A handful of UK supermarkets have already started stocking the shelves with Easter chocolate, and shoppers are losing their minds over it.
We may be in the middle of the so-called ‘twixmas’ period right about now, with Christmas Day almost seeming like a distant memory, our minds casting forward to the new year, and nobody really having any idea what day it is… but surely time hasn’t fast forward to spring already?
Well, a walk around your local supermarket might have you thinking otherwise.
The immediate days following the big day itself is usually when we see shops slash the price of the remaining Christmas chocolate in a bid to try and shift it off the shelves, and it usually means you can grab yourself a bargain if you’ve still got some sugar cravings to satisfy.
Well, @Tesco - the man hasn't even been born yet and we've already rolled out the Easter Eggs - this is consumerism at its best. Not even 2025 yet ffs . pic.twitter.com/VIZZE7Lskg
But once again this year though, just like in years previous , it appears as though some supermarkets might’ve skipped this step all together and moved straight on to selling Easter chocolate.
Bags of Cadbury Mini Eggs, boxes filled to the brim with Creme Eggs, and lots of other Easter treats have been spotted on the shelves at several supermarkets nationwide, and it’s fair to say it’s left people a shocked and confused.
Many have been taking to social media to share their thoughts on the madness.
Sure, we all know us Brits do love to complain, but we can probably all agree that this time it’s warranted, right?
“It’s not even the new year and the Easter chocolate is out. Why?,” one person wrote on X, while another added on a similar note: “It’s happened already, the local stores have just put their Easter eggs out next to the Christmas gifts.”
Some, on the other hand, seem to be a little more excited at the arrival of Easter chocolate and are even planning on “stockpiling” their favourites.
“Is it too soon to start stockpiling Easter eggs? That chocolate just hits different,” one person said.
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
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.”
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Clementine Hall
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Emily Sergeant -
31st December 2024 
