IL Magazine (Issue 21)

INDEPENDENT LIFE LEEDS | YORK | YORKSHIRE

LOCAL LIFESTYLE SPRING 2022

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INDEPENDENT LIFE MAGAZINE PREMIUM EDITION

COMING SOON • WATCH OUR SOCIALS

• 50 PAGES OF UNSEEN CONTENT

Local Lifestyle LEEDS | YORK | YORKSHIRE independentlife.co.uk 4

LEEDS

• ENHANCED DESIGN • PREMIUM PHOTOGRAPHY

@leeds.independentlife

YORK

@york.independentlife

WELCOME TO SPRING

After a cold dark winter, it’s time to rejuvenate! Step into the warmth and light of our spring magazine, where we celebrate the season in style. From abundant food and drink, through blooming entertainment and culture, to flourishing shopping and lifestyle, Leeds and York have sprung to life. Read on to discover the people and places of Yorkshire who will put a spring in your step.

John Barran - Editor Sarah Laycock - Sales

john@independentlife.co.uk sarah@independentlife.co.uk

COVER

Wheldrake Woods by Scar Barclay Instagram @barclayscarlett Scar Barclay is a local artist with a keen interest in memory. Works seek to reimagine familiar places and imbue them with the remembered atmosphere, memory informing the perception of colour and space.

Contents FOOD & DRINK

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SEASON’S EATINGS Discover the food of Spring through eight great restaurants.

SPRING DRINKS Six superb bars select their favourite drink for the season.

TASTES LIKE HERE Craig Worrall uncovers an abundance of local ingredients.

THROUGH THE CAKE HOLE The making of this season’s cakes at ShutiShuti.

YES CHEF Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall tells his Michelin starred story.

ROUNDS AROUND LEEDS A tour around Leeds city centre’s traditional pubs.

WINGING IT? Breaking the first rule of Wing Club to reveal its secret success.

ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE 34 38 42 44 48 50 52

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Ten top tips on where to be entertained this spring.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Hot new music recommendations from Emily Pilbeam.

MOTORHEAD Insight into Matt Earle’s world of motoring restorations.

A SPRING IN YOUR STEP Your spring wellness guide to Yorkshire.

LAYERS OF LEEDS The history and importance of Cuthbert Broderick.

NIGHTS TO REMEMBER Photos and memories of iconic Leeds nights.

HAVE A WORD Poetry about Leeds, poetry about York.

SHOPPING & LIFESTYLE 56 58 60 62 64 68 74 76 78

BRING THE SPRING IN Interior ideas for your home from talented local designers.

BACK IN FASHION The story of unique vintage fashion facilitator Sekkle.

MADE TO LAST Traditional and modern manufacturing of Abraham Moon.

THE FAMILY JEWELS The family history behind four successful Yorkshire jewellers.

FLOWER POWER Seasonal flower photo gallery Kate Mell.

KEEPING IT SWEET A sweet trip around the streets and treats of Harehills.

EASTERN PROMISE Megan Browne shows us round the best of Beverley.

CITY OF THE FUTURE The evolution of York city centre to an independent future.

YORKSHIRE LOCAL Spotlights on the towns of Farsley and Malton.

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Season’s Eatings DISCOVER THE FABULOUS FOOD OF SPRING THROUGH SOME OF YORKSHIRE’S BEST RESTAURANTS

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Partisan Florencia Clifford There is nothing more promising than an English spring. The ground waking up from the cold months, tiny fluorescent green leaves appearing on branches, blossom, flowers and bulbs. More sunshine, warmer days. We begin to shed our multiple layers and we also want to eat differently. But if you want to eat seasonally and local, early spring in Britain is not bountiful, but delicate.

Our desire to showcase seasonality at this time of the year in Partisan is not easy, but possible. In our cake counter, bakers Georgia and Twandi have carte blanche to use as much forced rhubarb as they wish, as soon as it appears, and blood oranges, coming from Spain.

Wild garlic will start appearing in our cheese scones as soon as the first shoots show up in the woods. We also change the French Toast toppings regularly; think poached and roasted rhubarb, blood orange mascarpone and a candied ginger dukkah.

I am hoping that this year we can be more agile at changing dishes as new produce starts to appear with the help of Food Circle York for the most wonderful locally grown produce. Later on we will introduce asparagus from Yorkshire, delicate leaves, sorrel, and jersey royals, always complementing a lovely piece of north sea trout. As we slowly move into summer, Spring will begin to give more and more, with nature becoming almost unstoppable in its desire to nourish.

Pipe and Glass James Mackenzie You can’t beat the first signs of spring; the nights are getting lighter and lambs start to appear in the fields surrounding the Pipe and Glass. As a country pub, we’re surrounded by nature and the change in the seasons is evident, which I ensure is reflected in my menus.

We’re very fortunate in Yorkshire to have so many passionate producers and suppliers so choosing my favourite seasonal ingredient is a tough call! Yorkshire Asparagus is fantastic - we always showcase it on our menus during its short season, which really makes you appreciate it all the more, as we don’t use it at any other time of year.

I also love wild garlic, which grows in abundance in the woodland behind the Pipe and Glass and we pick daily. It’s such a versatile ingredient; we use it in soups, as a persillade with a roast breast of guinea fowl, crispy leg meat parcel, sprouting broccoli and pickled baby mushrooms and as part of the crumb in our cider braised rabbit and wild garlic crumble with black pudding and white beans.

Eat Your Greens Dan Palmer Spring is when the world turns green! We always look forward to its arrival but this year in particular we’ve been SO ready for it. The winter has been long, cold and wet and we need some longer days and shorter nights.

The early part of spring can be a difficult one for British produce.

The hungry gap, when winter crops have finished and the spring vegetables have just been sown, means there’s not much to excite us.

But as the soil warms up, shoots mature and our patience is rewarded with late spring crops like asparagus, radishes and lots of leafy herbs.

This is our favourite part of the season, summer is on the way, the outside terrace is open and our dishes are simple, fresh and light.

Think sitting in the sun, eating grilled sardines and asparagus with a glass of natural sparkling wine... can’t wait!

Bantam Sam Varley I can’t wait for the coming spring season, firstly because it will be the first at Bantam, but also due to all the lockdowns and restrictions, I’ve barely cooked in the spring time for the last two years.

It feels like the milder weather and the arrival of new season vegetables are encouraging to change the way you cook, moving away from the comforting slow cooking of winter, into quicker, lighter methods to keep things fresh and allow ingredients to speak for themselves.

One of my favourite ingredients to work with in spring is wild garlic.

We try to use as much local produce as possible, and once wild garlic gets going, there’s mounds of it all over the river banks surrounding Helmsley. It’s a lot less punchy than bulb garlic, and it’s super versatile.

We will be serving it with both fish and meat, and making butter and oils with it to use later in the year. As the plant matures, we might pick some of the flowers to garnish dishes, and finally as the flowers turn to seeds we will make capers with them.

As for the restaurant, I’m really looking forward to the coming year.

It has been a brillant, if not challenging first six months since we opened, but I’m really proud of what Bantam has become, with a great team serving fantastic food and wine, decent music and good times!

Clark’s Restaurant

Rob Clark

Here on the North Yorkshire Coast of Scarborough, spring is a fundamental season we most look forward to. The bad February weather is behind us and our local fishing industry is in full swing, landing Scarborough crab and lobsters from Yorkshire Lobster company on the West Pier; shellfish is hand selected for us and collected by myself daily a short walk away - talk about fresh on the door step! Lobsters are prepared on site, appear in raviolis, or are served simply dressed in their shell with garlic butter and seaweed seasoned chips.

Seagrown supply the restaurant with a range of local seaweeds which we weave into seasoned fish, sauces, butters and emulsions seasoning dishes with natural flavours of the sea and a real talking point with customers. Spring lamb makes an appearance at Nockels butchers counter in The Scarborough Market which we pair with spiced potatoes and preserved forced grown Yorkshire rhubarb from Tomlinson’s, giving a great sweet, sour and rich meaty flavour. And our local honey supplier drops in blossom honey from his bees which we use for cheesecakes, ice creams and my morning porridge. It’s delicious!

Raithwaite Sandsend Ollie Hunter Spring is one of the best seasons at Raithwaite Hotel - the beautifully curated gardens light up with emerging bulbs, spring blossoms and ancient woodlands. The Kitchen, Bar and Restaurant all embrace this season, tapping into our motto ‘between the sea and moors’, we use the finest most delicious produce in the area, seasonally and with an aim for zero waste.

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Spring is the most electric season, full of promising life, popping buds, generous blossoms and lots of the colour green. I love the fresh flavours like wild garlic from the Estate, new seasons asparagus, crisp radishes, rich irony nettles, and local foraged seaweed. Our home made ricotta ravioli with York ham and wild garlic pesto is divine. It’s a fast moving season, with produce changing quickly so it’s best to capture it and put it straight onto the plate… to be enjoyed with a rhubarb Bellini or a glass of organic wine.

The Black Swan Tommy Banks We’re proud to grow our menu at the Black Swan and Roots, and many of our ingredients are grown in our two-acre kitchen garden alongside field scale crops at our farm. The first sign of spring is one of the most exciting moments of the year for us, as we begin sowing the first of our seeds in preparation for the coming months.

A favourite ingredient of ours is tangerine marigolds, and some of the first paintbrush-shaped seeds are already sprouting from their trays in the polytunnels. It won’t be long before their vibrant, citrus-flavoured flowers are in full bloom, which we use to make oils and vinegars for our tasting menu, and even distillates for our cocktails too!

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The Green Room Philip Akrill Spring is a great time for chefs, it signals the beginning of the new tourist season and says goodbye to winter. My personal favourite thing to work with is wild garlic. We are lucky to live in an area where it grows vastly so we forage it ourselves. I can often be found trudging through the soggy mud of forge valley with my two boys.

The smell is amazingly strong and earthly - there’s nothing quite like it. We will be using it in this season’s garlic butter sauce with confit chicken. It’s perfect to work with, absolutely free and one of nature’s best kept secrets.

Celeriac is another favourite that’s currently on our menu twice; as a hearty celeriac and truffle oil soup, perfect for those chilly nights; and again on the vegetarian salt baked celeriac, a restaurant favourite cooked in a cocoon of salt and egg white to retain moisture and flavour. Soft and moist and goes perfect with a fresh spring pesto.

Photos: 1. @eatyourgreensleeds 2. @partisanyork 3. @bantam.helmsley 4. @blackswan_oldstead 5. @eatyourgreensleeds 6. @clarksrestaurantscarborough 7. @partisanyork 8. @greenroomofbarstreet 9. @pipeandglass

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Spring Drinks Six superb Yorkshire bars select their favourite drink for the season.

