Is it a little early to be talking about pumpkin spice lattes? We don't think so.
Despite the sun still shining in the sky though, Greggs grabbed headlines when it confirmed that the cult-classic coffee drink would be making a return to branches of the bakery chain up and down the country from this week, and Starbucks has also teased that its version will be available soon.
A whole host of other chains and independent cafes brew up their take on the seasonal coffee drink each year too.
And now, one company is looking to pay someone to test them all out.
If you were already planning on spending the colder months sipping away on a pumpkin spice latte, then how about getting paid for drinking them while you’re at it?
Clothing brand Pour Moi is hiring an official 'Pumpkin Spice Latte Tester' to test all the seasonal drinks available at popular coffee chains, and decide once and for all, which one will be crowned the best of the best.
The successful applicant will receive a payment of £300, plus a budget to spend on the Pumpkin Spice Lattes and other autumnal drinks.
So, what will the job actually require then? Well, the Pumpkin Spice Latte Tester will be asked to rate and review each of the coffees to reveal which ones give the best autumnal vibes from the first sip, and after trying each spiced coffee, they will then give each one a score based on various factors - sweetness levels, flavour, cosiness, smell, and added bonuses like cream, sprinkles, gingerbread etc.
The job requirements for the role are having a solid enthusiasm for autumn, a penchant for pumpkins, and the ability to get to and from a range of different coffee shops.
You'll also need to have lots of experience in drinking pumpkin spice lattes.
Pour Moi is hiring an official 'Pumpkin Spice Latte Tester' to test all the seasonal drinks available / Credit: Starbucks UK | Greggs
"Despite the hot summer we have all faced, there are still fall fanatics who cannot wait for their autumn wardrobes to make a return," said Maria Ryan - Sales and Marketing Director from Pour Moi.
"Because so many of our customers talk about how much they love everything about this cosy season, we wanted to do something that ensures they have the best start to their favourite season, so by hiring a Pumpkin Spice Latte Tester, we can help all fall-lovers tell the gourd from the bad when it comes to the limited-edition seasonal coffees on offer this year.
"It means everybody can relax with a hot drink knowing they will feel autumnal from the first sip."
Fancy sticking an application in for the role of Pumpkin Spice Latte Tester then? You can find out more information and apply on the Pour Moi website here.
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Two Leeds motorways named in the UK’s top 10 ‘most challenging’
Emily Sergeant
Two motorways in and around Leeds have been named the ‘most challenging’ in the UK.
As part of MoneySuperMarket’s new Great British Motorway Report, new research has found that one in three UK motorists find motorway driving ‘stressful’ – despite more than 70 billion miles being travelled on Britain’s motorways each year.
From delays and congestion to high traffic levels, there are a number of factors that can contribute to driver stress levels.
But are some motorways more challenging for drivers than others? According to the data, yes. And two of the top 10 worst motorways in the UK are in and around Leeds.
Three Manchester motorways have been named in the UK’s top 10 ‘most challenging’ / Credit: pxfuel
To find out which are the most challenging, MoneySuperMarket analysed everything from collision rates and roadworks, to lane closures and driver feedback in order to reveal the top 10.
Leeds is home to three of the UK’s top 10 most challenging motorways – the M62, and the M621.
The M60, M25, and the M11 ranked as the UK’s most challenging motorways, with lengthy delays and a high number of incidents affecting their scores.
“If you’re feeling anxious, allow extra time for your journey so you don’t feel pressured to rush or make last-minute decisions,” commented Alicia Hempsted at MoneySuperMarket.
“Plan your route in advance, including where you’ll stop for breaks, as regular rest stops can help you stay alert and reduce stress on longer trips, and if you’re travelling alone, consider sharing your route with someone you trust if it helps you feel more comfortable.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th August 2022 
