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A team of Leeds hospitality heavyweights have announced the return of Alfonso's - and this time it's permanent.

Alfonso's first popped up at The Junction's pop-up space, The Junc Shed, in the summer, serving authentic Cuban sandwiches (or Cubanos) and bagels.

And now they've announced that they're launching a proper bodega deli in Leeds' beautiful historic Grand Arcade this spring.

Alfonso's comes from the team behind Koben Smokehouse and Thiccc Sauce, with a strong New York and Miami influence.

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Koben Smokehouse specialises in Texan-style slow-cooked meats, while Thiccc Sauce pops up on telly and in restaurants all the time thanks to its delicious, flavour-packed sauces.

Cubanos will be the first thing to catch your eye at Alfonso's - these incredible sandwiches are made with slow-smoked mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and Thiccc sauce, before being pressed and toasted.

Alfonso's new spot will also have cold cuts, smoked meats, hot coffee, and - in the spirit of a proper New York City bodega - newspapers and lottery tickets.

At the time of their launch at The Junction, owner Luca said: "Why Cuban sandwiches? Our close friends in Miami, originally from Cuba & the Dominican passed us down their authentic Cubano recipe which includes mojo pork, smoked daily low & slow over applewood wood chips at our HQ in Holbeck on top of smoked ham, Swiss cheese, Thiccc sauce honey mustard, pickles & Cuban bread."

More details on this new Alfonso's opening are expected soon, with a launch pencilled in for late april.

Watch this space.

Read more: Renowned Leeds restaurant The Empire Cafe reveals big plans for a new gastropub

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

The pop star was meant to perform at the First Direct Arena tomorrow night but has had to postpone.

Fans of the singer songwriter were left heartbroken on Sunday evening, as Gracie Abrams sadly announced on social media that she has had to cancel two of her UK shows.

Taking to Instagram the I Love You, I'm Sorry singer said in a handwritten note: “Nottingham+Leeds. I hate that I have to write this again so soon. Unfortunately, I am really still struggling with this illness and have been advised that I cannot perform there next two nights. I can't tell you how much this breaks my heart.

"This tour is something I've been dreaming of since the album came out and the shows were played so. far have meant more to me than I can tell you. The moment we have any concrete details about these two shows in your cities, we will be in touch.

Due to artist illness, @gracieabrams has unfortunately postponed her upcoming show at @fdarena.

Fans are advised to keep hold of their tickets - a new date will be announced as soon as possible.

For all order related queries, please contact your point of purchase directly for… pic.twitter.com/LrUWrrpGCm

— first direct arena (@fdarena) March 3, 2025

"Please know I'd give anything to be able to be with you. Thank you for understanding I'm sending all my love.”

Gracie was scheduled to play in Nottingham tonight and here in Leeds at the First Direct Arena on Tuesday 4 March. 

Right now, no new dates have been announced but the tour will commence in London on Thursday 6 March.

Read more:

• Leeds First Direct Arena has celebrated its landmark 1000th show this year
• Tim Minchin is returning to First Direct Arena for the first time in FOUR years
• Mercury Prize winners English Teacher announce HUGE gig in Leeds this year
• Three Leeds record stores have been crowned amongst the ‘greatest in the world’

Featured image - Publicity image (supplied)

Rail fares across England and Wales have now risen by 4.6%, even despite the continued unreliability of services.

Less than two weeks after plans to fix the ‘broken’ rail system across the UK and deliver reliable services for all were set out by the Government, and the Department for Transport (DfT) stated its aim to ‘rewire Britain’s railways’, it’s now been confirmed that rail fares have risen nationally as of yesterday (2 March).

The price hike means that some commuters, and those who regularly use rail services, will have to pay tens or hundreds of pounds more for travel per year.

Season tickets on most commuter journeys, peak and off-peak return tickets, and flexible tickets for travel around major cities are just some of the journeys set to see fares increase.

According to campaigners at the Campaign for Better Transport, an annual season ticket from Macclesfield to Manchester will rise by £146 while an annual season ticket from York to Leeds will rise by £133.

Some railcards are also subject to the price hike too, which was capped at 4.6% by the Government.

Railcards in Britain, excluding those for disabled passengers, became more expensive for the first time in 12 years, with the price of a three-year card having now risen from £70 to £80, while a one-year card has increased from £30 to £35.

Train operators set their own prices for unregulated fares, but these tend to increase by a similar amount to regulated fares – including on lines that have already been re-nationalised.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says she ‘understands’ why passengers are frustrated.

“I understand that passengers are frustrated that rail fares keep rising despite unacceptable levels of delays and cancellations,” she commented, “which is why this Government made sure this was the lowest increase in three years, and below the growth in average earnings.

“We inherited a railway that was not fit for purpose, and I know it will take time for trust to be restored, with trains turning up on time, when and where they’re needed.”

Michael Solomon Williams, from Campaign for Better Transport, said the price hikes ‘will pile further misery on hard-pressed households’.

He added: “If the Government wants to do something genuinely popular, get Britain moving and help people with the cost of living, it should be making rail fares cheaper.”

