Leeds couple launch incredible at-home outdoor igloo pods - as Leeds United's Luke Ayling enjoys his

Alexandra Lewis and her boyfriend Adam Isaacson started planning for their new igloo pod business in April last year, and after launching in November the Leeds couple are now inundated with enquiries and bookings each week.

The pair offer a range of different themed back-garden 'snug' pods, including beautifully decorated cinema, dining and hot tub experiences and pods devoted to children, such as with a Peppa Pig theme.

Leeds United football player Luke Ayling even surprised his girlfriend Poppy Weller with one of the dining pods in their back garden for her 30th birthday in January.

Co-owner Alexandra had been working at home in Wetherby as a virtual assistant whilst looking after her three-year-old son for the past few years, but as the first lockdown hit last year, she decided she wanted to get stuck in to something more 'hands-on' that took her away from her laptop.

The 28-year-old had always loved 'going over the top' with balloons, presents and parties at birthdays or personal events, and spotted small businesses across the country starting to make a success out of garden igloo pods during lockdown.

Alexandra found that there was virtually no competition in the area and after an 'oh my gosh I need to do it' moment, her and her partner Adam Isaacson began planning for their own 'pod' business - which became known as The Snug Pod.

The mum-of-one said: "I was watching other companies in London for example on Instagram saying they were taking bookings seven days a week so I started pricing things up and thought it would be amazing to start it here in Leeds.

"It took six months from when we first started planning in April 2020 until we could launch as we had to get all our suppliers, get the pods and get all the things that come in them in order too.

"We launched in November and in the space of four weeks we had 36 bookings.

"At that point we had just two pods but now we've expanded to four and we employ two more staff as well to help us."

Alexandra and Adam set up the igloo pods in people's back gardens - with heating, seating, cutlery, lighting and decorations included.

The pods are not intended to be for 'everyday events' but instead are something 'that little bit extra special' to do something different for anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, or just to surprise a loved one.

Alexandra added: "People have been enjoying the pods with their families during lockdown but hopefully once restrictions ease they can be something to enjoy with friends as well.

"It has just gone absolutely mental and apart from the odd slots here and there, we are pretty much fully booked until June now.

"It's taken off way more than we expected and what was going to be side-work has become my main focus.

"Honestly, it was a bit of an overnight success and I'm loving it."

The pair are beginning to look for more staff to expand their business, and will soon also be launching 'sleepover pods' to allow families, or friends when Covid safe, to have sheltered garden sleepovers.

The Snug Pod covers Yorkshire and surrounding areas with delivery to be negotiated upon enquiring.

More information and The Snug Pod enquiries and bookings can be made here.