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Tag Archive: #financialwellbeing

  1. Dealing With Debt At Christmas.

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    Dealing With Debt At Christmas.

    As the cost of living crisis continues, the financial pressure facing many households in the UK feels like it’s increasing all the time, and that’s before you consider the added pressure of buying expensive Christmas presents for family and friends.

    With financial problems mounting and consumer confidence plummeting, it’s never been more important for people to keep a close eye on their debts, make sure they don’t increase significantly over Christmas and make sure they’re properly managed.

    One of the most effective ways of doing so is with a debt consolidation loan. But what exactly is one? Let’s find out.

    What is a debt consolidation loan?

    A debt consolidation loan is a type of loan that an individual takes out to pay off their existing debts. The individual uses the money from the debt consolidation loan to pay off the people or companies to whom they are in debt, then repays the loan in monthly instalments.

    Debt consolidation loans can be used to pay off different types of debt, such as credit cards, overdrafts, store cards or personal loans.

    What are the benefits of debt consolidation loans?

    Taking out a debt consolidation loan is an effective way of taking back control of your finances as it allows you to immediately pay off all your debts and leaves you responsible for just one repayment each month. 

    When you have several lenders to repay each month, it can be easy to forget to make a payment, especially if the repayments are for different amounts and due on different dates. Needless to say, this makes budgeting and general money management much more difficult.

    Because bigger loans often come with lower interest rates, debt consolidation loans can also lower your monthly repayment amount, reducing your outgoings. The repayments can also be spread over a period of time that is more suitable for you, which could potentially lower your monthly repayments too.

    Take control of your debt with a Leeds Credit Union loan.

    A cursory glance at almost any British news outlet will give you an indication of the financial difficulties people in the UK currently face. While this is naturally a cause for concern, it’s important to remember that financial help from reputable lenders is available to anyone who needs it.

    At Leeds Credit Union, we don’t charge any set-up fees for our debt consolidation loans, nor do we charge any penalties for early loan repayments. For more information or to apply for a loan, click here.

  2. The Autumn Budget 2025.

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    The Autumn Budget 2025.

    This week’s 2025 UK Budget announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out several significant changes that will shape the financial landscape for households across the country. 

    As a community-focused credit union, we’re looking closely at what these measures mean for our members and how we can continue to support them in the months ahead. Here are the key developments:

    The controversial two-child benefit cap – which prevented parents from claiming universal credit or tax credits for more than their first two children – has been abolished, offering relief to many families with a move which is expected to lift around 450,000 children out of poverty. This is good news for our members with more than two children, as they will now benefit from increased financial support.

    Income tax thresholds will be frozen until the 2030-31 tax year, meaning more people will have to pay the tax for the first time, while others will need to pay a higher rate as wages rise. For our members in employment, this may mean they find themselves paying more tax than before, resulting in less expendable income, as rising wages move them into a higher tax bracket. And those who are drawing a pension may find they have to pay more tax on their income.

    There’ll be an increase of £440 per year for the basic state pension and an increase of £575 per year for the new state pension.

    A new £2,000 cap has been placed on the amount people can put into private pension pots through salary sacrifice schemes, before it incurs tax. From 2029, anything above the new £2,000 limit will incur national insurance contributions. 

    The annual cash Isa limit will be reduced from £20,000 to £12,000 to encourage more people to invest their money in stocks and shares instead. 

    Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) will have to pay 3p for every mile they drive under a new tax which has been introduced to make up for falling revenues from fuel duty, as more motorists move towards EVs. A cut to fuel duty, on the other hand, will be extended to keep down the price of petrol at the pump. 

    The levy on ‘remote gaming’ – which includes online gambling – will increase from 21% to 40% next year to “reflect the levels of harm they inflict”.

    Rail fares have been frozen for a year – for the first time in 30 years – in a move that is expected to save millions of rail travellers hundreds of pounds off season tickets, peak and off-peak returns between major cities.

    The Motability scheme, which helps disabled people with the cost of a car, will meanwhile no longer offer “luxury vehicles”.

    At LCU, we believe we are ideally placed to help people plug any gaps in their finances caused by the Budget through our range of affordable loans and access to a variety of savings accounts, and we will continue to adapt our products and support services to ensure members can navigate these changes with confidence.

    We’ll continue to monitor developments and keep our community informed as further details emerge.

  3. How To Make The Most of Black Friday 2025.

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    How To Make The Most of Black Friday 2025.

