That's right, you heard: The Moot Hall Arms, a dyed-in-Peacock-feathers pub, isn't just one of the best spots to watch Leeds United in the city, or even Yorkshire, we believe it might just be one of the best sports bars in the whole country.
If you've ever been, you'll know why, and if you haven't, keep reading...
Located over in Mill Hill on the corner of Bishopgate and New Station Street, The Moot Hall is an unadulterated, uncensored and utterly unapologetic lovely letter to all things Leeds - both the team and the place.
Owned and operated by the Stonegate Group, but lovingly run by landlords Claire and Ross, a.k.a. 'Mr and Mrs Moot', this tribute to all things Elland Road is about as die-hard a Whites stronghold as you'll ever come by.
Claire took over the venue back in 2022, not long after cult icon Marcelo Bielsa led his Leeds side back to the Premier League for the first time in more than a decade and a half away from the top flight.
'Boss Lady' Claire fell became a fan not just of the beautiful game but of Leeds United when she fell in love with watching the late, great, Gary Speed.
What started as a teenage crush has gone on to become a lifelong love affair, and despite not hailing from the region herself, you won't find many bigger supporters of the local culture in the city centre.
You only have to see how many people filter through the doors, not only on a matchday, but throughout the week, even whether or not there's any football on the box.
Though, to be honest, there's also something on.
Glance around, and you'll see countless bits of sporting heritage hung on the walls, with tonnes of authentic pieces of paraphernalia, all situated pride of place across nearly every square inch.
As a passionate project that has seen the pair become popular local figures in their own right, the majority of this stuff has actually been gifted to them by fellow supporters and Leeds natives.
From the people who walk through the door, to the steady supply of merch they hand over to make this the Peacocks' paradise that it is, they live, breathe and bleed white, yellow and blue.
Previously, it was known as the Princess of Wales, the Waiting Rooms, and an old beer house known as Baht'ap, but this most recent iteration looks set to be the start of a dynasty.
Fans will be hoping that's a sign of things to come as they continue a period of rebuilding and expansion back in the first division, including a stadium redevelopment.
While there are plenty of places that hang up a flag or two, it isn't just a sporting allegiance for these lot; similar to the loyal matchgoers who follow Leeds home and away, it's quite literally a way of life.
It's also worth noting, by the way, that while sharing its namesake, the Arms isn't located in the same area as the original Moot Hall (the old town hall, courts and council building) up on Briggate, but it is only a roughly five-minute walk away if you want to make a sort of publicans' pilgrimage.
For most Whites, every match is just as massive as the last one, but we need to tell you how huge the game coming up at Wembley is for the club.
Put simply, it could be one of the biggest days in Leeds United's modern history - that is, if/when they make it through to the final itself.
With that in mind, make sure you don't miss a second of the action, and even if the Moot Arms is packed, there are plenty of places to cheer on Daniel Farke's side. Roll on the weekend, marching on together.
A Yorkshire-born and bred artist and his creative team have earned the huge honour of creating the official FIFA scarf collection for this year's World Cup.
Nothing short of massive for anyone from our part of the world.
The local legend in question is Tom Pitts, who was born in Sheffield and is now based just beyond Leeds, leading the campaign right from the helm.
Hand Drawn Pixels is a graphic design and digital studio based in Otley, and while you'll see plenty of folks wearing football shirts and even the odd scarf on the town's famous pub crawl, these lot are venturing on an entirely different kind of run this summer.
In fact, the work has very much already started, with Tom and co. collaborating directly with FIFA and US manufacturers, Global Scarves, to create the World Cup collection.
With this year's tournament obviously taking place across America, Mexico and Canada, they've joined up with a big LLC, but they describe themselves as "a true English custom scarf company with American parents."
In their words, "We knit scarves for clients all over the world", with a presence both near Leeds and over in Seattle, Washington.
The fixtures themselves kick off next month (England's first game coming against Croatia on 17 June), and so Hand Drawn Pixels have been hard at work meeting the briefs for each of the nations taking part.
Here's a quick breakdown of how the opportunity came about, their vision for the project, and how everything starts for them as a whole process.
You can see more of their work HERE, but as the brand name would suggest, it's pretty simple to begin with: nothing more than a pencil.
It's worth noting that the 2026 World Cup also featured the largest number of teams in the competition's history: 48 qualified national squads, to be exact. So, technically, they've had even more designing to do than they theoretically would have in any of the previous years, too.
Tom confessed that winning this bid is obviously a big deal on its own and that seeing his creations being worn in person by supporters at the stadiums will be a "surreal" experience.
Speaking exclusively with The Hoot, he said: "It’s been an amazing creative challenge for us to truly reflect the individuality and diversity of the nations competing in this prestigious tournament on such an iconic product as the football scarf."
He went on to add that "the whole project has been a huge learning experience, gaining deeper cultural insight into every nation involved."
We can't wait to cast eyes upon a sea of colour and finely crafted fabric in unique but somehow universally familiar patterns, all designed right here in 'God's Own Country'.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2026 guide – everything you need to know
Clementine Hall
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Danny Jones -
24th April 2026 