2 Many Wines Benjy and Cyriaque Come spring, there is nothing better than a bit of softness, warmth and sunshine.

We have chosen the Primitivo di Puglia from Varvaglione to go with longer days and the beauty of blooming trees. A superb red wine that can go with salmon, lamb, hard cheeses, and even chocolate for a perfect Easter gift.

At 2 Many Wines, we like to recommend wines that are extraordinary and with a story. We bring the producer to you and their passion alongside our knowledge in pairing wine and food. With more than 50 years experience in the wine industry between us, we can take a challenge or two!

We will soon be opening our terrace on Bishy Rd, ready for the spring sunshine.

P A S T E L Fern Baldie At P A S T E L we see spring as the first glimpse of summer. The days get longer and the evenings brighter. We know that spritz season is almost upon us and the good times are ready to go.

To get the party started we created the Good Time Spritz. A simple, fun and refreshing cocktail combining El Bandarra Al Fresco, a bittersweet aperitif straight from sunny Barcelona, grapefruit bitters, a big splash of Artisan Yuzu Tonic, adding a refreshing peppered citrus edge, then topped with our house fizz. We finish the drink off by garnishing it simply with fresh pink grapefruit and an earthy sprig of thyme. The bubbles are the final piece of the puzzle because who doesn’t love a bit of fun?

Come down to try our Signature Cocktails or one of our house-made canned cocktails from our first floor vending machine.

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Courtyard @ The Grand Rodina Osman This spring we’d like to offer our guests a different experience, and this is where our courtyard plans come in. Our courtyard will come alive this spring, as we advance our fantastic food & beverage offering to the beautiful outdoors, with views of York’s city walls. Expect to find great gin cocktails with a sustainable twist, plenty of bubbles and great entertainment. We want our guests to bask in the sun and into the summer as they celebrate the Race season and Wimbledon alongside our incredible experiential program.

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Spring cocktails should be all about light, fruity flavours, evoking feelings of instant refreshment. We’re also incorporating a hint of seasonal flavours to create an unrivaled taste. Our favorite spring drink would have to be Eastern Delight, a drink specially crafted by our own mixologists welcoming the blooming season.

Coin Chloe and Oliver Nothing says ‘spring’ to us quite the way a bottle of Pet Nat does!

Our bottle of choice is the Entre Vinyes ‘Oniric Pet Nat’.

A blend of Xarel-lo & Muscat from Penedes in Spain, it is hazy, refreshingly just off-dry and full of juicy stone fruit flavours! Little floral notes from the Muscat really drive forward that springtime feel, and the sunny yellow colour gets us amped up for the warmer months ahead.

We love this bottle because it reminds us of picnics and good times with friends. We think it will be delicious with our spring menu, which will see a fresher and lighter array of dishes to make the most of the wonderful British produce available to us at this time of year.

The White Swan Anna Spencer With more sunshine and the weather getting a little warmer we like to celebrate the arrival of spring with a deliciously elegant tipple.

Our springtime cocktail is the St Germain Spritz. The ultimate easydrinking springtime serve.

A cousin of the Italian Aperol spritz, St-Germain lends itself extremely well as an aperitif drink due to its refreshingly fresh and natural flavour that is perfectly balanced and refined. St-Germain will delight your palette with its grapefruit and pear tasting notes mixed with hints of honeysuckle.

topped up with Prosecco and soda and garnished with zesty lemon and thyme. Simple yet sophisticated. Perfect after a full day of adventure and before, during or after supper in the restaurant.

The Alice Hawthorn Millie Midgley Looking for spring village vibes? Fear not, we’re not suggesting Morris dancing – though the village of Nun Monkton does house the UK’s largest maypole, which is still in use today. The Alice Hawthorn, a traditional English pub named after a famous race-horse, opened 12 new rooms last year with a chic and modern aesthetic, without losing that much-loved, country-pub feeling. Pop in and enjoy village green scenes from the dining room, or book a table in the garden.

This spring The Bloody Alice is a refreshing and slightly spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, with a generous dashing of horseradish (in homage to its name) and makes a delicious accompaniment to any meal. If that’s not for you, spruce up your Bellini this springtime and try The Alice Hawthorn’s Yorkshire Bellini, a simple drink comprised of John Topham’s homemade rhubarb cordial and Prosecco, it’s sure to be a new favourite!

Photos: 1. @pastelleeds 2. @thegrandyork 3. @thewhiteswaninn 4. @2manywines

Our mixologist, Adam, stirs St Germain Elderflower liqueur with ice,

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Tastes Like Here It’s no secret that I love spring, the season of rebirth and renewal.

The time of year when all begins to emerge from the wintery chrysalis of hibernation, reflection and stillness. The time of year when the long, dark, chilly days of winter, complete with skeletal landscape and greyness, give way to the first signs of the multitudinous green hues of new, seasonal vibrancy, that will decorate and adorn the hedgerows, woodlands, meadows and coastal regions, up and down the entire length and breadth of these wonderful isles we call home.

As much as I love my purely wild dishes, I love the creative combinations that can be crafted from wild, foraged foods and those top-quality, seasonal foods, grown by caring, mindful and intelligent farmers pertaining to organic, permaculture and regenerative farming practices. For some, organic foods come at quite a price stretch, but this financial burden is easily off-set by the acquisition of knowledge of the abundant wild foods that are freely available for us all to enjoy.

An added bonus of wild foods is their nutritional make-up: wild foods are higher in nutritional values than cultivated varieties: a little of the wild and foraged really does go a long way.

With regards to cultivated foods, there are particular varieties that always make it into my kitchen. Throughout winter, into early/mid spring, I’m a stickler for; celeriac, cauliflower, red cabbage, beetroot and parsnips, to name but a few. And, in a mild winter, such as the one we have just experienced, certain species of wild plants emerge slightly earlier than they would in a typical or harsh winter. Trusted, early wild species include; dandelion, wild garlic, 3 cornered leek, common sorrel, hairy bittercress and alexanders.

To get hold of the best in seasonal, cultivated foods in the Leeds and York area I heartily recommend the following growers/producers/ sellers where you can buy direct or order veg/meat boxes: Bare Veg – Headingley Organic Pantry – Wetherby Food Circle York – York Market Garden – Meanwood Swillington Organic – Swillington Eat Your Greens – Leeds If you’d like to learn about identifying and finding wild plants/herbs/ mushrooms, you can join me on one of my Edible Leeds, wild food and foraging courses.

Words: Craig Worrall Photos: @edible.leeds www.edible-leeds@blogspot.co.uk

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Cauliflower Steak with Hazel, Raisins and Madeira Cream Sauce Ingredients: 1x Cauliflower (Slice 2x steaks from central section, ½ inch thick) 20g Hazelnuts (toasted, chopped) 20g Raisins 350ml Chicken Stock 50ml Madeira 50ml Double Cream ½ White Onion (finely chopped) 2 Cloves Garlic (micro-planed/grated) 2 Cloves Garlic (kept whole but crushed) 3 Sprigs Thyme 2 Bay Leaves Sea Salt Black Pepper Rapeseed or Sunflower Oil Butter

Heat oil in frying pan on medium heat. Add cauliflower steaks, cook 3-4 mins. Turn steak. Add knob of butter, the 2 crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, sprigs of thyme & cook 3-4 mins or until golden brown. Remove pan from heat. Add 200ml chicken stock, cover with greaseproof paper, place in oven (180 degrees) approx 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add thinly sliced ½ white onion to a saucepan, add a little oil, gently saute 5 mins.

Add grated garlic, small knob butter, saute 2 mins. Add madeira, burn alcohol vapours off using a lighter (be careful!), reduce to half volume (25ml). Add raisins, remaining chicken stock, bring to boil, reduce to simmer, add double cream, reduce 2 mins. Remove cauliflower from oven, check it’s softened enough to eat, place on plate. Add toasted hazels. Spoon sauce over and around. Add garnish of fine chopped 3 cornered leek or wild garlic and tuck in.

Spring Salad Of Dandelion, Wild Garlic, 3 Cornered Leek, Celeriac And Blood Orange Ingredients: 10 Wild Garlic Leaves (roughly chopped) 10 Whole Stems/Leaves 3 Cornered Leek (roughly chopped) 10 Dandelion Leaves (sliced fine) 100g Celeriac (grated) 1 Blood Orange (segmented, all inner/outer skin/peel removed) Vinaigrette dressing of your choice Wash foraged leaves, pat them dry, roughly chop, pop into a mixing bowl. Remove outer skin of celeriac, grate flesh, add to foraged greens bowl. Top and tail blood orange, cut away outer skin, using a sharp knife, cut out the fruity segments (removing all traces of skin), slice into smaller pieces, add to the bowl with all the other ingredients. Mix gently with your fingers, place into a serving dish, add a vinaigrette of your choice and tuck in.

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Through The Cake Hole Shutishuti Patisserie micro bakery was born out of a simple desire to create, out of total desperation after leaving a pastry chef job behind. I have a background in Fine Art and never felt I was a good fit with high-pressure and high-volume kitchens.

After Ieaving, I started making small attempts at my own baking which slowly grew into what is now called Shutishuti Patisserie. (The name is from the Hungarian word ‘süti’, meaning cake and also to bake.) It’s been a journey of six years and we are still a two-women operation.

My approach to cakes and desserts always starts from flavour, often a single ingredient, be it a piece of totally undervalued locally grown fruit, dairy product or just some foraged blossom. To me, sourcing locally has the obvious appeal of having things as fresh and tasty as they can be. I do go as far as using fruits imported from Europe because how could you live without citrus from the Mediterranean?

One time I ‘luggage smuggled’ apricots and cherries picked from my family’s orchard in Hungary, but mostly I am committed to do my small part of sourcing ingredients that are available from here, because that links my business with the local food economy.

Produce led seasonal patisserie is a challenge, but it is a good one!

It makes me work extra hard and quite literally go the extra mile, but when it works, people are really happy after that first bite. The climate here in Yorkshire doesn’t allow for much fruit until early summer, so as a pastry chef I have learned to look for something else. One of

my signature cakes ‘Medovik’ is a multi-layer honey and cream cake offset with tangy yoghurt. This cake is based on a recipe popular in Eastern European countries and also an opportunity to showcase the fantastic core ingredients sourced locally: Yorkshire organic wheat, raw honey, organic and pastured hen eggs, and cream.

It’s fantastic to be able to use Yorkshire rhubarb, with which I have made quite few tart variations. One of my favourite ingredients to use is cherry blossom which can be found here in York in abundance.

Cherry blossom goes very well with rhubarb and later in the season can be paired with cherries. My big discovery was the possibility of using fresh shoots of nettle in sweet applications which I do in my Hazelnut-Nettle Tart. When the season kicks in, I find myself picking, fermenting, juicing, infusing, dehydrating, grinding, pureeing, candying, doing all sorts of preserving, so the actual baking is the smaller part of my job.

