Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Thursday, 5 November: Live updates from the Leeds Now newsroom

Bonfire night impacting animals, how unemployed people are aiming to find work and a PETA protest are among today's Leeds stories

5 November 2026

— Paul Marsden

Coffee and… chicken on the menu

Leeds has a new coffee shop, and its not located where you may expect it. It is inside the new Rotisserie Club on Wellington Street in the city centre. Lewis Gomersall has visited to speak to the owner to find out more.
— Pheobe Kirkham

Rolling back the clock in the Grand Arcade

Glass Onion in the Grand Arcade has been hosting a Y2K themed vintage sale. Ned Blackbird went along to check out all the vintage clobber and interview the shop’s manager and a member of staff. 
— Lewis Gomersall

South America delicacy on sale in Leeds

Acai has arrived in Leeds. The plant, which is primarily harvested in the Amazon rainforest, is available at a new Leeds acai social club that opened last Saturday. Owners Alisha and Connor, who are married, travelled for two years and found out about acai, and wanted to create their own toppings and syrups. Jessica Hirst has gone along to give it a try.
reflective sign with 'this is the acai place i was telling you about' written onSource: jessica hirst | All Rights Reserved
— Daisy-May Hurford

Mind over matter in charity firewalk

Phoebe Kirkham is so dedicated to her story she has literally been walking on fire. She joined the Leeds Mind Firewalk, which took place in Victoria Gardens in the city centre, and raises money for the mental health charity. Pheobe interviewed a representative from the charity too. This is a picture from a previous firewalk event.
This image depicts a UK Firewalk worker wearing a red jumpsuit that says 'UK Firewalk'. She's shovelling the coals ready for people to walk across.
UK Firewalk lead the event at the hospice.
— Joe Hynes

Is more visible policing helping women feel safer?

Delilah Loyd is out and about today to see whether the women and girls of Leeds feel safe following the launch of Project Vigilant. This will see West Yorkshire Police increase their visible presence at night in a bid to reduce instance of sex crimes across the city.
— Paul Marsden

Good morning

Hello from the Leeds Now Newsroom. Our journalists have already started heading out on the stories they are chasing across the city this morning.