Read more: Gracie Abrams forced to cancel Leeds show due to severe illness

Featured Image – Northern

It seems even the most star-studded celebrities can't resist the South Indian flavours of Tharavadu.

It's no surprise that Tharavadu on Mill Hill is a popular spot for locals and sporting stars alike, known as a firm favourite of Indian Cricket Team Captain Virat kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma.

But now it seems like word has spread, as they recently welcomed a whole host of Hollywood A-listers including Australian actress Rebel Wilson.

 

 

 

 

 

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She's up in Leeds filming for the upcoming Christmas comedy, Tinsel Town, alongside Ray Fearon, Lucien Laviscount, and Meera Syal who also stopped by at Tharavadu for some grub.

Posting the exciting news to Instagram, Tharavadu wrote: "We were thrilled to welcome film stars Rebel Wilson, Ray Fearon, Lucien Laviscount, and Meera Syal to our restaurant during their Yorkshire visit for the shooting of the upcoming Christmas comedy, Tinsel Town. Rebel Wilson, in particular, made multiple visits, relishing our sumptuous cuisine and warm hospitality.

"Adding to the excitement, our cherished custom of plate signing was embraced by our celebrity guests. They happily signed our iconic plate—a gesture that has now become a delightful tradition at Tharavadu, capturing the spirit of our commitment to memorable dining experiences. Alongside fun photo opportunities with our staff, these moments have truly enriched our Tharavadu legacy in Leeds."

Pictures were posted of Rebel posting for a selfie with the staff, alongside Lucien signing a plate which no doubt will be mounted proudly on the restaurant's walls.

Well, if it's good enough for them then it's good enough for us. Anyone fancy a curry?

Read more:

• Tharavadu to open staggering new rooftop restaurant and bar in Leeds city centre
• Tharavadu named one of the UK’s best Indian restaurants by the 2024 British Indian Good Food Guide

Featured image - Tharavadu

As of the end of March we won't be able to get our Percy Pig fix on Wellington Street any longer.

Whether you're popping in for a Dine in for Two Meal Deal or an iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake, there's no denying that we all love a cheeky trip to M&S.

After all, it's not just food...it's M&S food.

But unfortunately for us, one Marks & Spencer food hall in the city centre is closing its doors for good at the end of this month.

The one in question is on Wellington Street, just round the corner from the train station and nearby the Wellington Place development.

Signs have gone up on the windows announcing its closure, stating it will be closing on Saturday 22 March 2025.

Now the only two remaining stores are the train station location and the superstore on Briggate.

We here at The Hoot shared the sad news via Instagram and were met with mixed responses.

Comments said: "This is an odd move to make, I use that store a lot. We have a massive residential population now in the West End, including myself and we'll be left with just two supermarkets to serve the whole district, Tesco and Sainsburys."

 

 

 

 

 

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"Like most of these developments they can’t predict the footfall, just like down at Leeds dock, it’s a ghost town because people go into the centre.
Oh and if you want a big shop, you’ll take your car to either crown point or whiterose to put your shopping in."

"I love this store ! I use it all the time . Also get my clothes collections from there - I hate going to the big one in town and the station one is not great . I will really miss it @marksandspencerfood please rethink !"

So if you're after a final browse around the food hall, you've only got a few more weeks to do so.

Read more:

• Leeds Indian restaurant ‘thrilled’ as Hollywood A-listers pop in for a curry

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Northern has hired real hawks to help scare off pigeons who are ‘causing problems’ at train stations across the region.

You may remember that at the back end of 2023, the rail operator declared that it wanted to ‘force pigeons to take flight’ by trialing a whole host of new deterrents at stations across its network, and did so by positioning plastic owls around some platforms to scare them off, along with a host of other special measures.

As well as the fake owl statues, Northern also started using a special gel on ledges and roof trusses that’s designed to trick pigeons into thinking the surface is too hot for them to land on, and to really hammer it home, noises that simulate predatory hawks were broadcast out of massive speakers too.

But now, they’re ready to take things up a notch.

Because Northern claimed the ‘pests’ continued to keep ‘flocking to stations and nesting’, two real hawks called Maverick and Zulu have now been deployed at a couple of stations in Yorkshire as part of a 12-week trial.

Introducing Maverick and Zulu, our skilled Northern hawks addressing pigeon concerns at stations. ⁰⁰For years, birds have posed challenges for both customers and staff, as well as stations due to their corrosive droppings. ⁰⁰After various attempts to resolve the issue, we're… pic.twitter.com/kC856Cnxg3

— NORTHERN 🚆 (@northernassist) March 4, 2025

If they prove to be effective, the rail operator says the real hawks could be introduced at other Northern stations which have been ‘plagued’ by pigeons in recent years.

Northern is keen to assure customers that the hawks are ‘not being used for hunting’.

“We have tried plastic owls and recorded hawk noises, but they weren’t an effective deterrent,” explained Alex Hornby, who is Northern’s commercial and customer director. “So now we’ve brought in real birds of prey to help us with our pigeon problem.  

“The pigeons are a real nuisance for our customers and cause headaches for the station staff who have to clear up after them.