It’s been a real creative exercise putting out desserts for every Saturday which I started doing during the first lockdown. This way of working doesn’t allow for a lot of practice, but I am learning and allows me to stay curious. Besides celebration cakes people can come and collect their Saturday Patisserie items from me in Holgate or can come and see my stall at Food Circle York Market at Tang Hall Community Centre every Saturday 12-1.30pm.

Words: Eszter Takacs Photos: @shutishuti_patisserie

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YES CHEF Originally from Yorkshire, Shaun Rankin went on a long journey of cities, coasts and restaurants before returning to his home county as one of the most respected Chefs in the country. “I honed my skills at The Mayfair Hotel in London and attended the Thames Valley University at Slough” he tells us. “I love the sea, which took me to the Channel Islands where I spent the majority of my career residing in Jersey.

In 2003, I joined Bohemia restaurant as Head Chef, gaining my first Michelin star in 2005.”

With a growing reputation, in 2013 Shaun opened his own highlyacclaimed restaurant, Ormer in St Helier. Ormer was awarded its first Michelin star four months after opening, as well as receiving three AA rosettes a few months later. “Following the success in Jersey, I returned to London where I opened Ormer Mayfair, as well as the restaurant at 12 Hay Hill.” This resulted in numerous TV appearances over the years, including 2017 Masterchef UK when Ormer Mayfair was featured.

The road to here has been filled with reward, but it has been hard earned, as Shaun explains; “It’s not an easy journey to be a successful Chef, you have to work the longest hours of any profession. You make sacrifices and may spend less time with your loved ones as you’d like to, but you cherish the time you do get to spend with them even more.” Which is one of two main pieces of wisdom he gives to budding new Chefs; “Make sure you’re prepared for the hard graft, your passion and determination will see you through” he says. “It’s a long journey but don’t give up on what you want. Most importantly, enjoy what you do!”

The other nugget of advice is learnt from how valuable his own varied experiences have been. “Get out and travel” he enthuses.

“As a chef, you should never stop learning, it’s essential to explore an array of culinary cultures. You get the chance to meet interesting people and take whatever path you would like to take. As soon as I get back from a trip, I head straight to the kitchen and am inspired

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by the techniques and flavours I witnessed whilst I was away. Not only is this fascinating for you, it keeps the customers interested too.”

And so, after many years away building his career and his life, Shaun Rankin returned to Yorkshire as a consultant during the restoration of Grantley Hall in Ripon. “Its owners wanted to create not only a luxury five-star hotel, but also three separate restaurants to give guests a wide range of choice” he explains. “I knew that Yorkshire was already home to some exceptional restaurants, so a big part of my role was to create a concept that would help Grantley Hall stand out as being different.” Working closely with the owners, Shaun has diligently helped bring their vision to life. “I’ve opened seven restaurants and hotels from the ground upwards, but this project was certainly on a bigger scale than anything I’ve done before.”

Today, each of Grantley Hall’s spaces - Bar & Restaurant EightyEight, Fletchers Restaurant and Norton Bar & Courtyard and Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall - offer something exceptional to diners.

In January 2021, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall was awarded one MICHELIN Star; “We are delighted to have retained that this year” he exclaims. “It was wonderful news to have received such a prestigious accolade following the times of hardship for the industry.”

Despite a difficult past two years for hospitality, Shaun is positive about its present and future. “It’s an exciting time for the food industry, there is a big push on sustainable dining and I’m glad the industry is working together on this. As people, we like to know where things come from.” As a person, Shaun has come from humble beginnings - “I loved cooking with my Mum, that’s what got me into catering” - and retains his traditional passion for food; “At home, I like to make a simple homemade pasta with sage butter. And I’ll never say no to a smoked bacon sandwich with brown HP sauce!”

But he has elevated this through his experiences and skills to become one of the country’s leading Chefs. Grantley Hall are reaping the benefits and are determined to keep evolving, as Shaun describes. “At Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall we are keen on expanding our Kitchen Garden and have a whole host of exciting projects taking place this year. We continue to work with suppliers from within a 30-mile radius to create our seasonal menus. Each member of the team spends time developing new dishes, I encourage them to explore different techniques and flavours and we work closely on perfecting each dish.” We, the lucky consumers, look forward to tasting the perfection.

Photos: @shaunrankinrestaurant

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Rounds Around Leeds

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Amongst the modern bars of Leeds city centre, still a strong selection of traditional pubs proudly remain. Through the decades Leeds locals and visitors have enjoyed the beers and atmospheres in these characterful public houses. We went on a photo tour of where to get in the rounds around Leeds.

Templar • Built c1710, became a pub in 1828.

The Pack Horse • Opened as Nag’s Head in c1615 though legend has it it may date from Elizabethan times. Became Slip Inn in 1770, changed name to Pack Horse by the late 19th century. Closed 1987, demolished 1988, rebuilt 1989.

The General Elliot • Built early 19th century, restored 1982.

The Horse and Trumpet • First mentioned in 1798 directory. On current site since c1875.

Three Legs • Victorian public house built c1743, restored 20th century.

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8 The Ship Inn • Early 18th century Georgian building. Specific historic details unknown.

The Duck & Drake • It is thought that a public house has stood on or very close to the present site for over 200 years. Became Duck & Drake in 1985.

Whitelock’s • First licensed in 1715, became Turk’s Head c1784. Bought by the Whitelock family in 1880, rebuilt in 1886.

The Angel • Opened c1870, closed 1903 and became business premises.

Conversion to current pub building 2000.

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The Palace • Built as a home for timber merchants in 1741, became an inn in 1841, extended 1874.

Information: David Thornton (Leeds: A Historical Dictionary), Barrie Pepper (The Old Inns and Pubs of Leeds), John Gilleghan (Leeds: An A-Z of Local History), Leodis Photos: 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10. Max Curran @maxjcurran 2, 5, 6, 8. Leodis @leodisbyleedslibraries

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Winging it?

Anything but...

We went to meet Keemo at his shop Wing Club on Compton Road in Harehills, 6 weeks after opening a business that started as a pop-up in 2019 in his mum’s back garden.

With a background working in Leeds living venture staples such as Gusto in Cookridge, Blackhouse and the Botanist to name a few, and the level of care, attention and a professionalism rarely seen in a conventional takeaway is evident as we chat while he pre portions rice for consistency.

The first cook for Wing Club was for his mum’s birthday in her garden - he’d later take over not just the garden but the kitchen too. By his own admittance, the first wings off the grill weren’t particularly good, but with some time, patience and practice he was shutting down the street every Tuesday with people queuing up for his wings, with Leeds celebrities like Josh Warrington strolling through the archway to the garden with the Wing Club sign on. He’s got the old signs in his new shop on the door as a bit of a reminder of where it all started.

The stand out factor of Keemo’s food is the quality, every wing is inspected and quality controlled well before it gets to the grill, marinated overnight then grilled fresh outside the shop by Shaun, Keemo’s brother, throughout the day. There’s a real family feel to the shop, from Christian, Reana and Alex slinging food out of the kitchen

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with military procession, which is needed when they’ve regularly got upto 30 orders on at once! To Bethany, Britney and Danielle on the front greeting customers by name, remembering their orders and keeping the vibe right. The structure and systems that Keemo’s trained into his staff keeps them sharp and firing out wings at top speed…

For Keemo, everything comes down to Wing Club’s DNA as he says, creating a personalised box just for you. You build your own and choose your own Wing Club experience, there’s always the fresh wings off the grill, the twice fried and the boneless, sauced up however you like. A range of properly good side, mac & cheese, fries, gooey mozzarella sticks and garlic bread and more. Not happy with just wings and sides there’s some extra crispy deep-fried prawns and a grilled salmon with sweet chilli that wouldn’t be amiss on a restaurant menu. He’s got big plans for the menu too, not one to sit still he wants to grow it and add more and more, playing with weekly specials and seeing what works; he’s even got an eye on a spot in the city centre down the road.

My advice would be to get the lot, especially the club house hot hot dusted wings, the boneless salt and pepper wing bites, mac and cheese on the side and a bottle of house made club juice; a truly delicious in house fruity concoction to a secret recipe that often people buy by the dozen. I’m already planning my next visit….

Words: @tmorgancope

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That’s Entertainment Ten top tips on where to be entertained this spring…

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM The National Railway Museum is always a highlight site to visit in York, whether to entertain the kids or to treat the inner trainspotter. This spring, as well as the permanent attractions such as the world’s most famous locomotive The Flying Scotsman, there are currently even more reasons to go. How about experiencing the world’s fastest steam locomotive Mallard?

And explore the fabulous free exhibition Young Railway Photographer of the Year, where the winning images from the 2022 competition on the theme of ‘the Railway Seen’ are displayed to impress.

THE YORK DUNGEON This famous and unique York attraction continues to be as popular as ever due to its ongoing eccentric quality. Go in the day with all the family to be thrilled by live actor shows telling the story of 2000 years of York’s dark history, with stunning special effects to laugh and scream through. Or for even darker fun, make it your over 18s Saturday night out, when Dungeon Late opens for the finest scary and saucy adult fun.

THE BARBICAN York has a couple of exceptional live theatre venues and a couple of excellent live music venues hosting shows and gigs every night of every week, and nowhere is better at combining the best of it all than

The Barbican. All year round their line up is a mix of magnificent music, comedy and theatre, and this spring is as inviting and eclectic as ever. From The Unthanks and Paul Weller, through Test Match Special and Champions of Magic, to Sandi Toksvig and Romesh Ranganathan, there is surely a show for everyone to enjoy at this handsome 1900 capacity arts space.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL The beautiful building of York Theatre Royal dates back to 1744 and is a wonderful place to visit even before the entertainment hits the stage. But when it does there’s plenty of culture to enjoy every evening, and this spring is no exception. There are one night stands from the likes of musical extravaganza Rave On, a short run of shows from comedy legend Stewart Lee, a week of a theatre masterpiece in The Homecoming, amongst a what’s on of grown up shows and classes for kids at this delightful York venue.

LEEDS PLAYHOUSE The charming Playhouse in Leeds has been putting on reliably excellent productions for many years, and this spring sees some standout nights and seasons of shows to go see. In April, hit musical Hedwig And The Angry Inch bring their euphoric the rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster to the city stage, and aptly in May, Maggie May tells the inspiring story of a Leeds family dealing with dementia, played out to the sounds of Rod Stewart.