    Taking place on the first Friday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday is an historically American event that used to mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and give high street retailers the opportunity to get their finances ‘out of the red and into the black’.

    These days, however, Black Friday takes place in countries all over the world, both in stores and online, and is one of the most eagerly anticipated days of the year among bargain hunters and shopaholics alike, with everything from clothes to homeware to brand new tech all available for less.

    And, in fact, it no longer takes place for just 24 hours, with many retailers offering deals over the entire week leading up to Black Friday itself (which, this year, takes place on Friday, November 28th) and often for another week afterwards, in celebration of Cyber Monday, Black Friday’s formerly online-only equivalent.

    What this all means is that the 2-weeks surrounding Black Friday represent a fantastic opportunity to save money on items you’ll be buying for your nearest and dearest for Christmas or for yourself as a treat.

    So what are the best ways to beat the crowds and make sure you pick up some bargains? Here are our top-tips.

    1. Do your research.

    Whatever you’re in the market for, do some investigating to find out the good from the bad before the sales begin. You’re better off paying slightly more for a good quality product than slightly less for something that will need replacing in six months.

    The same goes for brands too – familiarise yourself with the best and worst reviewed brands early and you’ll be able to tell the bargains from the ‘best avoided’ once the sales begin.

    1. Make a list.

    Both online and in shops, Black Friday is almost always busy, so make a shopping list of the things you want, as well as what everyone wants for Christmas, and keep it with you at all times. With multiple discounts and offers vying for your attention, having a list handy will keep you focussed.

    1. Know your price history.

    Similar to point #1 and especially important if you’re in the market for a specific item, knowing its pre-sale RRP will help you work out whether any sale prices represent good value for money or not. Checking to see if the product you’re after has been on sale recently and, if so, how much for is also worth considering.

    1. Make a list of retailers that sell the item you want.

    With the days around Black Friday being so busy, it’s not unusual for websites to crash due to heavy traffic or shops to sell out of certain products. If this happens while you’re trying to buy something, knowing which other stockists sell the item you want will give you a headstart on other shoppers and increase your chances of still landing that bargain.

    1. Set up online accounts now!

    By entering your billing and delivery details in advance, you’ll be able to complete any transactions and check out quickly and easily before the best sale items start disappearing online, giving you the upper hand if multiple shoppers are after the same items as you.

    1. Look at the price, not the saving.

    Some items spend more time on sale than they do at full price, so treat discounts with suspicion and never pay more than you’re willing to for something just because it offers a supposed ‘saving’.

    For example, if you have £50 set aside for an electrical item, don’t be tempted to spend £75 on it just because it’s reduced from £150 – there’s a fair chance it won’t actually have been on sale at full price since it first launched.

    1. Charge your phone before hitting the shops.

    In the era of smartphones, you can shop in two places at once so make sure your phone has as close to 100% battery before you head to the high street so you can really shop around. Then, when you’re browsing the aisles in Currys, you can compare prices against online retailers to ensure you get the best possible price.

    1. Sign up to newsletters.

    Most retailers have newsletters you can subscribe to for free and doing so in advance of Black Friday can be a shrewd idea as they might well offer you early access to deals or additional discounts on certain items.

    1. Monitor social media.

    As well as signing up for their newsletters, it’s a good idea to also follow your favourite retailers and brands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as these are often the first places their offers are advertised.

    Happy shopping!

    It can be easy to overspend when big sales roll around and there are none bigger than Black Friday but so long as you stick to a budget you can afford, the coming weeks should offer plenty of opportunities to save money on items you’ll be buying in time for Christmas.

    If you need help paying for items in the run-up to Christmas, we offer small loans of £250 to our members and joining our credit union couldn’t be simpler – for more information, click here.

  4. How To Avoid Black Friday Scams.

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    How To Avoid Black Friday Scams.

    Taking place on Friday, November 28th, Black Friday is fast approaching, bringing with it the promise of early deals for budget-conscious shoppers gearing up for the festive season. Originating in the United States, this shopping phenomenon has now become a global tradition, drawing the participation of tens of thousands of brands and retailers across the UK. However, as the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, so does the risk of falling victim to internet scams. 

    Here’s our guide on how to safeguard yourself and your finances during this busy shopping period.

    Don’t fall for false tracking codes.

    A prevalent scam involves receiving false tracking codes via email, purportedly from a delivery company. Clicking on the link provided can lead to a fake website seeking personal and banking details or infecting your computer with malware.

    How to avoid.