“That’s why we’re determined to find humane ways of keeping them away.”

Featured Image – Northern

Having already made a name for itself over in Sheffield, Le Croissant is getting ready to open its first site here in Leeds.

You've heard of almond croissants and chocolate croissants, maybe even a pistachio croissant, but have you heard of a fish finger croissant?

If you haven't then you're about to, because an innovative bakery dedicated to weird and wonderful croissants is coming to Leeds.

Le Croissant, part of the beloved Cawa bakery group over in Sheffield, has made a name for itself over in the Steel City for its delicious flakey pastries that you can get your hands on at multiple locations across the city.

Their viral fish finger croissant loaded with cheese and, of course, fish fingers has made headlines but the wacky creations don't stop there.

You can also get your hands on a wagyu burger croissant, pizza croissant and a strawberry and cream croissant for those sweet toothed pastry lovers out there.

Le Croissant will be opening inside Leeds Bus Station this spring, with the shop fit out taking place over the next three weeks.

It's the perfect location for those hopping on a bus looking for their carb fix to keep them fuelled for the journey ahead.

We don't have an official opening date yet, but we'll keep you updated when we do.

In the meantime, have a peek at their socials to see what you can expect. 

Read more:

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image - The Manc Group

The House Party, a contemporary reimagining of Strindberg's Miss Julie, bursts with raw energy and visual spectacle. 

After premiering at Chichester Festival Theatre, the play now embarks on its UK tour, making a stop at Leeds Playhouse before heading to Manchester's HOME Theatre from 25 until 29 March. 

Written by Laura Lomas and directed by Holly Race Roughan, the play unfolds in a dynamic, post-modern setting that is both exhilarating and unsettling.

At the heart of this production is Julie, a young woman at a desperate crossroads in life. Her 18th birthday party becomes the catalyst for a series of charged and volatile encounters. 

This collaboration between two powerhouse theatre companies - Headlong Theatre, known for its visual artistry, and Frantic Assembly, famous for its contemporary movement - results in a performance electrified by style and energy. 

Movement director Scott Graham transports the audience into the chaotic, adolescent world of a house party through highly stylized choreography. The seamless blending of visual, audio, and movement is one of the production’s standout elements, crafting a playground that reflects the naivety and childlike behavior of the characters.

Synnøve Karlsen’s portrayal of Julie is nothing short of captivating. She expertly navigates the emotional volatility of a character who is both searching for connection and consumed by loneliness. 

The play’s choreography, full of wild dance numbers and frenzied intoxication, amplifies Julie’s spiralling emotional state. Karlsen’s performance is a powerful exploration of a young woman’s internal struggles with identity, heartbreak, and the longing for validation.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Sesley Hope brings a haunting depth to Christine, a woman caught between loyalty and personal aspiration, while Tom Lewis, as John, plays a quiet, longing character who is entangled in Julie’s tumultuous world. His yearning for her encapsulates the central theme of unattainable love that permeates the story.

While the production’s energy is undeniably captivating, at times it overwhelms the quieter moments of reflection that underscore the deeper themes of loneliness and isolation. 

The digital clock, counting down the time of the party, serves as a stark metaphor for the fleeting nature of the characters’ lives, their brief connections, and their doomed desires. However, the relentless momentum sometimes drowns out the subtler, more poignant moments that provide emotional depth to the play.

In the end, The House Party is a compelling modern take on a classic drama. Its vibrant, high-energy atmosphere pulls the audience in, while the complex emotional currents linger long after the performance ends. 

It’s a tense, occasionally uncomfortable exploration of intimacy, isolation, and the messy, often painful consequences of desire.

Read more: Leeds Indian restaurant ‘thrilled’ as Hollywood A-listers pop in for a curry

Featured image: Ikin Yum

After huge success, Day Fever is returning to Leeds this May and it's going to be a hoot.

And this time they’ll be coming to the city centre, bringing the party to Project House on Saturday 3 May 2025.

Created by Line of Duty and This Is England star Vicky McClure, Day Fever invites the forever-young-at-heart to indulge in a daytime disco experience, where adults can relive their glory days on the dance floor without sacrificing their beauty sleep.

It’s hard not to be a part of the 2020’s wellness era that we all seem to have entered, but if you can’t shake the early 00’s carefree and rebellious party days, then Day Fever is exactly what you’re looking for combining the best of both worlds.

Starting at 3pm, the event has a strict curfew of 7pm, so you’ll be back in time to bid adieu to the babysitter or settle in for a few episodes of your favourite series before clocking in those crucial 8+ hours of beauty sleep.

We’ve all seen the AI-generated photos of what workers will look like in 50 years due to the incessant screen time consumption, right? What better way to loosen off those stiff joints by dusting off those disco shoes and heading to Project House for an afternoon groove?

And whilst you’re there, why not kick the day off by grabbing some lunch and a few drinks from Galleria next door – it really would be rude not to.

It’s also co-founded by Sheffield legend and Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure (no relation), who you’ll often spot behind the DJ decks.

Described as ‘the daytime disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday,’ Day Fever will be an event not to miss with nostalgic TV shows, films and adverts shown on a big screen during the event so you can relive those good old glory days.

