Viral Leeds sweetie business Sugar Rush has announced it will open its first brick-and-mortar store in the Merrion Centre later this year.
Founded by young professionals Harry Lynch and Tayla Harris in 2019, the business - initially started to help fund the pairs travel plans - doubled its orders during lockdown.
Now it's the biggest seller of sweets (both counter and online) in the whole of Yorkshire.
As a result, they felt it was time to find the sweet business a permanent home.
Sugar Rush Sweeties on Facebook
The new city centre store will sell more than 150 varieties of sweets, ranging from traditional to more modern confectionery with treats like pick n mix, chocolate, imported candy and soft drinks.
“We are excited to open our first city-centre venue in the heart of Leeds Arena Quarter, which we feel offers the exact vibe for our brand," said co-founder Tayla Harris.
"With the increasing number of new student accommodation within the immediate vicinity and the first direct Arena directly opposite, we see this as the perfect location for our latest, contemporary sweet shop and we can’t wait to introduce new customers to Sugar Rush.”
Sugar Rush Sweeties on Facebook
Charles Newman, Associate Director, Estates at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We look forward to welcoming Sugar Rush Sweeties to the Merrion Centre. It’s particularly rewarding to see a young, independent business enjoy rapid success and for us to be part of their growth journey.
"The new store is sure to prove popular with customers of all ages and we are confident that there will be an influx in people eager to have their first, in person, Sugar Rush experience.”
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