    Use only the official app or tracking website provided by the retailer or delivery company. Be cautious of emails with alarming subject lines urging you to click on links for supposed delivery updates.

    Beware ‘Wrong Bank Details’ emails.

    Another common scam involves receiving an email from someone posing as an online retailer, claiming there’s an issue with a recent transaction and urging you to update your bank account details. These deceptive emails often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to capture your card and bank information. To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of such emails by contacting the retailer directly, avoiding assumptions even if the email displays the company logo.

    How to avoid.

    Exercise caution if a retailer urgently requests changes to your bank details, especially if it claims a risk of losing an order. When in doubt, contact the retailer directly.

    Verify discount codes and offers.

    Fraudsters may send fake discount codes or sales offers through text or email during the Black Friday frenzy. Shoppers, excited by the prospect of a bargain, might forget to verify the authenticity of the provided link.

    How to avoid.

    Always confirm the legitimacy of an offer or discount directly on the retailer’s official website.

    Beware of purchase scams.

    During Black Friday, scammers often advertise tech products at unbelievably low prices to attract buyers. Once the buyer makes a bank transfer, the criminals vanish without delivering the promised goods.

    How to avoid.

    Exercise caution with offers that seem too good to be true. Verify the legitimacy of the seller by checking customer reviews before making any payments.

    Guard against brute force attacks.

    Retailers frequently experience surges in ‘brute force attacks’, where scammers attempt to break into customer accounts by guessing login details. If a company notifies you of a password change that you didn’t initiate, contact them immediately to prevent potential unauthorised access. If your debit or credit card is linked to the compromised account, consider placing a temporary freeze on the card through your bank.

    How to avoid.

    Stay vigilant for unexpected password change notifications and promptly notify the company if it wasn’t initiated by you.

    Make the most of the Black Friday sales with Leeds Credit Union.

    Potential scams aside, most retailers take part in Black Friday these days, so the next couple of weeks should offer lots of opportunities for shoppers to get a headstart on their Christmas shopping while also saving a significant amount of money.

    If you need a hand covering the cost of the festive season, you can borrow between £250 and £25,000 with one of our affordable loans. Find out more here.

  5. Talk Money Week 2025.

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    Talk Money Week 2025.

    This week is Talk Money Week, an annual event designed to kickstart conversations about managing our finances and highlight the great work being done by credit unions, banks and other organisations that are helping people across the UK attain financial security.

    With the financial impact of the cost of living crisis still being felt by many households in the UK, this year’s Talk Money Week is of the utmost importance to ensure those at the greatest risk of financial hardship are aware that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that help is available to them.

    Talk Money Week explained.

    Run by the Money and Pension Service (MaPS), Talk Money Week is for everybody and encourages partners, family, friends, colleagues, employees and more to have conversations about their money in an attempt to make the subject less taboo. 

    At present, money is one of the UK’s least favourite topics of discussion, with nine in 10 adults struggling to talk about money or avoiding the subject altogether. The hope is that, by discussing our personal finances more openly, we can all increase our financial and mental wellbeing. 

    Studies indicate that talking about money makes us feel better about it and helps us build healthier money habits, such as saving more regularly and making less risky financial decisions. In addition, talking about money reduces stress and anxiety and strengthens relationships. It also increases the likelihood that the person or people you discuss your finances with will do the same, allowing them to receive the same benefits.

    While talking about your finances with your partner, family and friends should be reasonably straightforward once you’ve broached the subject, discussing it with kids and colleagues is a different proposition. 

    Talking money with children.

    When it comes to kids, it’s never too early to start teaching them about money and helping them understand how to manage it effectively, building their confidence on the subject. 

    If you have kids that receive pocket money, letting them take responsibility for it will develop their financial skills and teach them about the cost of living and the importance of saving from an early age.

    Talking money at work.

    If you’re under financial pressure, talking about it with your colleagues or employer is a great way to start taking back control of your bottom line.

    As for employers, encouraging your employees to discuss their financial circumstances can help them take control of their financial situation and future, including their ability to adapt to and deal with unexpected hardship.

    How can Leeds Credit Union help?

    At Leeds Credit Union, we provide straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate and Craven. We help our members take control of their savings with a range of services, such as loans, savings accounts, including one for children under the age of 18, and a money and budgeting service designed to help people create realistic budgets to ensure they can always pay their bills on time. This helps them achieve financial security now and in the future.

