McDonald’s has brought back the £1.99 Happy Meal to feed hungry kids and help families keep costs low this summer.
It doesn’t seem that long ago since you could walk into your nearest Maccies and grab your little ones an iconic Happy Meal box for less than £2, does it?
Sadly now though, as the rising cost of living crisis continues to make its impact felt for millions of families across the UK, you’re looking at parting ways with close to £3.49 for the fast food meal and toy instead.
The good news is, with schools across Leeds and the rest of the country set to break up for six full weeks from this week, that £3.49 price has been slashed for the summer, and is now available to make the most of.
That’s right – from now right up until next Wednesday (31 July), the £1.99 Happy Meal is back, and all you’ll need to do to get your hands on one is download and order via the McDonald’s app.
Offering parents, carers, and guardians an up to 40% reduction on the average price of the Happy Meal, the popular fast food retailer says it wants its limited-time offer to “bring smiles to the faces of families across the country this summer”.
McDonald’s has brought £1.99 Happy Meals back for a limited time only this summer / Credit: Rawpixel | Pexels
App users will be eligible for one £1.99 Happy Meal per day.
Kids can choose from either Chicken McNuggets, Fish Fingers, or Veggie Dippers for their main, and then pair that with a side of either and Apple and Grape bag or a Carrot Bag, before picking from a handful of drinks options including water, milk, or a Fruit Shoot.
And what’s a Happy Meal without a toy, right?
Well, for the current Happy Meal – which is now available, and runs up until 27 August – McDonald’s has partnered with ILLUMINATION Pictures especially to celebrate the highly-anticipated release of Despicable Me 4 to offer a Minions-themed box and toy and activities selection.
£1.99 Happy Meals are available to order on the McDonald’s App at all branches across the UK up until Wednesday 31 July.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Emily Sergeant -
23rd July 2024 