Grab your tickets here now.

Read more: Liberty X amongst first round of major acts announced for Leeds Pride Festival 2025

Featured image – Day Fever

Fast food fans, feel free to get excited because a big US burger-driven brand hailed by many as ‘better’ than McDonald’s is coming to the UK.

The rumours are true: Leeds could very soon get a Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. is an American chain best known for chicken sandwiches and its trademark ‘charbroiled’ beef patties such as menu favourites like the ‘Famous Star’. You can even get star-shaped chicken nuggets.

First opening back in 1941, it’s very nearly as old as Maccies itself and although its profile is much smaller than that of the iconic golden arches, there are many who still firmly believe that it serves a superior product than the global conglomerate.

Well, hopefully soon you’ll be able to decide for yourselves as Carl’s Jr. is set to face off with McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Popeyes and all the other franchises that have made their way across the Atlantic over the last half a century or so – and it’s coming to Wales first.

In an announcement made via Restaurant Online, Carl’s Jr.’s country manager under parent company BRG (Boparan Restaurant Group), David Moffat said: “We’re looking at a steady rollout with a target of 100 restaurants plus in four years.

“We’ll open a number of corporate stores that we’ll retain as we go along and we’ll also be going into the sub-franchise market, which we hope to begin actioning towards the end of the year. We’ve had a lot of interest from big group franchisees already.”

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Named after founder Carl N. Karcher, who set up the very first iteration of Carl’s Jr. after moving from his hometown of Ohio to California and purchasing a hot dog cart for $326, the brand then opened as a drive-in BBQ in January 1945 before opening its first real restaurants in 1956.

Although both he and his wife Margaret have long since passed away, there is a huge family lineage that has carried on the name and it’s only gotten bigger with each decade that’s passed.

So what separates it from its biggest and most dominant competition? Well, not only do lots of American diners swear by their charbroiled burger recipes over McDonald’s big a part of the Carl’s Jr.s over Maccies campaign front is said to come down to the chips – especially as they also do waffle fries .

Put simply by one user on X just last month, he believes “Carl’s Jr is the best fast food burger”. Current day Carl’s in the States now boasts everything from the classic burger and chicken to sandwiches, milkshakes, sides and desserts to a sizeable breakfast menu.

However, Moffat clarified that “the UK will probably have the smallest menu outside the US, which will be focused on the core products: burgers, chicken and fries. You’ve got to look at it culturally and in a way that ensures the brand has a broad, diverse appeal.”

For context, as well as five sites in Europe, there are locations in: Australia, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Russia, Singapore and Vietnam.

Judging by the endless expansion, Carl’s Jr. was always going to come to the UK, it was just a matter of when. This move was actually confirmed back in May 2024, when they reached a master license agreement with BRG to bring the brand to Britain, as well as the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The first UK Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Cardiff is set to open in the St David’s shopping centre in April and a second site is due to launch somewhere in the south – you would presume London but who knows? – in time for the summer.

However, before we get ahead of ourselves, we want to know if any of you have tried the chain before and do you agree that it’s ‘better’ than Maccies?

Read more: A bakery serving fish finger croissants is opening in Leeds this spring

Featured Images — Aditya Oberai (via Wikimedia Commons)/Ernesto Andrade/Willis Lam (via Flickr)

The humble Yorkshire accent has been named one of the ‘most desired’ accent in the UK, according to a new analysis.

Yep, we'll absolutely take that.

 A new analysis by The Hearing Care Partnership has revealed which regional voices are ‘turning heads’ in 2025, and the Yorkshire accent has been included in the 10.

Last year in the hearing care company’s study, Essex topped the list as the UK’s most desired accent, but in 2025, Manchester came up to first place with a huge 127% increase in searches, pushing Essex down to the second spot.

The company claims the long-awaited Oasis reunion could be the ‘driving force’ behind the nation’s new curiosity towards Manchester’s tone.

“It’s interesting to see how the Manchester accent has become popular all of a sudden,” Ashish Shah, who is an audiologist at The Hearing Care Partnership, commented on the findings.

Coming in at number three was the Welsh accent and finally at number four was Yorkshire, obviously we're biased and would've bumped it up to number one but you can't have it all.

Top 10 ‘most desired’ UK accents

1. Manchester
2. Essex
3. Welsh
4. Yorkshire
5. Geordie
6. Cockney
7. Scouse
8. Birmingham
9. Scottish
10. Irish

Elsewhere on the list, it appears that regional accents across the UK have seen noticeable shifts.

Our unique sound has seen an 18% boost this year, which is a major shift from 2024 when it was one of the least desirable, and the Geordie accent has also remained a favourite with a 17% increase in interest. 

Cockney and Scouse accents have also continued to hold strong, with steady increases between 12% and 17% each.

Read more:

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image - Unsplash

New animation and CGI visuals have been released to give an insight into the airport's brand-new terminal expansion.

The shiny new terminal will open later this year, and it's safe to say we are very excited indeed.

And now, we have a sneak peek of what to expect as animation and CGI visuals have been released by the airport.