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O2 ACADEMY Looking at the listings of Leeds’ O2 Academy at anytime will bring up impressive big names and hot upcoming acts of various music genres. This season does just that, as legends like Gary Numan and The Charlatans come to play, whilst soulful star Michael Kiwanuka and unique pop power Lorde also perform. There’s a distinctly local theme going on too, as Corrine Bailey Rae, Alt J and The Wedding Present all bring their Leeds links to the Academy stage this spring.

FIRST DIRECT ARENA Leeds’ largest entertainment venue has been a hit since opening in 2013, hosting the biggest acts and famous events for over 8 years. This continues this season with diverse sell out shows that range from Premier League Darts and The Masked Singer, through Dua Lipa and Little Mix, to Andre Rieu and Alan Partridge, plus plenty more huge attractions performing at the over 13000 capacity arena.

THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD Set on the Wakefield waterfront, The Hepworth is a uniquely striking sight even before experiencing the artistic joys within.

Named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the most important artists of the 20th century who was born and brought up in Wakefield, the gallery explores her work alongside major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary

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art. This spring, Into Abstraction looks at her later progression into abstract art, plus there are fine exhibitions of Sheila Hicks and Emii Alrai, all making up a diverse and delightful visit.

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK On the outskirts of Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a charming day out to wander the natural grounds. Lifting the already scenic setting are stunning sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore.

Inside in spring you can visit exhibitions inspired by nature from Yukihiro Akama and David Nash, plus both underground and in the open air there is an exciting presentation of Robert Indiana’s 60 year career. And the ongoing pop up attraction continues to attract folk here, of four sculptures by Damien Hirst in the 18th century park.

Photos: 1. @royalarmouriesmuseum @steviecampbelluk 2. @yorkdungeon 3. @hepworthwakefield 4. @nationalrailwaymuseum 5. @yorktheatreroyal 6. @yspsculpture

ROYAL ARMOURIES The Royal Armouries is a museum unlike any other. It primarily showcases the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, and expands on that theme with temporary exhibitions, guest talks and regular reenactments. The serious subjects are turned into fascinating insights and fun discoveries, great for aficionados and novices of all ages. This spring tells the hard hitting stories of violent crime in At The Sharp End, a community project which provides an honest yet positive display on how West Yorkshire tackles it together. This year is Leeds Armouries 25th anniversary, and everyone is invited to go celebrate it at their dockside location.

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SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Emily Pilbeam of BBC Introducing knows more than most about upcoming new music in Yorkshire. Here are eight of her recommendations to keep an ear out for.

Sunflower Thieves Sunflower Thieves are a magical dream-folk Leeds based duo that I have recently become obsessed with. I’ve been waiting for new music from Sunflower Thieves for YEARS. They finally sent me some new music at the beginning of the year and now there is a stream of tracks coming from them that are just utterly gorgeous. Their harmonies make me want to weep, but in the best possible way. It’s gonna be a good year for Sunflower Thieves.

Thank I’ve been a huge fan of Thank for years. They’ve been a staple band in the Leeds music scene since I’ve lived here. I’ve seen them so many times and I will never get bored of it. If you like noise-rock and lyrics that will make you chuckle, Thank are the band for you. “There’s never been a good band from London” are lyrics I want tattooed on my chest.

Cheap Teeth Formed in Edinburgh, but now based here in Leeds, Cheap Teeth are my new faves. They played our BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire stage at Live at Leeds last year and blew me away, and they’ve

continued to do so since. Steve Lamacqs a big fan too. Check out ‘Tough Times at the Day Bar’ immediately.

Musumba I’ve been raving about Musumba for so long now. Musumba is a hiphop artist from Bradford with an unreal amount of talent. For about four years now, whenever anyone asks me who they should keep an eye on, the answer is Musumba, and it will always be Musumba.

Gemini Aaliyah Gemini Aaliyah is such an interesting artist to me and I am so excited to see her progress over the next 12 months. Lots of people I know and trust within the Leeds music scene kept mentioning her name but didn’t send me anything, so I was itching to listen to her music when it came out. I love it, it reminds me of Nilufer Yanya in parts, Nilufer Yanya but covered in darkness.

Kloyd Kloyd is another artist I’ve been championing for YEARS. Kloyd (Kate Lloyd) is an electronic DJ and Producer based between Leeds and London. The music she has released so far has been beyond exquisite... it’s the right blend of soothing and danceable. Her music will be best experienced on the beach with a margarita in hand, I reckon.

Haze Da Martian Bradford representing once again with Haze Da Martian. Haze Da Martian is easily the best rapper we’ve got in our uploader right now.

His beats are slick, his flow is cool - he could and should be huge.

Loungewear I LOVE LOUNGEWEAR. Both the band and the comfort clothing.

They are a brand new band to the Leeds music scene and a welcome addition. They’re made up of people I’ve seen round the circuit for years, and I’m so looking forward to seeing how they grow as a band when they start performing live. If you like 90’s grunge vibes and heart-warming vocals, you will love Loungewear.

Photos: 1. @hazedamartian 2. Sunflower Thieves @sophiejouvenaar 3. Gemini Aaliyah @kwxme 4. Cheap Teeth @hopecorinna 5. @musumbaofficial

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Motorhead

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Matt Earle restores and custom paints great old vehicles to transform them into stunning new creations. He gives us an insight into his unique motoring world from New Farnley in Leeds.

I can’t think of a time that I wasn’t obsessed with old cars or bikes. I’ve been immersed in it for what feels like an eternity (in a good way....

I think!). It started with taking a sketch pad everywhere as a kid and drawing them whenever I had five minutes. Then I started building model kits and brush painting them, they looked god-awful when I think back! But one Christmas my parents bought me an airbrush and compressor to paint them with and that was it. I was hooked..... Fast forward 20 years and not much has changed. The airbrush became a spray gun and the vehicles are actually life-sized now!

Joking aside, I do consider myself to be super lucky. One, there aren’t many full-time custom painters this side of the pond. The majority of them live in Southern California, not New Farnley! And two, I have the privilege of sharing a workspace with two very clever

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blokes, Steve and Mikey from Gilbert Michaelson Restorations. I definitely feel as though certain aspects of my work have improved ten-fold after spending the last four-plus years with two very talented craftsmen.

Process wise, it doesn’t matter if it’s a car or bike - to start with, everything gets taken back to bare metal. 99.9% of the stuff I do is old and there’s a very good chance it’s had a repair or seven in its life. Going right back to metal unveils any hidden damage or old repairs and from there you can correct any issues. After everything is repaired it goes into primer and then sanded down and prepped for colour.

The majority of cars are painted in one go but with the more custom

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work on the bikes it can take days or weeks. Sometimes you have to build the design up in layers so you might paint one or two colours, then seal them in, then you might have to wait a day or two for it to cure before you add more colour. After doing that a couple of times and then clear coating everything you can easily be a week and 15 coats of paint into the job.

then hung from the roof in Leeds train station.

So, if anyone’s got a bike, car, mannequin, coffee machine or dog they want painting then drop me a line!

Photos: 1-2. @paintbymatt 3. @benporteryork 4-5. @paintbymatt

I’ve had some great clients that I’ve been fortunate enough to work for. I’ve just recently finished a paint job on a Harley-Davidson Shovelhead for a collaboration between The Great Frog and Playboy.

I always joke with people that I’d paint their dog if they can get it to sit still for long enough. Aside from the custom bikes and the cars I’ve painted all sorts. Custom coffee machines, shoes, guitars, vintage barber chairs. I once painted a six metre long mannequin that was

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A SPRING IN YOUR STEP Welcome to your spring wellness guide for 2022. Say goodbye to the winter because the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the sun is finally appearing from the clouds. After what felt like a never-ending 2 years of lockdowns and being enclosed in our own homes, the restrictions have been lifted in time for spring and it’s the perfect season to relieve all that stress.

Whether you need a break from your quarantine habits, an excuse to get off the sofa or a new self-care routine, here’s your excuse for a refreshing and rejuvenated spring season. And if the warmer weather isn’t reason enough, there’s no better place to enjoy the spring than in Yorkshire. So we’ve put together some best ways you can make the most of spring this year and places you can adventure around the beautiful county.

GRANTLEY HALL Grantley Hall is otherwise known as the hidden gem of the Yorkshire Dales. Nestled away in Ripon, you can find their luxurious and relaxing Three Graces Spa Lounge. Their wellness treatments aim to help you find a balance in your well-being, state of mind and body, as well as tailoring their treatments to every client’s needs. A perfect setting to rest and recharge.

THE TREE RELAXATION RETREAT The Tree Relaxation Retreat is based in Pickering, who are there to help you leave all your worries and stresses behind. Based in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors, here you can recharge and enjoy the benefits of yoga, mediation, spa treatments and holistic therapies. Named recently as one of the top retreats in the world, you can appreciate the rural settings of Yorkshire in the spring and completely escape from reality. We all deserve some time to reenergise and de-stress, and The Tree seems like the perfect way to do just that.

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RAITHWAITES SANDSEND If you’re looking to explore further out into Yorkshire, Raithwaite Sandsend is a great place to watch the spring come in. This unique coastal retreat is the perfect relaxed country escape, with Sandsend beach and the North York Moors right on your doorstep. Spa weekends are the ultimate treat, and the Raithwaite Spa is ideal for those in real need of some downtime. With so many treatments available, you can treat yourself to a skin boosting facial, bespoke massages or a whole spa experience, because why not?

NORTH YORKSHIRE LDWA With the temperatures starting to increase, nature trails and bike paths are more easily accessible. Natural light can significantly increase productivity and energy levels, and thankfully Yorkshire has many walking groups you can join this spring. The North Yorkshire LDWA gather twice a month to walk over the moors, through the dales and along the coastline. Social walks are a great way to put a spring in your step this season.

RUDDING PARK HOTEL Based in Harrogate is the award winning hotel and spa, Rudding Park. Rudding Park Spa has managed to recapture Harrogate’s spa heritage using natural spring waters from the grounds, while The Roof Top Spa is a social space with a variety of hydrotherapy and thermal experiences. The Escape Zone is a peaceful and serene space for guests having a treatment. So if serenity in the sun is what you’re looking for this season, we’ve found the place for you.

YORKSHIRE’S GREAT HOUSES, CASTLES & GARDENS Seeing Yorkshire blossom during spring is refreshing enough after a long, cold winter. Across the county you can find a wonderful collection of award-winning traditional gardens and landscapes available for you to visit and wander through. From Castle Howard in York, Harewood House in Leeds, RHS Garden Hallow Carr in Harrogate and so many more. Smell the roses and take an afternoon stroll to unwind.

CHEVIN COUNTRY PARK HOTEL The Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa is a truly special destination in Yorkshire as it’s the UK’s largest log cabin. Surrounded by birch forest and looking onto a picturesque lake, melt your stresses away in their

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Scandinavian style retreat and appreciate the calming environment, it’s completely tranquil. Feeling refreshed and renewed after a treatment, you’ll leave with your mind and body entirely stress-free.

