The concept was nothing else like Leeds has seen before.
The Leeds’ People’s Gym had been run for the people of Leeds, by the people of Leeds since opening in October 2023, but the owners have sadly announced that just three months after opening, the business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
The news was announced on Instagram with the message: "We are devastated to announce that as of 12 noon on Monday 29th January 2024.
"The Leeds People's Gym will cease to trade with immediate effect. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we couldn't reach enough folks quickly enough to make the business viable.
"We'd like to say a big and heartfelt 'thank you' to our members and supporters, without whom this journey would have been impossible. We believe in the importance of having inclusive spaces, and hope that our closure doesn't dampen your spirits, because safe and inclusive spaces in Leeds are desperately needed now more than ever.
"We'd like to say a special thank you to some of the local groups and organisations who have supported us especially Bi+ Leeds Social Group, Mental Health Mates Leeds, Strega Running Club and Wharf Chambers.
"We will update you on how to recover any membership fees you have paid as soon as we can.
"We're so sorry
"The whole team at The Leeds People's Gym."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The alternative to the usual sweaty, overly boisterous chain gyms popping up all over the city, had worked tirelessly to try and make sure everybody felt welcome inside a gym environment.
Chris Woods and Daniel Browne said upon opening: “we’ve been there, we’ve gotten to the front doors and gone straight back home, we’ve been bullied off equipment. No more. Gyms can be different, we’re different.
“Join a gym where you can access fitness without the judgement, without the intimidation, without the ego.”
And this really did feel like the alternative gym everyone needs to try out in the city.
Besides the ‘Community Wall’ set to be packed with resources for those wanting to support their local indies or residents, everything in the four-floor building has been designed to deconstruct any ‘typically toxic’ messages or experiences people may have had in other gym environments, to welcome everyone to a judgement-free workout space.
It was clear that the entire ethos from The Leeds People's Gym was to bring the community together and lift people's spirits through exercise - an admirable concept Leeds was lucky to have, even if it was just for a short amount of time.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Independent Leeds matcha stand forced to close by council despite 3,000 people signing petition
Clementine Hall
An independent matcha stand in Leeds has been forced to closed due to council concerns.
You may remember back in August when the whole of Leeds rallied to save Sips Matcha over in Headingley.
The front garden matcha spot has become a firm favourite for students and locals alike over the past year, gaining more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.
The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' is located in the residential area of Little Woodhouse and is run by the lovely Matt and Julia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, in August their retroactive planning application was rejected by the council and they were given 28 days to remove the shed.
In a published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons were listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.
The electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, listed spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.
In response, Matt and Julia launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.
Despite over 3,000 signatures, Sips Matcha have announced on their social media today that the shed must be removed by the end of November.
The statement reads: "our retrospective planning was declined, we appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. then the dreaded email arrived: the shed has to come down by the end of november.
"we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working out what happens next. over 3,000 of you signed the petition and it meant the world. thank you for every sip, share and signature. come say hi while we’re still here."
We're absolutely gutted for them, so make sure you pop by for a matcha before the end of November to give them a proper farewell.
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2024 