The highly anticipated expansion project remains on track, and will be offering passengers travel for up to 80 destinations.

The new departure lounge will feature enhanced seating areas and an improved retail and dining offering whilst a striking exterior view highlights the terminal’s contemporary and trendy design.

The visuals also show the new baggage reclaim area designed to streamline the arrivals process for travellers, plus an upgraded passport control area, which will incorporate cutting-edge security technology, ensuring a smoother and more secure journey for all passengers.

Sounds pretty class if you ask us.

The development underlines LBA’s ambition to strengthen its position as a key gateway to Yorkshire and beyond, ensuring it meets growing passenger demand while upholding its commitment to delivering first-class travel experiences.

The first phase of the regeneration project is scheduled for completion this summer, and you best believe we can't wait to catch a flight to somewhere sunny.

John Cunliffe, Commercial Director at Leeds Bradford Airport commented: “We’re excited to share the new video and visuals that offer passengers a preview of what’s to come at the airport.

"Our transformative terminal expansion is not only about creating a modern, comfortable airport experience for travellers but also about building a sustainable future for travel in the region. With construction progressing on schedule, we look forward to welcoming passengers to our upgraded facilities this summer.”

Read more:

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image - Supplied

Tropical World has welcomed five new, and particularly slow, friends with open arms.

The five sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, have moved from the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port to Tropical World in Roundhay.

These tortoises are the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Aldabra giant tortoise and the Galapagos tortoise.

Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Tropical world said: "Exciting news. We recently welcomed five giant tortoises to their new home here at Tropical World!

"These gentle giants had outgrown their previous habitat and are now settling into their spacious new environment. The Sulcata Tortoise, with a life expectancy of over 70 years, is the largest mainland tortoise in the world and the third largest overall.

"Come visit us and meet our newest residents"

Abigail Hardwick, animal officer at Tropical World, said: “They all have coloured markings on their shells so we know who is who. Tank is the biggest male and the most boisterous, he can often be seen pushing the other boys out of the way to be first to the food bowls.

“They’re all settling in well!”

One of the UK's largest indoor tropical rainforest visitor attractions, Tropical World has been welcoming guests since 1988 and is comprised of seven zones which all replicate a tropical environment from around the world.

Tropical World is already home to meerkats, pygmy marmosets (the world’s smallest type of monkey), and emperor tamarin monkeys, as well as many different kinds of reptiles, butterflies and insects.

Find out more about Tropical World here.

Read more:

• Leeds Bradford Airport unveils first images of massive £100 million terminal expansion
• Huge US fast food chain said to be ‘much better’ than McDonald’s is coming to the UK
• Day Fever – the daytime disco extravaganza is coming to Leeds this May

Featured image - Tropical World

The UK’s leading self-catering holiday brand is currently on the look-out for someone to test its hot tub holidays.

Look, it’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it…

Hoseasons, which operates more than 29,000 places to stay in coastal and countryside settings throughout Britain, is now on the hunt for a Chief Relaxation Officer.

The new ‘CRO’ will be responsible for testing out some of the many Hoseasons hot tub holidays on offer around the UK.

The successful candidate will be tasked with going on five two-night hot tub breaks, with a plus one, and with all travel and food expenses covered.

And in return, they’ll just need to document their local holiday with ‘inspiring and engaging’ content that can be shared on the Hoseasons social media channels.

So no, it’s not a salaried role, but you will get to sample some of the best hot tub breaks around the UK, with a friend, in exchange for showing off your trip.

Hoseasons says you’ll ‘need to be serious about creating great content, passionate about UK holidays and – most importantly – love hot tub breaks!’

Gemma Brown, general manager at Hoseasons, said: “Hoseasons has long been at the forefront of providing unforgettable hot tub experiences, and we’re now taking that legacy a step further by offering one lucky winner the chance to enjoy the ultimate series of hot tub getaways.

“As our Chief Relaxation Officer, they’ll explore some of the UK’s finest hot tub breaks, gaining insight into why we’re considered the leaders in crafting moments of true relaxation.

“With guests’ preferences evolving and the demand for indulgent getaways rising, we’re redefining what it means to unwind in style.”

Hoseasons says it’s seen a five percent increase in total bookings year-on-year in January.

The Chief Relaxation Officer will receive:

• Five 2-night hot tub breaks at stunning Hoseasons locations
• Travel expenses covered (up to £300)
• Food expenses covered (up to £200)
• An exclusive CRO title

To apply, you can submit an entry form and short video HERE.

Read more

• Five giant tortoises have moved to Tropical World in Roundhay after outgrowing home

Featured image: The Manc Group

Consider yourself a music fan? Spend your days with tunes on in the background? Would you be able to identify a song within the first couple of seconds?

Well this might be your chance to win £10,000.

The BBC is currently casting for the next series of its smash-hit competition show The Hit List, where contestants get their music knowledge put to the ultimate test, and is now looking for people from across Yorkshire to apply and be in with the chance of winning a massive pot of cash.

The Hit List, presented by popstar couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes, sees three pairs of music-lovers go up against each other.

Across three rounds, the contestants attempt to identify huge hits from across the years, and the three teams must prove their ability to recognise songs from across all genres of music, both artist and song title, if they want to take home the win.

