A viral craze has yet again struck the internet, and this time it’s a cute plush collectible toy character even causing one particular shop in Leeds to sell-out of its stock.
Who is the culprit of this shop’s constant restocking? An adorable collectable plush toy character that goes by the name of ‘Labubu‘.
In Britain it’s safe to say we are accustomed to a queue or two, but over in Manchester, this newest line which has started forming for Labubu toys outside a collectibles shop on Market Street has left us puzzled.
The queues aren’t appearing from nowhere either; social media users describe how they’ve walked past the store as early as 7:30am and seen dozens of people standing outside waiting.
Image: Pop Mart
If your follow-up question is, “What is a Labubu?”, don’t worry because we asked exactly the same thing before we ended up nose-deep in the world of these widely popular plush toys.
Labubu is the name of the viral plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to make this worldwide cuddly phenomenon.
Recognised by their bunny-like ears, large eyes and big smiles (which some people find off-putting), Labubu has become a bit of an overnight superstar and shows no signs of slowing down.
The general public aren’t the only ones all over these famous fur-balls either, as celebs and stars alike have been attaching them to their handbags and sporting them like a prized possession.
Image: Pop Mart
And these are some pretty big names too, everyone from global superstar Rihanna to pop princess Dua Lipa have been pictured with a variation of Labubu dangling from their handbag.
People don’t just want to buy these viral toys as they are, part of the reason people are so obsessed with Labubu is the surprise element as you’ll find thousands of unboxing videos online.
Avid TikTok users will come across plenty of unboxing style videos, where collectors predict which colour or variation of the viral toy they will get before inevitably find out for themselves.
Previous Love Island contestant, reality TV star and model Olivia Attwood has got involved in this current Labubu trend, making lots of videos on social media expressing her love towards these plush collectables.
Attwood has become an unofficial mascot for Labubu through her various videos on social media, where she either unboxes or makes reference to these ‘monsters’.
This adorable plush toy character has even made its way into the rap field with UK drill act Central Cee not only having one but five variations of Labubu.
Each Labubu falls under a category or ‘series’, Cench seems to be a fan of the ‘Have A Seat’ range with all his collectibles in a sitting position.
The series all have their own names and limited edition style characters too including ‘Wings Of Fortune’, ‘Big Into Energy’, Pop Mart even launched a collaboration with household brand Coca Cola.
Our friends over at The Manc have an excess of these cuddly-fluffy companions and are set to get even more thanks to the recent announcement of a Trafford Centre site.
Labubu toys are exclusive to Pop Mart and available in their stores nationwide including Manchester Market Street and London - but Leeds’ high street also has a contender too.
Forbidden Planet, the UK’s largest cult comic and entertainment retailer, who are working tirelessly to secure as many Labubus as they can at The Headrow site.
This Leeds vendor is constantly trying to order in more stock of these Labubu dolls which have blown up online so if you’re after one, think fast.
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
The Leeds Cinema Crawl is back with music-themed films across three different independent venues
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Letterboxd can expect to hear from you after this trifecta.
The Leeds Cinema Crawl is a unique experience, aiming to bring like-minded film buffs together, for a full day of cinematic fun.
Whether you simply love film, you are a The Beatles super-fan or punk-rock is more your thing, this year's theme is The Beat Goes On, so all selected films centre around the celebration of music, rhythm and performance.
While fancy dress is not essential, guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves by coming dressed as their favourite character from one of the three films, or in an outfit inspired by the The Beat Goes On theme.
The team are yet to release details on the exciting film related activities for the day alongside the screenings, though there is usually a selection of fun games and introductory activities to join in with.
5:30pm - Good Vibrations (15, 2012, 111 minutes) at Howard Assembly Room
To complete the whole experience - all three venues have a great range of both soft and alcoholic beverages on offer and some classic cinema snacks too.
However, the beauty of the crawl lends itself to exploration in the surrounding areas, in between screenings. The films are to be spaced out across the whole day and across various venues, allowing for time to stretch your legs and try out some of the fabulous local eateries that Leeds has to offer.
Each independent cinema selected for the crawl has something to offer that regular cinemas do not.
Our personal favourite of the three is Hyde Park Picture House, located in the heart of Hyde Park. The building itself has been recently restored to its former glory making it worth the visit alone, with the most ornate, charming exterior and fully equipped with an old fashioned ticket office and street lamp that transports you back in time.
Whether you live locally or you make a day of it, by visiting Leeds, this event is not to be missed out on.
You must be at least 18 to purchase a day pass due to some of the films ratings and there will be no allocated seating, so be sure to arrive in good time to nab the best seats.
While some cinemas are accessible for wheelchair users, some are sadly not, so it is advised to speak with the cinemas directly before purchasing tickets for the event.
A cross-venue full-day ticket costs £24 for access to all three films. However, students, those with a Leeds Card or seniors over 60, can access reduced tickets for £19. It is important to note that HPPH free membership tickets are not available on the day passes.
Tickets for individual screenings are also available for around £8.50-£10.
The event is on Sunday 27 September 2026, starting at 11:30am.
For further information and to book your tickets here.
The Hoot -
12th May 2025 