THE THREE PEAKS As the weather is finally improving and the sun is staying out longer, maybe this is your chance to challenge yourself this spring. Get outdoors and try something new like the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge which involves the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The more exercise the better, as it’s known to reduce anxiety, helps you sleep better and improve your self-esteem. Plus, challenging yourself is always fun.

HAPPY SEAL YOGA Happy Seal Yoga is based on the beautiful coastline of North Yorkshire, offering yoga classes to anyone and everyone in the most idyllic setting you can think of. It gives you a chance to connect with nature and appreciate being in the outdoors, truly admiring the scenes of Yorkshire whilst improving your wellness. Their Yoga by the Sea classes run all year round, with classes taking place in Scarborough, Sandsend and Whitby.

WHITE SCAR CAVE As much as the landscapes of Yorkshire are beautiful, you can find even more underground. Discover what is under your feet and take a trip to White Scar in Carnforth, the longest show cave in Britain.

You’re sure to see some unique views of the Dales and experience something completely different. And spring is the ideal season to visit!

Photo: @raithwaitesandsend

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Foundation Diploma in Art & Design Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

Postgraduate A range of creative masters degree courses in specialist subjects.

Find out more: www.leeds-art.ac.uk

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Layers of Leeds We all know and love the city of Leeds, from the different types of people wandering the streets to the weird and wonderful businesses, and importantly, the beautiful buildings that surround us and make the city what it is. From what once started as a Saxon village with a population of around 200 back in 1086, has expanded to a population of half a million and continuously thrived through the decades. What truly makes a place become a city is a combination of architecture, business and pure creativity.

And we have Cuthbert Brodrick to thank for that.

Cuthbert Brodrick (1821-1905) was a British architect born in Hull who was known for ‘changing the face of Leeds’ by contributing greatly to the city’s landscape and industry sector. Back in 1852, Cuthbert entered and won a competition organised by Leeds Corporation and headed by architect Sir Charles Barry, for the design of Leeds Town Hall. Taking five years to build and reaching a total cost of around £125,000, it was later opened in September 1858 by Queen Victoria with an audience of 400,000 to 600,000. From this he then went on to build some of the most iconic buildings in Leeds which were inspired by his love of classical architecture from his travels around Europe including Paris and Rome.

With the construction of Leeds Town Hall finishing in 1858, his next project was the Leeds Corn Exchange in 1864, followed by The Mechanics’ Institute (now known as Leeds City Museum), The Oriental Baths in Cookridge Street in 1866 which are now demolished, and the Headingley Hill Congregational Church in 1864, amongst his other notable projects. Not only have these beautiful buildings helped change the city for the better, but have also had a significant impact on people’s lives.

Back during the construction process of the Leeds Town Hall, the distinctive baroque clock tower was not a part of the initial design, but was added by Brodrick in 1856 to make a grander statement.

Leeds Town Hall was planned to include offices, a council chamber, law courts and serve multiple other purposes. After the building of Civic Hall and Leeds Crown Court in 1933, many of its functions were relocated, and so Leeds Town Hall now mainly serves as a concert hall, conference venue and cultural events space. Being one of the first and largest civic buildings in Britain, it is the most important historical asset to the city and in 1951 it was designated a Grade I listed building. In 2019, a major three-year refurbishment project

began to provide new seating, soundproofing, public event spaces and general restoration. It is scheduled to reopen again in 2022 in time for the Leeds 2023 city-wide cultural event.

The living landmark, Leeds Corn Exchange, has been an iconic building in the bustling city since it was first opened in 1864. The dramatic dome was inspired by the Bourse de commerce of Paris by François-Joseph Bélanger and François Brunet, completed in 1811.

This Grade I listed building is a symbol of the city’s economic power and contribution to the trade industry. As the 20th century moved on, Leeds Corn Exchange became a focal point for the community and was used for trading up to six times a week. However, by 1969, numbers reduced and the space was only being used once a week for trading, and thankfully threats for demolition were declined and plans for the large space began taking place. Today, the building is home to an array of independent businesses in both the retail and food sectors, and has remained a true icon in the city of Leeds.

Another of Cuthbert’s prominent projects is the former Mechanics’ Institute, now known as Leeds City Museum. Institutes were educational establishments originally created to provide education for adults, particularly in technical subjects, to working men in Victorian-era Britain and its colonies. After the Mechanics’ Institute fell out of use for its original purpose, it had a new lease of life as a concert hall, becoming known as the Civic Theatre. In 2005, another restoration and renovation project turned the Albert Hall into the grand ‘central arena’ of the Leeds City Museum, with other rooms becoming galleries and visitors’ facilities. Now, Leeds City Museum takes you on a journey from Ancient Egypt to modern day Leeds, all for free.

Without the wonderful creations of Cuthbert Brodrick, life in the city of Leeds wouldn’t be so special. These buildings are the heart and soul of culture in the city, all of which have contributed greatly to our society, then and now. And they’ll continue to do so in the future. The architect from Hull shaped Leeds into what it is today, and will forever remain one of the city’s most influential characters. Who knows what the city will look like in the next 100 years? As long as Brodricks stamp on the city remains, we’re sure it’ll be amazing.

Photos: 1. Leeds Corn Exchange 2. Leeds City Museum @maxjcurran 3. Leeds Town Hall @maxjcurran

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NIGHTS TO REMEMBER SHA R E Y OU R GO OD T IMES WIT H U S …

From gigs at The Duchess and The Cockpit to club nights at Mr Craig’s and Back To Basics, Leeds has hosted some legendary nights at some iconic venues. We want to celebrate the best of them with you, kicking off in Leeds and then stepping out into Yorkshire! Send us photos and memories of your favourite nights out across the decades of your good times to feature in our new series ‘Nights to Remember’…

Send your Nights to Remember memories to us on Instagram @leeds.independentlife & @york.independentlife or by email to hello@independentlife.co.uk.

Photos: 1. @jameslangephotography 2. Nicola Devereux 3. Belinda’s 4. Andrew Bannerman Bayles 5. Daniel Heaton 6. Chris Hoyle

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A Lovely Dwelling-Place

by S.A. Brown This poem was inspired by a community history project led by York Explore Library and Archives. In branch libraries around the city, they simply asked people ‘What should York remember?’ and then collected the responses. I have tried to capture some of the key themes, sights, smells, memories and myths.

‘My heart is set to praise my home… a lovely dwelling-place.’

Alcuin’s ‘Poem of York’, written in the eighth century Terry’s and Rowntree’s chocolate waft, The Minster’s treasure trove undercroft, Almshouses, alehouses, snickets for streets, Bile Beans, Betty’s – the stench of sugar beets.

Daffodils by the city walls, A Roman centurion ghost.

Timbered Shambles’ shops and stalls, Knavesmire’s winning post.

Trains steaming at dusk, home of the railways, The Ouse and the Foss, the mystery plays, Yorkshire’s centrepiece: bucolic yet bloody, Hangings, crownings and Seebohm’s seminal study.

Breweries, barracks and gatehouse bars, Dick Turpin riding Black Bess.

Teeming with tourists from countries afar, Weekend scores in the Evening Press.

‘The history of York is the history of England,’ said a wise king, Multi-layered memories in each building, place and thing, From old churches that outstayed the blitz’s bomb, To the cenotaph, for our fallen lads at the Somme.

To the Tudor houses and cobbled paves, The Civil War siege of ‘44.

Quakers, parks, decaying stone graves, Some factories, fields and fountains no more.

Museum garden squirrels in midsummer peace, Cygnets, ducklings and hungry flocking geese, Blessed with charm, grit and an easy grace, York is my home, a lovely dwelling-place.

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Song for Leeds

by Emily Zobel Marshall Leeds, meaning ‘people of the fast-flowing river’ how you struggle to define yourself pushing up skyscrapers from rubbish-speckled streets hoping to distract us to dream bigger than the soot smudged across your building’s faces Down by the canal two men share a morning spliff a break from magnet-fishing metal from khaki waters slick with slime While on Leeds bridge three brisk council women plot the spot for a plaque to Remember Oluwale Oluwale, whose whispers echo still through heaving river-rush a migrant’s protest at his pushing by police at his sinking in the Aire Leeds, city of water cross-hatched by migrants beck-laced, fanning through Aire and Wharfe where metallic blue kingfishers pause from darting on discarded trolleys

Photos: @steviecampbelluk

Leeds, city of back-to-backs and bridges still healing scars of industry no rest in your race for textiles, flax, chemicals, munitions While dodging student sick a woman in the Debenham’s doorway beds down on carboard ears cotton-stuffed to drown out whoops of clubbers She wakes to a breeze of Pennine scents of grass, lanolin and rain packs nothing and drifts to the Aire watches signets hide in the sweeping hair of a golden weeping willow and for the first time she hears the song for Leeds of lamentation and of praise rippling in the flow of its waters

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For Your Eyes Only

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Rae & Rae Opticians Since arriving a little over a year ago on famed independent destination Bishopthorpe Road, Rae & Rae have brought a new style and quality to the eyes of York. Having already achieved national recognition, this family-owned opticians are providing a uniquely modern approach to their traditional skilled service.

Set up by mother-daughter duo Tracey and Georgia, optometry is in the Rae family blood, going as far back as great grandfather Maurice, who ran a successful opticians in the 1930s. His passion and knowledge has passed through the generations, and now Rae & Rae are upholding the same values of a friendly expert service whilst looking to the future.

The vision ahead is exciting. After years of learning her trade from the age of 16 to becoming a leading optometrist on this very site, Georgia has taken over 33 Bishy Road and is moving it forward. As well as offering the highest quality eyecare and investing in the latest technologies, Rae & Rae also source the most innovative and ethical eyewear from only independent brands.

Photos: Lewis Hannibal

This is the place to come and fall in love with your new personal frames by the likes of MOSCOT, who hold an annual trunk show here to display their range of iconic glasses and timeless sunglasses. Other creative upcoming designers are stocked here too, making for an exclusive choice of special specs, and Rae & Rae are continuing to discover fresh and fun, stylish and sustainable new eyewear.

With tradition, innovation, skill and style, Rae & Rae are reinforcing their position as the number one optician in York. www.raeandraeopticians.co.uk

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Bring The Spring In As winter turns to spring, for many homes it is time for a revamp. Out with the old and in with the new, as the saying goes.

Whether you’re doing a little spring clean or a total transformation, it is a great way to refresh and revive for the season.

To help, we asked two of the best local interior design stores to give us their top trends and timeless tips to spruce up the home. Lucy Scarah showcases the fresh ideas of Helston Street, and Megan Browne

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shares how AndersBrowne are here to bring the spring in.