A casting call for the next series of The Hit List on the BBC website reads: “Could your love of music win you a £10,000 cash prize? We are looking for lively pairs of contestants to take part.”

Any one can apply to take part in the show, but producers and casting directors say they would particularly love to hear from couples, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, best mates, and parent and offspring.

“Anything goes, as long as you love your music and know your hits,” the casting call concludes.

Anyone who applies to the show must be a legal UK resident, and be available for potential filming dates in early April 2025 up in Glasgow.

Although it’s a little further for us to travel, thankfully, all travel and accommodation will be provided if your application is successful.

Fancy it then? You can find out more and stick an application in here.

Read more: A leading UK staycation company is recruiting for a hot tub holiday tester

Featured Image – BBC

Get ready to laugh your socks off because the UK’s top comedy venue, The Glee, is coming to Leeds this month.

If you like a good giggle then you’re going to love this news because the award-winning independent comedy club, The Glee, is opening up in Leeds on Friday 28 March 2025.

The Glee will be opening its sixth UK venue slap bang in the city centre on Albion Street, and will offer a fantastic weekly programme of comedy, live music and entertainment.

Among the opening weekend performers are BAFTA award winning comedian, Tom Davis; star of Live at the Apollo and multi-award winning, Brennan Reece; Irish comedian and star of Black Books Dylan Moran; stand-up comedian and host of Fin vs The Internet, Fin Taylor; and English actress, comedian and presenter Michelle De Swarte.

Established a whopping 30 years ago, The Glee is the leading operator of comedy venues in the UK.

It first opened its doors in 1994 in a purpose-built venue outside of London and has since become renowned for quality live comedy hosting huge names such as Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre, Jo Brand, Lee Evans, Sarah Millican and Jack Whitehall.

The Glee founder Mark Tughan said: “The countdown is on to our Leeds launch, and we are very much looking forward to lifting the curtain on our opening weekend. The venue is looking incredible, and we’ve curated a stellar line up of acts which promise to be brilliant entertainment for everyone.

“We’re also hugely excited to launch our regular weekend comedy shows and we will have some big act announcements to make over the next few months. The finishing touches are now being made to our new Leeds home as we prepare to welcome customers in just a few weeks’ time, when we can’t wait to have lots of laughs with the people of Yorkshire.”

Get your ticket for The Glee's opening weekend here.

Featured image – Supplied

A shocking new survey has revealed that 40% of Brits haven’t read a single book within the last year alone.

Reading is a lifeline for some, it’s a chance to delve into a story, open your mind, expand your horizons, and lose yourself in another world, but at present, it’s fair to say that reading is far from a universal habit among British adults – and in fact, 40% claim to have not picked up or listened to a single book in the last 12 months.

Ahead of World Book Day last week, YouGov decided to look into the reading habits of the British public and asked a total of 2121 adults a series of literary-related questions.

According to the survey, a quarter of Brits (23%) who responded say they have read or listened to between one and five books in the last year, with a further 10% admitting to reading or listening to between six and 10, and an extra 10% making their way through between 11 and 20 books.

There are a small number of so-called ‘mega-readers’, however, with 4% of respondents claiming they have read more than 50 books , which is roughly one or more books a week, on average.

As often tends to be the case with many survey results, the results do differ between gender, age, and social class.

Two-thirds of women (66%) say they have read or listened to a book in the last year, but just over half of men (53%) say they have.

Older Brits are also more likely to be readers too, with 65% of over 65s and 63% of 50-64 year olds having read at least one book or listened to one audiobook in the last year, compared to just 57% of 25-49 year olds, and 53% of 18-24 year olds.

According to YouGov’s findings, there is also something of a class divide in reading too.

66% of survey respondents who live in middle class households have read or listened to a book in the last 12 months, compared to just 52% those living in working class households.

And how about frequency? According to the survey, 50% of Brits say they read or listen to books at least once a week, with 37% reading ‘most days’, and 20% reading every day, and women more likely than men to be daily readers at 27%.

Just 15% of Brits say they ‘never’ read or listen to books at all.

While a growing number of Brits may be using audiobooks, most 53% don’t consider ‘listening’ to be the equivalent of having read the same book, and 82% still prefer physical copies of books.

Read more: A leading UK staycation company is recruiting for a hot tub holiday tester

Featured Image – Melanie Deziel (via Unsplash)

The new coming-of-age drama series will air on Channel 4 later this month.

The first look images have been released for Dreamers, a coming-of-age drama series created by Lisa Holdsworth and Gem Copping.

Set and filmed in Leeds, the series is based on characters that have been workshopped and inspired by people from the city with support from the Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), which was managed by the BFI and funded by the UK Government.

The production was shot in and around Leeds and provided a fantastic opportunity for 10 Leeds-based people to break into the broadcast industry.

Production was tailored to people with no previous production experience, providing training, mentoring, one-to-one sessions, career planning and the chance to work on a major production.

The series follows an eclectic group of dance students as they navigate the intense highs and lows of coming of age in today’s complex world – captured through stories which are as joyful and funny as they are raw and truthful, brought viscerally to life via irresistible dance choreography.

