Leeds independents launch 'support your local indie' directory with food, coffee and beer Christmas hampers

Independent businesses in Leeds have joined forces to launch a virtual directory, encouraging people to shop local this Christmas.
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Shoppers can search the 'support your local indie' directory to support independent shops and businesses across the city.

The website, launched by Leeds Indie Food Directory and funded by Chapter 81, is organised by suburbs and sub-categories, making it easier for shoppers to find everything they need, from indie cafes and fresh produce to sustainable homeware.

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The second national lockdown has raised survival fears for the city's independent shops and businesses and traders have issued a desperate appeal for people to shop local this Christmas.

A 'support my local indie' food hamper packed with gifts from Leeds independentsA 'support my local indie' food hamper packed with gifts from Leeds independents
A 'support my local indie' food hamper packed with gifts from Leeds independents

It's hoped the website can develop into a 'city-owned space' after Christmas, hosting takeover days from local retailers to help keep money within the city's economy and save jobs and local businesses.

Shoppers and businesses are encouraged to use the hashtag #BuyLeeds on social media to get people talking about the city's local retailers.

Alongside the directory, Leeds Indie Food has launched three Christmas hampers full of goods from Leeds independents.

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One is tailored towards coffee lovers, one towards foodies and the other for those who enjoy Leeds’ great brewery scene.

The Leeds indie coffee hamperThe Leeds indie coffee hamper
The Leeds indie coffee hamper

The coffee hamper includes coffee from local roasters Chipps, Shiloh, Echelon, North Star Coffee Roasters and Maude.

The food hamper is packed with hand-crafted produce including baked treats from Porterhouse Cake Co, spice mixes from Spice & Green, marmalade by Mama Bear and chocolate from Lauden.

Beer and glassware from Northern monk are included in the beer hamper, as well as brews from North brewing Co, PigLove and Kirkstall Brewery.

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The hampers are available to pre-order until December 4 and will be delivered by December 11 by Awesome Distro.

A new gift card, run by Open, can be also purchased on the website which can be used at participating cafés, restaurants or shops once they reopen.

Simon Fogal at Chapter 81 said: “After creating a mini-directory in the first lockdown and helping signpost people to small businesses, we decided to create something a bit more useful and user friendly that opens the net wider, and ensures a longer shelf life.

"Christmas is normally a very good trading period for small businesses, so this year, in particular, we need to be sending as much trade their way.

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“The new directory is free for indie businesses to sign up to and aims to help get them noticed and, more importantly, people shopping with them.

"We saw how these businesses adapted to the lockdown restrictions and spotted an opportunity to really showcase them via our newly launched shop.

"We have included makers and producers in the directory to enhance the offering and because there is some great emerging talent that deserves to be recognised.

"Our hampers are a limited edition trial, but we hope to roll them out more frequently as we move into 2021.”

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Councillor Jessica Lennox, Support Executive Member for Labour, said: “Leeds has an incredible reputation as a foodie city and one that supports the independents coming onto the scene.

"The directory is a wonderful way to bring small businesses together, in one place, so that those looking for something a little different can find exactly what they need.

"The economy needs support now more than ever. This means that those who are able should look to utilise the incredible indies that we have within our city and really drive home the message to shop local.”

Jack Simpson, co-owner of Hyde Park Book Club, said: “Leeds has an amazing community of businesses, community-minded folk, creatives, with people from across the public and private sector.

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"#BuyLeeds is an attempt to help focus our attention on how we can support each other in the run-up to Christmas.

“When people spend locally, businesses and staff invest locally and your spending goes further, and helps to support the city in which you live. You can help preserve jobs in Leeds.”

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