9 very real Leeds struggles every local has faced

1. THE END OF NIGHT TAXI SCRAMBLE

It’s 3am, you’ve had a belter, your belly is full of dirty takeaway and your feet hurt. All you want now is your bed and a pint of water. For those living outside of the city centre, the scramble for a taxi is one of Leeds’ true nightmares. “You booked pal?” becomes a desperate, repetitive groan as you skip from cab to cab, and by the time you’re home, breakfast telly is on.

2. THE BRIGGATE BUSKER GUILT TRIP

Whilst other cities may claim to have a superior musical history, Leeds’ busker community is up there with any in the country. Briggate is the place to find the finest, and they’re worth every penny of the quid you throw in their hat. But every busker that catches your eye tips you the wink, and you’re running low on change. Best to just put your head down and run.

3. DECIPHERING ‘PROPER YORKSHIRE’

We’re all extremely proud of the Yorkshire accent. Throw in a few Leeds-isms in there, and you’re golden. The problem that from time to time you find yourself faced with someone so incredibly Yorkshire it hurts. Words of several syllables are crammed into one, and every now and then you’re faced with an expression you’re sure makes absolutely no sense. No wonder Southeners have so much trouble.

4. THE TRAIN TICKET LOTTERY

Gone are the days of cheeky free train rides in and out of the city.

Those barriers are like Fort Knox, and no Loiner will pass without a valid ticket. This is fair enough of course, but running late, having paid an extortionate fee and dashing through the station like a Brownlee brother, the least you expect is for the barrier to work. Not so. The chances are 70/30 at best, and that queue is getting longer...

5. THE SOAP STAR SELFIE STTRUGGLE

Scientists estimate that on a Saturday in Leeds, you are never further than seven metres from an Emmerdale cast member. You want a selfie, but you’ve no idea of their real name.

There’s no time to Google, damnit, as panic sets in.. “Ere, Paddy, can I have a picture?”

6. WEATHER ROULETTE

Light coat? Umbrella? Shorts? It’s anyone’s guess. At least in Manchester they know it’s definitely going to rain.

7. WHEN THE GIG OF THE MONTH IS MIDWEEK

Having a venue like the Brudenell on our doorstep is a blessing, don’t get me wrong, but why are the best gigs always on a chuffing Wednesday? You’ve two options – miss it, or deal with the hangover. Best stock up on paracetamol.

8. THE SHOPPING MISSION

The advent of the Trinity Centre may give the impressions that it has brought Leeds’ shopping options together, but in reality, that quick dash round the shops has never been further apart. From there to Briggate, up to the Victoria Quarter and the forthcoming Victoria Shopping Centre, it’s a real struggle to get round.

9. THE DRINKS DESTINATION DILEMMA

It used to be so simple. Call Lane. You zig-zagged your way down Call Lane and then scuttled off to a club. But now the bar crawl options are endless, and everyone is upping their game. Greek Street is on the comeback, the Northern Quarter is now the place to be and countless other spots are announcing themselves.