Now that we've hit mid-November, it really is starting to feel like Christmas.
The Christmas-themed lights are illuminating the skies above Briggate; Chow Down has opened its Winter Village and we're watching festive tipis pop up around the city centre as if they're Christmas trees.
Naturally, the best way to come together for juletide spirits is to stuff our faces with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, turkey specials- and really, anything with cranberry sauce on it.
But rather than heading over to the same old place for the same old festive specials, Leeds Food Tours is bringing together the best of the city's independents and championing the local food and drink offering with a special Christmas food tour.
Taking place across Sunday 4 December 2022, those taking part in this year's Christmas food tour will be treated to six different venues, and there's even mulled wine to keep you toasty at your first stop.
For those that have previously been on one of Leeds Food Tours before, founder Ellen Miller has ensured that each of the Christmas stops will be at completely different- so it's a great chance to check out some new spots without repeating yourself.
In total the tour lasts four hours and involves stopping at six different locations across Leeds city centre, spanning a total walking length of 1.4 miles.
One of the most exciting components of the Leeds Food Tours is that its inclusive to different dietary needs. There's vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, so there's no worry of having to go hungry at all on this tour.
If you can't make it to the Christmas special, Ellen runs regular foodie tours across the city, and can be either guided or self-guided depending on your preference- and either will make the ideal Christmas gift for anyone with a taste for exciting foodie options, and wants to support a local business this Christmas.
A feast for all the senses, Leeds Food Tours is a flexible guide around the city all based around food. The tours can take place any day of the week.
Those taking part in a self-guided tour simply need to follow the map and hand in special Leeds Food Tour tokens at each stop and welcome a range of dishes in return.
There's a choice of bao buns, tacos, falafels and gyozas on offer- and that's just the beginning.
Tickets to each food tour cost £65 per person, and include six stops across the city.
To find out more about Leeds Food Tours, including how to get involved in the Christmas special or bag one as a present, visit the Leeds Food Tours website.
Feature Image- Leeds Food Tours
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sophie Smith -
21st November 2022 
