. Gee.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 2nd June 2025

Leeds Labubu lovers (try saying that three times), your beloved Pop Mart is on its way to Leeds.

If you haven't been plugged into the whole Labubu hype then first of all, where have you been? And second of all, allow us to fill you in.

Labubu is the name of the viral plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to make this worldwide cuddly phenomenon.

Recognised by their bunny-like ears, large eyes and big smiles (which some people find off-putting), Labubu has become a bit of an overnight superstar and shows no signs of slowing down.

Images: The Manc Group

The general public aren’t the only ones all over these famous fur-balls either, as celebs and stars alike have been attaching them to their handbags and sporting them like a prized possession.

And where can you get your hands on a Labubu? Pop Mart. And where are Pop Mart opening their newest shop? Right here in Leeds.

According to a job advert for Store Manager on Indeed, Pop Mart will be opening on Briggate just next to the Queens Arcade near Starbucks.

Images: The Manc Group

Pop Mart is famed for its huge collection of designer toys and collectible items, often attracting fans from far and wide who are prepared to queue up outside the doors before opening.

Here's what the job advert says: "Founded in 2010, POP MART is a market-leading entertainment company and a global champion of designer toy culture. Through global artist development, IP operations, and designer toy culture evangelism, we have built an integrated platform covering the entire designer toy value chain.

"Besides our original and iconic IPs such as Molly, Hirono, Skullpanda, and LABUBU, POP MART collaborates with top-tier toys and lifestyle brands including Disney, Universal Studios, and Sanrio to create collectible art toys featuring their iconic characters."

You can view the job advert here.

Read more: Why are these viral toys selling out so fast in Leeds?

Featured image - The Manc Group

Feature

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Kick-off for the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us so it's time to find out in Leeds where we'll be watching, preferably with a pint in hand.

International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing the 2026 World Cup this year.

So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds. You’re welcome.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds

Green Room

Wellington Street, Leeds city centre

Get yourself on one of Leeds' best terraces to enjoy a spritz or two before heading into the main bar to watch the matches.

Meanwood Tavern

607 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HQ

Over in Meanwood, the much-loved Meanwood Tavern will be showing the games with screens at the front and back of the pub. Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged.

BOX

15 Infirmary St, LS1 2JS

Image: The Hoot Leeds

It's an absolute classic, but BOX will of course be showing all the games on their multitude of screens. We also recommend booking a table for this spot as it's always a busy one.

Hyde Park Book Club

27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, LS6 1BL

Image: The Hoot Leeds

A favourite amongst students, Hyde Park Book Club will be showing every England game and more on the big screen.

Trinity Kitchen

 27 Albion St, LS1 5ER

Image: Supplied

Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer.

The space is getting ready to be transformed into an evening fan zone with three super-size screens, a brand-new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters.

The space will be completely free to attend and will open just in time for the start of the tournament on Thursday 11 June.

Read more: A huge new venue designed for 1,000 fans to watch the World Cup is coming to Leeds city centre

Project House

Armley Rd, LS12 2DR

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This fantastic events venue will be showing all the England World Cup Games, so get your tables booked and make sure to head for some food at Galleria beforehand.

Brewery Wharf Tavern

Tetley's Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' newest pubs right by the canal will be showing all the England games, booking is recommended.

The Melbourne

476 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, LS8 2HU

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're in Roundhay then The Melbourne is the place to be. They'll be showing all the England games on their swanky new 75inch telly and they'll even have some new beers on the lines to celebrate the occasion.

The Beck and Call

Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, LS7 2NP

This absolute gem of a pub will be showing all the England World Cup games on multiple screens, including some big ones. If you're a fan of a huge beer garden, then this is the spot for you.

Kirkstall Bridge Inn

12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, LS5 3BW

This fabulous pub on the edge of the River Aire will be showing the footy on a huge screen in their expansive beer garden. If that doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does.

Brudenell Social Club

 33 Queen's Rd, Burley, LS6 1NY

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues will be showing the footy both outdoor and indoor, they'll also of course be providing plenty of pints, pies and good vibes.

Brotherhood

54 New Briggate, LS1 6NU

Image: The Hoot Leeds

One of Leeds' most iconic sports bars will be showing every single match of the World Cup alongside plenty of drink deals and food on offer to keep you fuelled up.

Beaverworks

36 Whitehouse St, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 1AD

If you're looking for a proper fan zone atmosphere, than Beaverworks is your best bet. For £5 a ticket, expect BBQs at each game, beer towers, DJs and a free beer or cider.

4TheFans at the O2 Academy

55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW

Image: 4TheFans

4TheFans will be creating the ultimate atmosphere at the O2 Academy, expect a production and sound experience built for global superstars, combining the noise, the passion and the atmosphere into one electric, next-level fan experience.

Buy your tickets here.

Featured image - Supplied


Feature

Why shoppers are flocking to this much-loved independent kitchen shop in the heart of Ilkley

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Community Cutlery in Ilkley is a must-visit for any avid chef or homeware lover.

Nestled on Leeds Road in the somewhat 'trendy' area of the beautiful spa town of Ilkley, you'll find Community Cutlery - a speciality kitchenware shop that's been standing proudly for five years.

Run by Gaz Heaton who really, really knows his stuff - here you'll find the largest selection of Japanese knives outside of London as well as the most beautiful collection of kitchenware you've ever seen.

Everything is tried and tested, from the teapots to the matcha mixing bowls, so you know you're getting the very best of the best whatever you decide to take home.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Of course, buying kitchen knives can be daunting at first, but Gaz is so welcoming and makes you feel right at home.

He'll ask you a few questions, what your knife's main purpose will be, what you're used to currently, and from then you'll be able to chop a few carrots on the Community Cutlery chopping board to see which one takes your fancy.

Once you've taken your knife home you can come back instore for their knife sharpening service, to make sure it stays sharp and in perfect condition.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

It's a shop that proves that the British high street in fact is not dead just yet, with customers flocking from far and wide to visit the shop for Gaz's expertise and incredible selection of products.

You can seriously get everything here, from aesthetically pleasing pepper mills and adorable butter dishes to handcrafted chopping boards and Japanese ceramics.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

They've even got Community Cutlery merch which would make the perfect present, in fact anything in that Aladdin's cave would.

You can find out more about Community Cutlery here.

Read more: 24 hours in Ilkley | An insider’s guide to one of Yorkshire’s beloved spa towns

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

More Feature

Eats

A look inside Leeds’ first Sardinian restaurant serving soul food on the water’s edge

Eats

Here’s 10 of the best places to visit in Farsley at the weekend

Eats

The family-run neighbourhood Leeds restaurant that’s about more than just pizza – it’s about community