    But, as the name suggests, the most important thing about Talk Money Week is getting people to open up and talk about their money, whether they’re more concerned with their pension or their pocket money.

    We’re big fans of the annual event and would encourage all our members to come together and join the conversation. If you find it difficult to talk about money and would like some advice on starting a financial conversation, MaPS has created a series of guides which could help. There’s also our helpful MABS team who work in partnership with Housing Leeds, helping tenants who are struggling to budget their money and pay their bills.

  6. Building Financial Inclusion in Leeds: Turning the 17% into a Shared Opportunity.

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    Building Financial Inclusion in Leeds: Turning the 17% into a Shared Opportunity.

    Recent research shows that 17% of neighbourhoods in Leeds are among the most deprived in the UK, placing our city 51st out of 296 local authorities for deprivation. As CEO of Leeds Credit Union, this statistic is deeply concerning. Behind those numbers are households struggling to make ends meet, families worried about debt, and people who feel locked out of fair financial services.

    At Leeds Credit Union, we believe financial inclusion is one of the most powerful tools to break this cycle.

    Understanding the challenge.

    Deprivation is not only about income levels. It is about access and opportunity. In too many parts of Leeds, residents face barriers to affordable credit, a lack of access to financial advice, and limited confidence in managing their money.

    We see this every day: people relying on high-cost lenders, families living without savings, and young people entering adulthood without the financial knowledge they need. Financial exclusion can deepen deprivation, limiting choices and reducing resilience when life gets tough.

    What Leeds Credit Union is doing to help.

    As a community-based credit union, our mission has always been to make financial wellbeing possible for everyone in Leeds, regardless of postcode or income.

    We are taking action in three key areas:

    1. Expanding access to fair and affordable financial services.

      We continue to provide safe, ethical alternatives to high-cost credit, helping people borrow responsibly and build financial stability. We are increasing our presence in communities most affected by deprivation to ensure that fair finance is available where it is needed most.

    2. Building financial confidence through education.

      Financial literacy is essential to long-term wellbeing. We are working with local schools, employers, and community groups to deliver workshops, digital tools, and one-to-one support that help people budget, save, and plan for the future.

      Our goal is to make financial understanding a life skill, not a privilege.

    3. Supporting financial wellbeing as part of community health.

      Money worries are one of the biggest causes of stress and poor mental health. We are partnering with local organisations and health services to integrate financial wellbeing into broader support networks, because feeling secure with your money supports every other part of life.

    A collective effort.

    Financial inclusion is not something one organisation can solve alone. We are calling on local employers, schools, charities, and civic leaders to work with us to make Leeds a financially healthy city where everyone has the opportunity, knowledge, and confidence to manage their money and build their future.

    Leeds is a city with ambition, talent, and heart. But until financial exclusion is addressed, too many people will remain on the margins of that success. Together, we can change that.

    Let’s turn that 17% from a statistic into a starting point for action.

    Thank you.

    James Brown, CEO, Leeds Credit Union.

  7. Wakefield’s Best Half-term and Halloween Activities!

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    Wakefield’s Best Half-term and Halloween Activities!

    With the half-term holidays and Halloween both taking place next week, parents of school-age children may be scratching their heads trying to think of ways to entertain their little ones without breaking the bank.

    Luckily, Wakefield and the surrounding area is full of excellent attractions and family-friendly Halloween events, so we’ve picked out some of the best for your consideration. Read on to find out more!

    Pugneys Light Railway Halloween Spooktacular.

    On Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November, Pugneys Light Railway is transforming into a haunted haven of thrills, chills and ghostly giggles, with train rides through the spooky nearby woods taking place! 

    Suitable for all ages, even the trains might scream!

    http://bit.ly/3JrxJSL

    Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival.

    If you’re after some pumpkin picking family fun, head over to Farmer Copley’s – where more than 250,000 pumpkins across 40 varieties await!

    Enjoy tractor rides, live shows, archery, stories, the magical Mr Zen, Velcro the Scarecrow, fancy dress competitions with prizes and more!

    https://farmercopleys.co.uk/events/pumpkin-festival/

    Wakefield Exchange.

    Head over to the Wakefield Exchange (WX) events venue this half-term for its annual Halloween playground, a week of fun activities for all ages – some of which are absolutely free!

    From craft workshops and lively parties, to graveyard scenes, crazy golf, spooky discos, face painting and live music, there’s something for everyone!

    https://www.wxwakefield.co.uk/Whats-On/Details?event=halloween-at-wx

    However you choose to spend this half-term and Halloween, we hope you have a great time! And if you need an affordable small loan to help make your money go further, you can apply to borrow as little as £250 here!

