There's a company offering to pay you £30 an hour to shop in the magical 'middle aisles' at budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl, and it sounds like the best thing ever.
Whilst most come for affordable and fresh food, it's these lauded intersections that create the most excitement for shoppers - rammed full of bargain items that you want, but don't necessarily need.
But now, you can have it all - and get paid for the pleasure of it too.
Whether it’s bluetooth speakers, hedge trimmers, exotic meats, or literally anything else, the middle aisles are home to everything you couldn’t ever think of, but you somehow convince yourself you need once you’re in there.
Over the past couple of months, the middle aisles have been home to a new wave of products, and some have been so popular, they’ve sold-out in stores across the UK.
With stock so short, some people have been missing out on product drops too.
So, one discount and coupon company, WeThrift, has decided to do something about that by enlisting the help of some “savvy shoppers” and is now recruiting three members of the public for the dream job of ‘Middle Aisle Shopper’ who will be tasked with tracking-down and buying the latest must-have bargains from Lidl and Aldi, so that customers who weren’t able to buy them locally in store, can purchase them online via its site for the same price.
Not only is WeThrift actually paying the chosen candidates £30 an hour on a PAYG basis, each ‘Middle Aisle Shopper’ will also be given £500 to spend on items.
In its description for the role, WeThrift says the main aim of each shopper is “to ensure that consumers from other areas of the UK can purchase limited-edition products at the same price seen in the likes of Lidl and Aldi, if their local store sells out, via the WeThrift website.”
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.”
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."
The Hoot -
21st January 2022 