HELSTON STREET We are an independent rustic interiors shop just off Bishy Road which also specialise in dried flowers. As spring is just around the corner we suggest quickly refreshing areas in the home with beautiful dried greenery, including eucalyptus or olive leaf.

Alternatively adding a splash of colour with a simple, yet beautiful vase of craspedia,

also known as billy buttons. As we dry all our own flowers from fresh, we have the ability to match colour schemes easily, and will happily create a lovely display for you if you bring your vase into store.

Create a statement in a small space with a bold tile choice, such as the Bert & May Luna tiles that we have used on the outside step of our shop. They have just opened a new showroom off Walmgate which is definitely worth a visit. My particular favourites are their latest colour in this tile ‘Fennel’, which I am currently installing on a project for the York based holiday let company ‘Chateau Anna’ in a shower area to create a luxuriously bold statement. Small spaces such as a fire place, or splashback behind a cloakroom sink are easy spaces to try experimenting with tiles first.

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Creating a shelf display is my one of my favourite ways of being creative in the home. Bringing the outside in using fresh plants and flowers is so easy to do. Little vintage pots filled with Ivy instantly add life, and using vintage garden items such as a little frog reminds us of warm spring days.

ANDERSBROWNE Andersbrowne sells restored and repurposed 20th Century quality furniture and design pieces from Britain and Europe.

The past two years had a profound impact on how we use our interior spaces. Homes were forced to run as schools, workplaces, gyms, play zones and isolation units. Many of us found we and our homes were illequipped. ‘Multi-functional’ and ‘versatile’ entered as new buzzwords in furniture buying and show no sign of disappearing as we enter spring 2022.

Biophilic design invites nature indoors and is set to blossom this spring. In lockdown, we turned towards more mindful practices; reading books, gardening, crafting, baking and became reacquainted with our vinyl collections. Hygge, the British way, took on

a whole new meaning and is set to continue as we welcome back the longer days.

Vintage wall units, repurposed into combination bookcases, cabinets and room dividers are ideal for developing your own natural sanctuary indoors. We like to call them the teak equivalent of the little black dress. Dress them up or down with these items you love – and finish the look with your best houseplants and plenty of sunlight. The end result looks fabulous and feels wonderful!

Photos: 1. @anders_browne 2. @helstonstreet 3. @anders_browne

Mid century modern design centres on simplicity, functionality and clean lines, often made from natural materials.

Metamorphic desks, compact bureaus and wall units with hidden desktops were plentiful back in the day and we adore how they can facilitate the elusive work/ life balance when your workplace is your home. Store everything away, close it up at the end of the day and you’d be hardpressed to believe a day’s work took place.

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BACK IN FASHION Sekkle is run by two local lads Dowdy and Sam, both born and bred in Leeds. We set up 3 years ago this summer as a vintage designer and streetwear company, but unlike other vintage companies we specialise in trends that were popular in the late 90s/early 2000s garage and grime scene.

When I first started I originally ran it out of my mums bedroom.

It’s grown massively over that time and now we’ve got our own headquarters and studio space in town. Through pushing the company and hard work we’ve achieved things I never thought I could’ve achieved in life, especially at 23. I’ve got to meet and work with some of my idols and our favourite music artists such as Skepta, Aitch, Jammer, Unknown T and Digga D. The biggest pro is being able to make a living off my passion and something that I love, it’s definitely a dream come true.

There were a few inspirations to start our business, one of the main ones being ‘Wavey Garms’ a company based in London that started off selling vintage designer but now focus on raves and events. Too Hot Limited were also a big inspiration. A lot of our inspiration comes from sellers and business in other cities so we thought why don’t we bring that to Leeds and show the world what we can do.

We specialise in brands such as Avirex, Iceberg, Stone island, Akademiks, Stussy and Evisu, and we’ve worked with brands like Urban Outfitters and a lot of local Leeds creatives and music artists such as Northaze, Curbside and Steezy. We’re planning on doing more independent Leeds events with local talent - a lot of the pop ups and opportunities we get are outside of Leeds and we want to change that. Leeds is sometimes a hard city to grow in but over the years it’s getting easier with how Leeds is evolving and how big our student population is; it’s definitely something that business can strive off.

Currently we’re working on our new collection which will be a vintage Stussy. We’ve got 70 pieces ready for it, every item I’ve found is extremely rare and one off. I look for stock on a daily for usually around 4 to 5 hours as well as sorting through new items and planning photoshoots. We’re currently planning a big Leeds pop up and event - renting a space for 4 to 5 days selling some of the best pieces we can find for you lot. Also we’ve got a few of our own T-shirts and accessories we’re working on.

I feel the fashion industry is very strong at the moment, there’s a lot of really good brands out and fashion retailers especially in Leeds.

Tomorrow and Welcome being my two favourite in town. Another I’m liking from the UK is a brand called Clints & Dramacall. The fast fashion industry is always going to be a thing because it’s affordable, but the vintage market is probably the best it’s ever been, over the past few years I personally feel it’s a leading scene in the fashion industry. It’s definitely the future.

Photos: @_sekkle_

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Made to Last In 1837 Abraham Moon supplied families in and around Guiseley with yarn to weave cloth on hand looms in their homes. He would then pay and collect the woven cloth to transport by horse and cart for sale in Leeds market. And like that, Abraham Moon & Sons was founded.

The business grew whilst staying in their Guiseley home, building a mill there, where still today the pure water springs are used for scouring. Despite the tragedy of Abraham’s accidental death in 1877, and later the mill burning down in 1902, son Isaac Moon was determined to rebuild and continued to progress.

By the time Isaac passed away in 1909, they had a larger mill on the same site manufacturing quality fabrics which were exported as far as Europe and Japan. In this strong position, designer and mill manager Charles H Walsh took over the company and ever since it has remained true to the original ethos.

Today, MOON produce a wide variety of fabrics and accessories from wool and other natural fibres for fashion and interiors. “We are best known for our tweeds, which are used by industry stalwarts such as Ralph Lauren or Barbour and influential independents like Noah, Peregrine or Percival” Joe McCann tells us. Their product mix also expands beyond the signature tweed. “As we diversified into other sectors such as interiors, we found clever ways of modifying our yarns and fabrics to keep agile, flexible, and relevant, which is a key part of our brands success.”

This ability to adapt whilst retaining these traditional values has enhanced MOON’s appeal to changing retail markets. “The relationship between retailers and UK mills has ebbed and flowed over the years” says Joe. “As the world entered the 1980s and 90s, faster and more discardable fashion started to kick in, and this drove cut-price competition from Europe and the Far East, undermining the industry and forcing most of the remaining UK mills to close” he explains, as a once thriving Yorkshire textile industry quickly diminished.

Conversely, it was MOON’s insistence on sticking with history that kept them alive. “Rather than chase price, MOON decided to

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promote its design, quality and heritage. This allowed the company to grow export sales, providing much needed revenue to keep the company going.” As the industry became increasingly international, so too did the business. “The consumer’s demand for greater quality and responsibility is favouring companies like ours that have always stuck to their ethos of quality and authenticity” says Joe, whose natural fibre based fabrics have a longer lifecycle and are more biodegradable than inferior and synthetic products.

Whilst the modern fashion world may be very different, Joe reassures that the core manufacturing processes within the textile industry are still reminiscent of how they were when MOON began. “There is still a heavy reliance on skilled craftspeople because manufacturing anything from a natural material requires constant adjustment and monitoring.” Recent progress towards sustainability also requires more skilled employees, as Joe continues; “We have converted to using eco-friendly dyes from the more toxic dyes of yesteryear. This is incredibly complex work, requiring a trained eye and plenty of experience. We have multiple generations of families, who continue to pass down their skills.“ Still to this day, MOON is one of the largest employers in the area.

From their original Guiseley home, MOON has transitioned from being a mill to a premium brand. “Our business is much more complex than it once was” confirms Joe. Future plans are to further invest in the latest equipment and technology to improve both efficiency and capacity. It is a testament to how MOON has continued to celebrate their heritage, retain their ethos, and harness innovation throughout 185 years.

Words: Joe McCann Photos: 1 & 4. @abrahammoonsons 2. Photographer @jakesamwalker Model: Nehjat 3. Photographer @jakesamwalker Model: Delila

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The Family Jewels The story of four luxurious modern jewellers who are steeped in centuries of local history. Read how these successful businesses have continued through generations to keep the jewels in the family.

Berry’s Founded in 1897, Berry’s are currently celebrating their 125th anniversary. Set up in Scarborough by Abe Berens, Berry’s soon expanded and made Leeds their main home. First, Abe opened a shop on Lands Lane, and then, having taken on the business, his daughter Jeanne and her husband Gee Wolff elevated Berry’s to a retail jewellers of the highest quality on Bond Street and finally Albion Street, where it has been for over 50 years.

Passing through four more generations, Berry’s has remained in the family throughout, with son-in-law Jeffrey Walton, his son Simon and grandson Oliver now in control of the family jewels. During this time, Berry’s success has continued to grow, and new branches across the UK reflected their popularity. Now, they have nine dazzling stores from Newcastle to Windsor, including three in Leeds and two in York.

For their 125th birthday, Berry’s are celebrating with exclusive events, limited launches and crafted collections, as well as potential growth into more new store openings. It’s a luxurious and ambitious party, but no matter how grand they grow, Berry’s are keeping it a family affair.

Browns Browns are a Leeds family business who have continued in their original industry, with the same values and true traditions through six generations over 182 years. As a jewellers and pawnbrokers that began in 1840, they remain experts of their trade in 2022, with some twists along the way.

The journey could have ended in 2007 when aged 167 the company was sold. But instead of the end of the old Browns, it signalled the beginning of a new Browns and a continuation of the family legacy, as Simon Brown set up again and carried on. The latest generation of brothers are led by Simon, whose great great great great grandfather Herbert started out on Vicar Lane all that time ago.

The business continues to follow a uniquely independent and ethical approach, and Browns have gone on to succeed in a much changed modern world. From that one store on Vicar Lane to nine sites and one of the biggest UK family business websites, the version of Browns 180

years later is both very different and exactly the same. The business may be shinier, but the family tradition will always remain in the blood.

Ogden Since 1893 the Ogden family have been serving generations of Yorkshire folk with the most distinguished jewellery. Now in its fifth generation since James Roberts Ogden set up shop in Harrogate, where he sold his first ever item, a hall clock for £2.12.6.

The beautiful Edwardian store soon had a high class reputation, which has only increased through Ogden’s 129 years. During which, their prestigious clients have included Winston Churchill, the Roosevelts, King George VI and Princess Marina.

Despite these claims to fame and royalty, Ogden’s are the same family business to this day as they have always been. Ben and Robert Ogden now run the show, still from their Edwardian Harrogate headquarters purchased in 1910, and now with an equally attractive York store too. At both places, you’ll find the finest jewellery from this unique local family.