  8. Leeds’ Best Half-term and Halloween Activities!

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    Leeds’ Best Half-term and Halloween Activities!

    With the half-term holidays and Halloween both taking place next week, parents of school-age children may be scratching their heads trying to think of ways to entertain their little ones without breaking the bank.

    Luckily, Leeds and the surrounding area is full of excellent attractions and family-friendly Halloween events, so we’ve picked out some of the best for your consideration. Read on to find out more!

    Stockeld Park.

    A Grade-I listed country house and estate situated between Wetherby and Harrogate and spanning around 2,000 acres, Stokeld Park is a great place to visit all year round.

    From the 25th October until 2nd of November, however, it’s absolutely unmissable, as its half-term and Halloween activities come to the fore, with something for guests of all ages, from the Woodland Witches forest trail, to the Monster Maze or the incredible Laser Zombie Experience!

    And for those that love to dress up, there are also daily prizes for the best Halloween outfit! 

    https://booking.stockeldpark.co.uk/book/the-halloween-adventure/1942

    Swithens Farm Pumpkin Festival. 

    If you like your pumpkin picking with a side of cute farm animals, then Swithens Farm is the place for you!

    Throughout half term, you’ll be able to enjoy their famous Pumpkin Festival, which boasts tractor rides, mysterious woodland trails, furry friends like donkeys, piglets and meerkats, and lots more besides!

    https://www.swithensfarm.co.uk/events/pumpkin-festival-by-day/

    Grasshoppers Spooktacular Playtime Party. 

    One designed especially for your littlest monsters (it’s suitable for ages 3 and over), this soft play session at the popular Grasshoppers in both Tong and Tingley will be packed with ghoulish games, creepy crafts and a fancy dress competition that your little ones will love.

    Taking place on Friday 31st October 2025 from 2:30pm, follow the link below to book tickets in advance.

    https://grasshoppersplay.co.uk/

    Thackray Museum: Freaky Phobias. 

    From Saturday 25th to Friday 31st October, the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Harehills is hosting a series of Freaky Phobias events, where visitors can find out about phobias and how they work.

    Featuring live science shows, story times and more, this is a great opportunity for curious kids and those that just love to learn to understand once and for all why so many of us get creeped out by clowns or scared of spiders!

    https://thackraymuseum.co.uk/event/freaky-phobias/

    Scarytales at Lotherton Hall. 

    Head over to Lotherton Hall and its magnificent grounds this half-term for Scarytales, a spooky set of reimagined classic fairytales!

    You’ll also be able to explore Lotherton’s rooms and gardens, where you never know what you might bump into…

    https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/whats-on/spooky-skeletons-scarytales-c461

    However you choose to spend this half-term and Halloween, we hope you have a great time! And if you need an affordable small loan to help make your money go further, you can apply to borrow as little as £250 here!

  9. International Credit Union Day 2025.

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    International Credit Union Day 2025.

    International Credit Union Day takes place next week – on October 16th – and we’re looking forward to joining in with the global celebrations! This special day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich history of credit unions, their purpose and the many benefits of being a member of Leeds Credit Union.

    A Brief History of Credit Unions.

    Credit unions have a long and storied history that dates back to the 19th century. The first modern credit union was established in Germany in 1852 by Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who were pioneers of cooperative banking. These visionary leaders sought to provide affordable financial services to those underserved by traditional banking institutions. The movement quickly spread globally, reaching our shores and paving the way for the formation of LCU.

    The Purpose of Credit Unions.

    At their core, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Our mission is to promote financial well-being by:

    1. Providing Access to Affordable Financial Services: We offer a range of products and services, from savings accounts to loans, designed to meet your needs.
    2. Fostering Community Development: We are committed to supporting our local communities and helping to build a strong, financially resilient society.
    3. Encouraging Financial Education: We provide resources and educational programmes to help you make informed financial decisions.

    Benefits of Being a Member of Leeds Credit Union.

    When you become an LCU member, you are not just a customer but an owner of a financial institution that prioritises your needs. Here are some of the unique benefits you can enjoy:

    • Competitive Rates and Low Fees: We strive to offer competitive rates on loans and savings, ensuring you get the best value.
    • Personalised Service: As a member, you receive attentive, personalised service from a team that genuinely cares about your financial well-being.
    • Community Engagement: We actively participate in community initiatives, supporting local causes and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid.
    • Financial Education: Access to online resources to help you manage your finances effectively.

