Visitors to Pudsey Park will once again be able to pick up refreshments after the kiosk reopened today after being closed for several years.
The kiosk had been closed since 2018 but has been a favourite with Pudsey families since the late 1920s. It has been used for storage in recent years by volunteers from the Pudsey in Bloom group.
During the refurbishment, the council says efforts have been made to maintain the original aesthetic of the outside of the kiosk wherever possible, such as keeping the original colours, whereas the inside has been completely redone.
The kiosk will serve hot and cold drinks, ice cream, cakes, sandwiches, pastries and confectionery.
Pudsey Park and its kiosk were originally opened to the public in April 1928 by the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We know people in the area have been asking for this since it closed down, and now families and residents visiting the park can pick up treats and hot drinks once more.
“We hope the kiosk will be a popular added attraction for people using the park, and it will contribute through its income to the continued maintenance and improvements to parks throughout the city.”
Councillor Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said: “This is extremely exciting, and it will be great to see the historic kiosk reopen, serving the community once again. It’s a fantastic addition alongside the newly refurbished play park that we completed in 2022.”
And Councillor Trish Smith (Ind, Pudsey) added: “I’m delighted to see our much-loved kiosk back open again, serving ice creams, snacks and drinks. Going to the park and enjoying an ice cream is a rite of passage, one that’s happened for countless generations before, and hopefully countless generations to follow.
“It’s been a long time coming, taken multiple e-mails, meetings and chasing up – but we’ve got there. I certainly hope it’s well supported and enjoyed by all.”
The park, which is the second most visited in Leeds, was recently awarded with a Green Flag Award alongside six other parks in Leeds, recognising it as one of the best in the UK.
- More of WLD‘s coverage of Pudsey Park can be found here.
- All our Pudsey coverage can be found here.
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That’s brilliant news. I’ll make sure I visit again soon as I haven’t been for ages.