Lister Horsfall 120 years after Thomas Lister Horsfall first opened a Halifax jewellery store in 1902, Lister Horsfall remain an independent family run business from the city’s Corn Market. Not moving physically has not stopped them from expanding far and wide as a business.

Lister Horsfall added an Ilkley showroom in the 1970s before becoming a partner with Rolex in the 1980s. Now, in the 2020s, Lister Horsfall is Yorkshire’s place to go for watches as well as exceptional jewellery.

In its fourth generation, the reigns have passed through to its current holder and Thomas’ great grandson, Nick Horsfall. He is maintaining the success of keeping the local Lister Horsfall just like it was meant to be a century ago, whilst thriving in the modern world.

Photos: 1. @ogden_harrogate 2. @brownsjewellery

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Flower Power Springtime is bursting with life.

I think it’s my favourite season (at least it is until the peonies arrive and then it’s summer!)

The scent of spring in the shop is like no other at any other time of year..and that’s nothing compared to all the colours of the rainbow.. and those in-between.

Typically in the shop at the moment are tulips, lilac, hyacinths and narcissus - sometimes we have guest appearances from more unusual varieties like fritillary and tuberose.

There are always lots of spring bulbs - as they come - or planted up into cool containers and usually snuggled in a bed of fresh green moss.

These are also all available on our online shop, as is a range of tied bouquets, gifts and other goodies.

This is our 19th spring at the shop in Boston Spa and it’s as exciting and scent filled as the first!

I love my job!

Words: Kate Mell Photos: @katemellflowers

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Berry’s Jewellers

Sponsored by

Berry’s Jewellers In 2022 Berry’s are celebrating their 125th year anniversary in style. This luxury jewellers of superior quality are elevating even higher during this milestone, with the launch of an exclusive Spring collection.

The exciting unveiling of Berry’s brand new Anniversary Collection in the Spring can be seen in their nine boutiques across the UK, including stores in Leeds and York, where limited pieces will be available to purchase. All have been crafted by their expert team of specialist designers to herald a five-generation family business.

The celebrations will continue throughout the year, including a range of limited-edition watches from world-renowned watch brands. Also keep a look out for a number of store openings, events and partnerships, as well as in-store activations across the country.

From their own stylish and elegant designs to relationships with the world’s most exquisite brands such as Patek Philippe, Cartier and Omega, Berry’s anniversary year is one not to miss. Join in the celebrations from this Spring. www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

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Keeping it Sweet 3

A sweet trip around the streets and treats of Harehills.

This Page: Nehjat wears Aries Winky Dude t-shirt, Aries Kurt knit, Needles HD Pant.

1, 2, 4. Zm Zm Bakery 3, 5. Anand Sweets 6.

Getaway Girls Bexley Road Next Page: Nehjat wears Nanamica GORETEX Cruiser Jacket, Nanamica Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt, Needles HD Pant.

7. Eastern Foods 8. Maureen's Caribbean Food 9. Samaa Babel 10, 11. Scent Salim 12. Roya Shisha Supplies 13. Venus International Foods Photos: @hip

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Eastern Promise

Take a stroll through Beverley market early on a Saturday morning and breathe in the sense of contentment of those who live here. The town is alive with locals stopping for a chat, weekend catchups in the bustling cafés, serious shoppers queuing up at the market stalls, dogs and children dancing to the music of the buskers dotted along the main streets between the statuesque Beverley Minster and St. Mary’s church. Beverley has everything a town should offer and more. Below are some of our favourites.

For us, the jewel in Beverley’s crown is the stunning pastureland of Beverley Westwood. Acres of ancient woodland and open space where the cows take precedence over humans and dogs. Sun or snow, it is the go-to place for all those who love roaming or playing outdoors.

Large enough to lose yourself in solitude for a couple of hours and small enough to always pass a friendly dog-walker or family gathering.

It is also the home of Beverley Golf Course, Beverley Racecourse, Beverley Parkrun and various open air fitness camps and groups.

Returning back towards the town on a fine day, having circuited the iconic Black Mill, your eyes can’t help being drawn to the magnificent Beverley Minster rising above the town. There is always a new spot, trail, or event to discover there and we have never met a single person who has tired of it.

A favourite way to discover the town is by taking the Beverley Town Trail of Medieval Guilds and Crafts, which depicts 39 of the traditional guilds along the way. The medieval buildings and narrow streets and alleyways throughout the town are a delight to explore. The trail draws your attention to them through observing an abundance of features in buildings and streets that can go so easily unnoticed, even by locals. The trail gives a real insight into the rich tapestry of

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Beverley’s medieval history. We love how the town centre is still so carefully preserved that you can stand and close your eyes and clearly imagine the scene all those years ago.

The trail also leads you through Beverley’s industrial hub of the 20th century, Flemingate and towards Beverley Beck, another of our favourite walks. Of course, we can’t recommend Beverley landmarks without mentioning the two great churches of Beverley Minster and St Mary’s, both standing proudly over either end of the town.

The Minster tower tour is a must-see for taking in a 360 view of the townscape and St Mary’s is home to the most beautifully carved pillars, one of which has the famous carving of the white rabbit believed to be the inspiration for Lewis Carroll.

And it is in the streets around these two churches that we introduce some of our favourite Beverley pubs. If you haven’t heard of Nellies (or the White Horse Inn), then where have you been? You’ll find it on the cobbled street of Hengate in the shadow of St. Mary’s Church, it is one of the oldest pubs in Beverley, dating back to 1660 and still has some of the original gas lighting. A trove of nooks, crannies, snugs and open fires. A pub like no other and the Sam Smiths beer prices always has visitors staring aghast at the change in their hands.

There are plenty of gorgeous traditional pubs around Beverley such as the Tiger Inn, Monks Walk, Sun Inn and Royal Standard. Our current favourite through is Chequers micropub in Swaby’s Yard. No bigger than a large living room but packs in the cordiality of the entire town, a testament to the jovial and enthusiastic nature of its owner Ian, a lover of good ale and conversation in equal measure. An added bonus for the many dog-lovers in Beverley is the welcome given to our canine friends in many of the pubs and it is always a lovely Sunday afternoon when combined with a dog-walk in the Westwood

and pint or meal at the Woolpack Inn. Beverley is also home to some amazing cafés, you are never far from a place to rest your legs over a warm cuppa. We love Vanessas, TC Patisseries (gorgeous pastries!) and the newly refurbished Beverley Arms where you will always find a spacious corner to natter in peace with attentive service.

In the evening, Beverley is foodie heaven with everything from cheap and cheerful to upmarket. Yo Tuk Tuk, the street food restaurant housed at the back of the Windmill pub is never a disappointment, full of flavour and character. The Pig and Whistle is a tiny corner of food bliss, every single ingredient is sourced with care and it is a brilliant spot for lunch with its delicious salads. Ogino, off Butcher Row and Sumo in Flemingate are fabulous choices for Asian cuisine.

North Bar is also home to some gorgeous fine dining experiences at Whites of Beverley and The Westwood restaurant.

Beverley is fiercely proud of its independent shops. Planning appeals aplenty are fired into the local council whenever the balance of independents and chains seem threatened. The Refill Jar, just off Butcher Row is Beverley’s rapidly growing zero-waste and plastic free store and has become a firm staple in most town shopper’s itineraries.

A couple of doors down is the lovely Beverley Bookshop, we dare you to leave without a purchase. For your home, we adore browsing around St Crispins Antique Centre. Carol Bird interiors in North Bar has a stunning range of luxury furniture, accessories and home furnishings. Their upholstered sofas are works of art in themselves and often require a dedicated sneaky stroll just to gaze in the window.

On the other end of the town Galvin Brothers on Flemingate stands out on its own. They fuse handcrafted furniture with simple, modernist design with their own signature kick to each piece.

Outside of the town centre, the newly developed Flemingate shopping area is definitely worth a visit. It may have the first impression of being full of chains but when you big a little deeper, there are plenty of independent bars, restaurants and shops. It is home too to Parkway Cinema which has become a mainstay of the community programming live events, hosting the local film Society along with its main programme. The open layout of Flemingate allows children to roam free and explore the playground and abundant popup entertainment on offer. For beautiful gifts with an East Yorkshire stamp, pop into Art and Soul, a showcase for regional artists and makers.

Events are a huge part of Beverley tourism and life. We adore the Beverley Puppet Festival, returning this year. The programme is as big in street theatre as it is with paid events. It is an absolute must for families and visitors who just want to soak in the atmosphere. The Beverley Folk Festival is on again in 2022 which was previously the Fringe Festival that set up after the prior Folk Festival wound down a few years ago. Also, there’s Beverley Food Festival in October, Festival Of Words, the Festival of Christmas, and Beverley Racecourse hosts many events. And there are shows at the East Riding Theatre which is a fabulous, largely volunteer led theatre. It is a lovely hub for an evening out or weekend meet-up.

This is just a toe-dip in the pond, there is so much to discover in Beverley.

Words: Megan Browne @anders_browne

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CITY OF THE FUTURE

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Words: Elliot Newby, Stephensons Commercial Photos: 1. @steviecampbelluk 2. @benporteryork

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The high street is dead, is something you hear regularly in the national media, but I would argue that the high street is simply evolving.

The prime retail market does remain challenging, national retailers taking 25-year leases on ‘prime’ shopping streets is a thing of the past, and York is no exception. It is clear for everyone to see that major online retailers have dominated in recent years, to the detriment of the traditional high street, however what has sprung up in its place is a growing community of local retailers and leisure businesses offering high quality, experience-based offerings – something that simply cannot be replicated online.

York has always benefitted from a strong collective of local high street operators but with the exit of many national retailers, more opportunities are presenting themselves with circa 67% of facias being local in nature, up from 63% 3 years ago. This trend has been further substantiated in the exceptional demand we have seen in small-medium sized retail units. It is not uncommon to have a raft of applicants for each available property, with a proportion of those applicants seeking to open food and beverage-based businesses.

Recent changes in the Use Classes Order have only encouraged the shift towards more leisure-based uses, effectively removing the requirement for restaurants and cafes to apply for a change of use from retail, subject to certain caveats. Many of these businesses are new start-ups or businesses still in their infancy and generally operated and run by local individuals, willing to take a chance on a location they are familiar with and have utmost confidence in to continue to thrive.

The beauty and historic nature of the city will undoubtedly continue to appeal to visitors and drive daytime and evening footfall, putting York at an advantage over many of its regional and national counterparts, however what the quirkiness of the city doesn’t provide much of, is large open plan trading footprints, this in itself results in a high proportion of small, therefore more affordable retail units, when compared with other cities.