    As we prepare to celebrate International Credit Union Day, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for our members’ continued support and trust. Together, we are not just building better financial futures for ourselves but also strengthening our community.

    If you’re interested in becoming our newest member, you can find more details or start your application here!

  10. Leeds’ Best Curry Houses: National Curry Week 2025.

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    Leeds’ Best Curry Houses: National Curry Week 2025.

    We love curries in the UK – they’re second to naan – so it’s only right that National Curry Week has become one of the nation’s most beloved weeks.

    Taking place from October 6th – 12th and now entering its 27th year, National Curry Week was originally designed to celebrate and support Indian restaurants and raise money for charity, with curry lovers encouraged to visit a participating curry house, buy the National Curry Week recipe book or host a curry night and donate contributions from their guests to the cause.

    To celebrate this delicious event, we’ve compiled a list of the finest curry houses in Leeds that we think are worthy of a visit over the next week; tikka look at the top five below!

    Bengal Brasserie.

    With three restaurants in Leeds and two more elsewhere in Yorkshire, the people behind Bengal Brasserie (BB) obviously know a thing or two about excellent curries.

    Ranked among the best restaurants in the city by TripAdvisor reviewers, BB is famous for its fabulously prepared favourites, such as jalfrezi, tandoori chicken and vegetable biryani. Add in excellent customer service and an authentic Indian atmosphere and you’re onto a winner. Check out the menu and book a table here.

    The Bengal Brasserie, 5 Merrion Way, Leeds. LS2 8BT.

    Mumtaz.

    Arguably the trendiest curry house in Leeds, classic Kashmiri dishes are the order of the day at Mumtaz.

    With jaw-droppingly high ceilings and stunning views of Leeds Dock, not for no reason was Mumtaz dubbed ‘the most Instagrammable restaurant in Leeds’. But there’s no shortage of substance to go with the restaurant’s style – the extensive menu has something for everyone, including curry house staples like rogan-joshs and kormas, Kashmiri takes on classic Italian dishes and an extremely generous selection of desserts. Find out more information here.

    Mumtaz Leeds, 1 & 2 MacKenzie House, Chadwick St, Leeds. LS10 1PJ.

    Tharavadu.

    Tharavadu is the only Indian restaurant in Leeds to feature in the Michelin-recommended guide but don’t worry, there are no overpriced, bite-sized dishes here.

    Instead, the restaurant offers a selection of Keralan specialities. While this means you won’t find the likes of chicken korma on the menu, you will find the Marari Prawn Masala, an exquisite and creamy blend of garlic and seafood, in addition to a range of top quality street food and dosas which are among the best you’ll find anywhere in the country. To make a booking or peruse the menu, head to http://www.tharavadurestaurants.com/

    Tharavadu, 7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds. LS1 5DQ.

    Bundobust.

    A favourite among locals, Bundobust is a simply outstanding combination of authentic Indian street food and delicious craft beers.

    “But isn’t it all vegetarian?” we hear you cry. The short answer is yes, you won’t find any meat here. But only a fool would let that put them off because we guarantee that even the most dedicated carnivore won’t even notice. From salty Okra fries to spiced lentil curries and barbecued paneer cheese skewers, Bundobust’s tapas style menu is best enjoyed with friends – you can order every item on the menu, which feeds six people, for just £78! Check out all its food and drink options here.

    Bundobust, 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire. LS1 5DQ.

    Rola Wala

    One of Trinity Kitchen’s most popular restaurants, Rola Wala takes Indian street food and turns it on its head.

    With a staggering number of dishes to choose between, including rice bowls packed with 47 ingredients, the delicious Goan Pulled Pork and vegetarian-friendly options such as Keralan Cauliflower, Rola Wala demands repeat visits just to find out if all the dishes taste as good as they look (trust us, they do). Throw in the fact that all the spices are supplied new every week for maximum freshness and flavour and you’ve got a strong contender for Leeds’ best restaurant. See everything it has to offer at https://rolawala.com/food/

    Rola Wala, Trinity Kitchen, Trinity Leeds, Albion Street, Leeds. LS1 5AY.

    Which Is Your Favourite?

    No two curry houses are the same, especially in Leeds, which has so many to choose from. So while these restaurants are some of our personal favourites, there are plenty more to try this National Curry Week. If you have any recommendations for us, let us know on our social media channels!