Rebekah Wray-Rogers, Co-Founder of Duck Soup Films says: “We couldn’t be more thrilled that Dreamers was born and raised in our very own city.  Collaborating with such a phenomenally talented and diverse group of new to the industry creatives has been an unforgettable journey, and we are buzzing to finally bring this exceptional series to the screen.”

Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships & Skills at Channel 4 says: "4Skills is proud to fund the 10 full-time training placements on the production of Dreamers. It’s been a brilliant opportunity for these ten trainees with many of those who worked on the series now further developing their careers in the industry. Initiatives like these show the impact Channel 4 and 4Skills can make.” 

Read more:

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.

Featured image - Channel 4

Gracie Abrams brought the vibes, bows, songs and girlies to Leeds.

Let's face it, you were either at Gracie Abrams or Sabrina Carpenter last night but wow were we glad to be at Leeds First Direct Arena. 

Gracie is a sensational performer and I personally only became a big fan of her at the end of last year after "That's So True” went viral on TikTok.

After a cancelled show last week, Gracie made a speedy recovery and rescheduled for Thursday 13 March. Best friend in hand, surrounded by girlies (and their parents) in bows, the atmosphere was wild and we were ready for the show to begin. With one beady eye on the look out for Paul Mescal.

She elegantly flowed onto the stage, wearing the most gorgeous long silk dress with sparkled black bowed arm ties. Kicking off the show with "Felt So Good About You” and "Risk” back to back and it's safe to say I’ve never heard the crowd roar with applause like that ever.

She quickly apologised for being poorly and welcomed everyone by saying “Leeds, we made it, welcome to the Secret Of Us Tour”. She then went onto say how she has so many feelings about this rescheduled gig and thanked the crowd for being there "you're so understanding, showing up and being so generous. I can’t tell you what this means to be - sincerely thank you”

I’ve never seen a performer like Gracie before, she was beautifully interacting with the crowd at every opportunity, whether that was taking scrap books off the super fans, phones for selfies, talking to them directly or waving at every part of the arena possible. It was very clear to see her fans loved her and she loved them just as much.  

Mid-set she took everyone to a re-creation of her childhood bedroom in the middle of the standing pit, where she wrote most of her early material. She sat down on her white double bed, next to her a bedside table with a lamp and of course, her keyboard where she continued to interact with fans and perform some of her early material.

The evening was truly electric and I genuinely felt like I made a friend in Gracie. Her warm approach to the crowd was genuine and really beautiful. Time for one of my favourites “Cool”, although we all knew it was closing to the end, the roars and screams to every single lyric did not stop.

And that was my night over with, heading to my car with headphones on blasting Gracie Abrams complete on Spotify and contemplating If I could pull off cutting my hair into a sharp bob.

Read more: Leeds First Direct Arena has celebrated its landmark 1000th show this year

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

A new hacienda hangout has landed in our city and we're sure it's going to be the place to be this summer.

There's only one thing better then a bar, and that is a rooftop bar. And that's everything that Azotea is and more.

To put it bluntly, entering this venue which is on top of the Hyatt Hotel on Sovereign Street will get you instantly feeling like you're on Love Island.

We're talking fire pits, plush booth seating, lavish greenery and plenty of rattan - the interior really is stunning.

There's two massive rooftops which offer jaw dropping views of the city, as well as one long dining room and bar area for when it gets a bit chilly (which let's be honest, is the majority of the time).

Azotea is bringing a slice of Latin America to the city, with a menu inspired by 33 countries.

Expect Mexican street food, Brazilian sharing steaks, Caribbean small plates and so much more to dig your teeth into whilst enjoying the beautiful setting.

There's also a cracking cocktail list for those sun set drinks with friends, of course.

If you are wanting to sit outside on one of the bigger tables, it won't come cheap as Azotea will be requesting deposits for group bookings over eight as well as minimum spends.

However, for a special occasion there really isn't anything like it in the city and the views themselves make it worth the money.

Azotea is now open, and you can find out more about the venue and book your table here.

Read more: 

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image – The Manc Group 

A Yorkshire workspace company has bought Aire Street Workshops from Leeds City Council for an undisclosed sum.

You may remember around this time last year Aire Street Workshops was under threat from Leeds City Council, as a whole host of creative independents were about to be pushed out of their space.

Almost a year later the 23,000 sq ft building has been purchased by WorkWell, a Yorkshire-based office operator that is known for designing technology-led workspaces that promote hybrid working and productivity.

They have vowed to improve the interior of the building whilst offering the current occupiers workspaces after taking over the building.

WorkWell plans to retain Aire Street Workshops commercial use.

Oliver Corrigan, managing director of WorkWell, said: “We are pleased to allay any fears the current occupiers had about the building being sold and converted into flats. As a leading provider of serviced office space, we plan to improve the working environment of the building over the coming months.

“All the current occupiers will be offered space in the much-improved workspace.”

The history of Aire Street Workshops

The building started life as Poole’s, a surgical boot manufacturing company before being left derelict in the 70s, prior to the takeover from Leeds City Council in 1980.

