A Wetherspoons pub in Headingley has applied to grant permanent access for participants of the famous Otley Run.
The Golden Beam has recently applied to Leeds City Council to change their alcohol license.
It comes after a trial run over five Saturdays in September and October that saw Otley Runners allowed into the premises.
The Wetherspoons pub opened in 2021 but its license prevented entry from those taking part in the pub crawl which sees masses of fancy dress-wearing drinkers embark into a range of pubs from Far Headingley to the outskirts of the city centre.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's been a few concerns raised regarding the size of the Otley Run and the noise it produces.
A statement from the area's ward councillors, Jonathan Pryor and Abdul Hanan reads: "For full transparency, when Wetherspoons held their five Saturday events allowing in Otley Runners (sic), we received a small number of complaints from local residents, fewer than you can count on one hand. And we received no contact from people in support.”
The new application would remove all of the conditions, meaning the Otley Runners would be allowed in whenever they wanted.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson from The Golden Beam said: "The Golden Beam has extensive seating and lavatory facilities within the pub, CCTV throughout, no music, food availability until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday and highly trained staff.
“It is hoped that allowing well-behaved Otley Run participants to use the Golden Beam facilities will improve, rather than detract from, anti-social behaviour in the area.
“The measures used to encourage good behaviour have been included in the variation application and will form conditions on the licence if it is granted.
“We will work with neighbours and other local stakeholders during the application’s consultation period to answer any questions they may have.”
Those wanting to share their views can email entertainment.licensing@leeds.gov.uk - quoting the reference PREM/04457/005.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Clementine Hall -
28th October 2025 