One street that has been able to provide units more in line with

national retailers’ requirements is Coney Street, hence this area of the city has seen the biggest increase in void rates. As matters stand, rent and rates put many of these units out of reach of local and regional occupiers and will require structural change in the physical make up of the buildings, or a reversal of the current national retail trend.

It is apparent the former of those two scenarios is more likely with the proposal to redevelop Coney Street and its riverside frontage, incorporating a new walkway and bridge across the river Ouse, being driven by York-based private developers Helmsley Group.

The Coney Street redevelopment scheme, along with the proposed Roman Quarter and Castlegate Gateway, shows a continuing desire from developers to invest into the city and hope of a fresh new look to some of the areas that need it most.

The office market provides another interesting facet to the changing city centre. Whilst flexible and hybrid working policies had become commonplace in many organisations prior to COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic has significantly accelerated that trend.

Following the removal of the working from home guidance recently, we are seeing many businesses encouraging staff back into the workplace, however it is expected that hybrid working will form a large part of employer’s plans moving forward but to what extent is somewhat unclear at this point.

Whatever the extent of the hybrid/flexible working model, it is clear that organisations will either require equal or less office space than previously. However, we are unlikely to see a cliff edge event whereby swathes of offices become available, due to fact occupiers will only be able to make changes at their next lease event (typically every 3-5 years). We may well see a trickle of larger, poorer quality offices become vacant, and if the last 7-8 years are anything to go by, developers and investors will seize the opportunity to convert these to alternative uses, most typically residential, due to their capital values largely outstripping that of commercial property. Will this result in a higher degree of student accommodation, letting accommodation or residents living in the city? Whatever mix is settled upon will undoubtedly change the dynamics and demographic of the city centre.

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YORKSHIRE LOCAL We are launching Yorkshire Local to support small businesses and share places across Yorkshire by promoting them through our Leeds and York hubs. Surrounding the cities of York and Leeds, there are many great Yorkshire towns and local villages to visit. We explored two of the best to discover the delights of Malton and Farsley.

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MALTON

Sitting in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire lies Malton, otherwise known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital. This award-winning food town is found on the edge of the North York Moors, and is home to an array of special artisan producers, independent shops, bars and restaurants who supply locals and tourists alike with anything their heart desires. And when it comes to food and drink, Malton isn’t messing around.

Here you can find cosy cafes, bustling pubs, authentic international treats, and everyone’s favourite, the Malton Monthly Food Market.

Bringing the community together once a month, specialist stalls and street food vendors feed the hungry mouths of those who live around the corner and those who travel in especially. They also host a 3 day Malton Food Lovers Festival in June and August, as well as MeadowFest, a boutique music festival in July.

Talbot Yard The town is full of foodie delights and weird and wonderful gifts, it can be hard to know where to begin. Talbot Yard in the heart of Malton is a great place to start if you’ve never paid a visit before, as here you can find town favourites Bluebird Bakery, Florian Poirot, Food 2 Remember, Groovy Moo Gelato, Rare Bird Distillery and Roost Espresso Bar.

The Wooden House The Wooden House on Wheelgate specialises in hand made furniture and accessories that are designed in their own workshop. Quickly becoming the first pit-stop for furniture and interior shopping in Malton, many of the items available to buy in-store have been made in-house.

The Patisserie Malton Based in the heart of the market town is The Patisserie, an independent and friendly patisserie, cafe and shop. Serving up the town locals and tourists some of the best sweet and savoury treats, you can sit down and enjoy or take away some of their high quality home-baked goods. Check out their ‘Fridge of Temptation’ to see what treats are available that day, or indulge yourself in some of their tasty lunch options and light bites.

McMillan’s of Malton In the ‘Food Capital of Yorkshire’ you can find McMillans, a specialist wine and spirit merchant selling an array of local, national and international bottles. Specialising in whiskey and gin, plus various other stock inside and a secret passageway to their cosy bar, The Library. If moody, dimly-lit speakeasy’s are your kind of place, The Library should be your next visit.

She decided to set up an emporium, the perfect place for people to browse in her vibrant and welcoming shop. Inside, you can find a world of gifts, interior pieces and quirky little products including kids toys, stationery, ‘We Love Malton’ gifts, jewellery, eco products and ceramics.

Scoops Scoops, The Ingredients Shop, is abundantly stocked with everything you could possibly need. With products available such as all kinds of spice, flour, cereal, rice and more, they’re the ideal shop for those who love to cook or want to learn how to. They’re also doing their bit for the environment by encouraging customers to bring in their own containers which can be weighed and filled up with any ingredients you need.

Leoni’s Leoni’s cafe on Wheelgate officially opened in 1996 and ever since has become a much-loved spot in Malton by locals and tourists alike.

Over the years it has evolved with the town, but still operates with the same ethos from the beginning. Pop in if you’re wanting some fresh food, high quality coffee and homemade cakes.

Gale & Temple Gale & Temple is owned by Emma and Sallie who both have a passion for jewellery making, weaving and other artistic ventures. So alongside their jewellery and woven silk scarves collection, you can find a range of gifts consisting of beeswax candles, cards, sketchbooks, china mugs and lots more new and exciting pieces. Gale & Temple strive to source beautiful timeless accessories for you to take home.

Rickshaw Rickshaw in Malton is a fair trade emporium that is filled with eclectic, eco-friendly collections to celebrate the power of colour. A place of happiness, you can browse through their vibrant store and pick up something new to take home. Inside you will find gifts galore, homeware pieces, eco alternatives, books and jewellery.

Cosy Cottage Cosy Cottage Soap began with founder Clara, producing handmade soaps in her own kitchen. She has now expanded to her own brick and mortar shop in the heart of Malton, which opened in October 2020. They create ethical skincare, handmade soaps and natural bodycare, as well as offering a range of plastic free, palm oil free and paraben free products and gifts.

Malton Cookery School With a passion for food preparation, Gilly offers a range of cooking classes and courses to help anyone improve their cooking skills at Malton Cookery School. Involving a mix of basic and complex techniques, you can get hands on at The Cook’s Place with courses including ‘Dinner Party Dishes’, ‘Beat & Whisk’, ‘Fin & Shell’ and more.

Photos: 1-3. @anetelusina

Kemps General Store Kemps was founded by Liz Kemp back in 2017, who grew up as a shopkeeper’s daughter and opened her own in the centre of Malton.

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Sabroso Street

FARSLEY

Sabroso Street is a Mexican restaurant and eatery who aim to serve you tasty, no nonsense Mexican food. Established in Farsley since 2016, you can treat yourself to a sharing board, Mexican nibbles including deep fried jalapenos, Mexican dirty fries, and of course the traditional dishes like tacos, burritos, chilli, nachos and more. Tequila and tacos, what more do you need?

Apparel The town of Farsley may be small in size, but the community and businesses there are consistently growing and thriving. Nestled in between the two cities of Leeds and Bradford, this bustling suburb is full of many surprises.

The traditional yet up-and-coming area is filled with tasty eateries, quirky shops and many places of interest including the star of the town, Sunny Bank Mills. Over the past decade, Farsley’s independent scene has flourished and become a hot spot for a day out outside the city centre. Farsley certainly does not lack in the food and drink scene, with some town favourites including Grumpy’s, Saint Jude and Amity Brew Co. And the independent retail scene sure doesn’t fall flat either, with quickly blossoming businesses including Truman Books, Done Up North and The Jewellery Makers.

Sutcliffe’s of Farsley Sutcliffe’s is a high class fruit and veg shop located in Sunny Bank Mills, who have been established since 1900. They carry a wide variety of products including fruit and vegetables, convenience goods and a detailed range of plants throughout the seasons. If you’re looking for fresh produce from a welcoming and friendly shop near you, take a visit to Sutcliffes on Town Street.

Croft Street Fisheries Well-known as Farsley’s favourite fish and chip shop is Croft Street Fisheries. This award winning chippy sustainably source the freshest fish and use their own recipe to great the delicious golden, crispy batter. With plenty of great offers on and a menu full of tasty options, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for some comfort food on your trip to Farsley.

Cafe Deli Margaux This independent cafe, deli and bistro opened in 2021 by James and Sam. After living in the village for 17 years without a decent place for a brew, they decided to do it themselves. Now serving up award winning speciality coffee, mouth watering pastries and top quality breakfast and lunch, there’s something for everyone. They even have bistro nights on Fridays and Saturdays for those who want a tipple or two.

Farsley DIY This do-it-yourself shop on Town Street is a traditional DIY store stocked up with all your hardware supply needs. Inside you can also find a wide range of pet food and supplies for your furry friends.

Victoria Walker Boutique This beautiful boutique in Farsley specialises in bespoke jewellery, wedding accessories, handmade gifts and memorial keepsakes.

Since opening in 2012, they’ve had exciting ranges of gifts and personalised jewellery available, it’s a perfect haven for those looking for something truly special.

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Apparel is an independent ladies boutique selling contemporary fashion and accessories for affordable prices. Aiming to help women feel more confident in their looks, each piece is carefully selected.

They are proud stockists of Yorkshire based designers including Mutha Ship, The Jewellery Makers, Twice Fired, Forme Jewellery and Denbies Candles.

Sunny Bank Mills Sunny Bank Mills is an inspiring cultural and community destination in the heart of Farsley. Inside you can find a contemporary art gallery showcasing the work of artists from Yorkshire and beyond, as well as a studio artist community, creative courses, events plus several places to eat and drink. You can also take a tour to discover the unique history of the textile mill and how it operated.

Old Woollen The Old Woollen is a 500-capacity events venue in Farsley, which is a part of the famous Sunny Bank Mills, and twinned with The Constitutional. The building dates back to the 1830s, which has transformed into a centre for culture, entertainment and the arts.

You can catch many events at the Old Woollen throughout the year including comedy nights, bingo and live music.

Farsley Fire & Smoke Also in Sunny Bank Mills is & Smoke, who offer the true tastes of America in their ‘Low and Slow’ BBQ and Smokery. Using the finest Yorkshire produce, it is then smoked over fire for at least 16 hours. So fill up on brisket topped cheeseburgers, Texas brisket, fully loaded fries or home smoked mac and cheese.

Scrap Scrap in Sunny Bank Mills is also known as Scrap Creative Reuse Arts Project. This social enterprise is focused on helping our environment by reusing waste materials from businesses and turning them into resources for art and recreational use. The shop is filled with discarded materials which can be used for projects and education, and they even offer an eco-friendly refill station.

Mill Kitchen Mill Kitchen is one of Sunny Bank Mills’ main eateries. This coffee shop and micro bakery serves up breakfast, lunch and brunch to the hungry people of Farsley. You can treat yourself to a full English breakfast or a quick bite for lunch before exploring the mill.

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