Coverting into a multi-purpose space was funded by Department for the Environment Urban Development Programme and Leeds City Council and eventually opened in 1981 by the Lord Mayor of Leeds as a space for small and medium businesses to thrive, and this has had a particular focus on nurturing younger business owners over the years.

30-34 Aire Street is now home to 26 units, housing 37 small businesses across four floors. Each unit is around 400-500 sq ft, and house unique start up businesses.

The venture itself was the very first scheme if its kind in Leeds and owners LCVS, an independent, not-for-profit company, report that ” It has been a phenomenal success story that serves to offer opportunities to a diverse array of companies. A melting pot where people work together to generate growth in an ambitious city.”

Read more: How to help save Aire Street Workshops – petitions, small businesses and the story so far

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Spring has well and truly arrived, and so have six baby joeys to Lotherton's Wildlife World.

If you're looking for something so inexplicably cute that it might bring you to the verge of tears, then look no further.

Lotherton Wildlife World, the dedicated zoo of Lotherton country house in Leeds, recently announced the news that all of their wallabies have given birth to their very own joeys.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lotherton (@lotherton)

Posting on Instagram, Lotherton said: "Exciting news! All 6 of our Wallabies have Joeys in their pouch.

"If you look closely you can see the pouch moving. In the next few weeks and months, all the Joeys will start peeking out. They'll continue to grow until they can't fit in the pouch anymore.

"When they leave the pouch they'll still be relying on mum for milk but will start eating solids too like grass, hay and veg! Pop by and see if you can spot a Joey having a wriggle."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lotherton (@lotherton)

And trust us, the pictures don't do these cuties justice.

If you'd like to see them for yourselves, then you can visit Lotherton Hall and its Wildlife World where you'll see a whole host of animals which tell the tale of Lotherton's rich heritage.

From penguins and flamingos to wallabies and capybaras, you can wander through the grounds and learn about the majestic animals and what Lotherton do to protect their future.

You can find out more about Lotherton Hall and their Wildlife World here.

Read more: 

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image - Lotherton Hall

Aldi is launching a range of mystery hot cross buns, and there’s a cash prize up for grabs if you correctly guess the flavours.

Easter may be more than a month away at this point, but chocolate eggs, themed sweet treats, and, of course, hot cross buns are already stacked on supermarket shelves nationwide – with loads of different varieties to choose from.

Long gone are the days when the traditional current spiced hot cross buns are all you could find, as now there’s everything from chocolate orange and coffee, to lemon, blueberry, and even chilli cheese to try out.

But would you be brave enough to try a mystery hot cross bun?

In what is thought to be the first taste challenge of its kind by a supermarket, Aldi is giving shoppers the chance to win £1,000 worth of shopping vouchers if they manage to correctly guess the secret flavour of its three limited-edition hot cross buns.

Launching in Aldi stores every Thursday for three weeks starting this Thursday (20 March), the mystery hot cross buns will come in eye-catching colourful packaging to tempt daring shoppers to put their taste buds to the test. 

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is pick up a pack of mystery hot cross buns, at just 99p for a two-pack, then spend some time tasting, smelling, and pondering over what the flavour may be, before submitting your guesses to guesstheflavour@aldi.co.uk. 

You must be over 18 to enter, and can only enter once per flavour of hot cross bun.

There’ll be three winners in total, one for each mystery flavour, who’ll be chosen at random from correct entries. 

Shoppers have until just before midnight on 6 April to get their entries in.

Read more: Inside Azotea – Leeds’ newest Latin American rooftop bar and restaurant

Featured Image – Freeimageslive

The famous Louisiana fried chicken is coming to Commercial Street, and we don't have long to wait.

On Friday 4 April 2025 at 11am sharp, Popeyes will be opening its doors in Leeds City Centre and we absolutely cannot wait.

To celebrate in style, Popeyes will be hosting a massive giveaway where the first three people in the queue will win the epic prize of free Chicken Sandwiches for a full year.

Not only that, but the first 100 customers will be treated to a free Chicken Sandwich and exclusive Popeyes UK merchandise.

Marking its sixth location in West Yorkshire and 76th since landing in the UK, Popeyes will be pulling out all the stops whilst showing city dwellers good old fashioned southern hospitality.

Guests will be able to dine in or takeaway from the new restaurant, and enjoy a taste of the full Popeyes menu, including the iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, tenders, and signature chicken wraps.

Kicking off on Saturday 5 April, the breakfast menu will also be available and will even include a breakfast meal deal for just £1.99.

Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re excited to confirm that our highly anticipated Leeds restaurant will officially open its doors on Friday 4th April.

"Following the success of our existing five locations across West Yorkshire, bringing Popeyes to Leeds city centre has been a top priority for us, and we’re confident that this launch will be just as popular.”

The new Leeds restaurant will be located at 5-6 Commercial Street and brings 80 new jobs to the local area.

Read more: 

• A brand new focaccia themed bakery is coming to Leeds from the team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
• Five new openings in and around Leeds that we can’t stop talking about
• Alfonso Deli to open permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds’ Grand Arcade

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds