A lockdown success story is finding a home in Meanwood.
From an up-cycled horse trailer to a coffee shop, Humbl is the UK’s first battery powered mobile coffee shop with a lockdown success story that started off, and continues to be, an entirely self-funded small business.
Located in the heart of Meanwood, a leafy suburb less than three miles from Leeds city centre, the little coffee shop now has big plans to take over one of Meanwood's shops to open a permanent home.
Ever-humble, the independent coffee stop is owned by locals Matt and Georgia (and their dog Lou) and after growing their business presence at a host of pop-up events around Leeds over the past year and securing a local spot near Meanwood Park and Seagulls Reuse, the owners are now hoping to give the suburb that has taken in Humbl for the past twelve months, a permanent home in the form of a coffee shop.
From horse box to coffee shop. / Image: Humbl
The couple shared their vision on Crowdfunder at the weekend and are hoping to raise £6000 for coffee-making equipment. With the help of the local community, the aim is to raise enough to purchase a two group coffee machine, so that Humbl can cope with the bigger demand of a coffee shop.
The owners said: "We are excited to announce that we have just got the keys to this amazing local treasure and while we're well on our way to making our dream a reality we need your help to get us over the finish line!"
Humbl started as a converted horse trailer. / Image: Humbl
The owners shared a message on local community pages earlier this week, offering exciting merchandise, vouchers, invites to their opening and even a black card as part of their fundraising efforts:
"Humbl beginnings! We’re opening a coffee shop in Meanwood! Some very exciting and scary times ahead. We could not have come this far without your amazing support. Our aim is to give Meanwood a speciality coffee shop with a focus on sustainability, arts and community.
The location of the new Humbl coffee shop. / Image: Humbl
"A space where we can support local artists, projects and fellow small businesses! While we're well on our way to making our dream a reality we need your help to raise funds to get our small business off to a flying start.
"In return we are offering some fantastic rewards, including limited edition merch, VIP launch party invites and free coffee on us for a whole year. Your contribution, no matter how great or small, would mean the world. We can’t wait to welcome you all! Your Humbl humans, Matt, Georgia and Lou."
Some of the crowdfunders will receive tote bags as thanks. / Image: Humbl
Every £20 donation will give the donor access to a limited edition birthday blend, 250g bag of beans, limited edition tote and a free coffee upon opening, but the prizes scale all the way up to £1500 donation offerings.
The top offering is one of four 'Humbl Black Cards' which will entitle the lucky donor to 50% off any bill sit in or take out forever, as well as a hand written invite to soft launch/opening day and after party with a plus one, a plaque with your name on it in the venue- and a permanent state of gratitude from the business owners.
Whilst renovations take place, Matt will still be "smashing out his famous flats whites" at Humbl's locally-known spot next to Meanwood Park every Friday - Sunday until the opening of their permanent store, as well as attending plenty of pop-up events around the city too.
The owners pictured on their Facebook post. / Image: Humbl
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 -
5th April 2022 
