The renovations has uncovered old memorabilia from the 1930s- present day.
Hyde Park Picture House is currently undergoing mass renovations to restore the Grade II listed building to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
One year has now passed since work began on the building, thanks to a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fun.
In this time, the builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Image: HPPH
As part of the #TreasureTrashTuesday segment on the Picture Houses' Instagram page, the company shares hidden treasures uncovered during the renovations.
Hyde Park Picture House said: "As work continues on the #PictureHouseProject, we’ve been uncovering all sorts of wonderful rubbish from the cinema’s past – trash that had fallen through the cracks long ago and has only now been found.
"As well as keeping hold of everything we find, we also wanted to share our discoveries with you, as we think they provide a really unique window into what was audiences were up to in the cinema all those decades ago."
Image: HPPH
Sharing their first find, they shared a packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes noted: "For our first #TreasureTrashTuesday we wanted to share this packet of Wild Woodbine Cigarettes. Hugely popular throughout the 20th century, particularly among the working-class and soldiers during both the First and Second World Wars, we think this packet was likely dropped in the 1930s/40s."
The page has since shared everything from old bingo tickets to Fruit Pastel sweets, each with an explanation as to why they would have been in the building, from what era and even some original adverts dating back decades.
Image: HPPH
The exciting finds have attracted users of all ages to reminisce or imagine the exciting finds in their former life at the Picture House.
The renovations continue to excite followers each week whilst the multi-million-pound scheme to safeguard the cinema’s nationally significant heritage is taking place.
On site, the repair and conservation of its unique gas-lamps, iconic Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost are all being considered.
The renovation plans also hope to introduce a new ramped entrance, accessible toilets, an expanded foyer and new 52 seat basement screen. This also means the cinema’s capacity and accessibility will be greatly improved.
Image: HPPH
The renovations aren't expected to be completed until Autumn 2022, so the Picture House is currently 'On The Road' and offering viewings at the likes of Leeds University Union as an alternative cinema space whilst the work is underway.
Currently donning a blue and yellow scaffolding in support of Ukraine, the cinema will be donating ticket sales of a range of movies to the UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal, which aids Ukrainians that are forced to flee their homes in search of shelter and safety.
To keep up to date with the project, you can watch the progress on The Picture House Project website, where more details of the Heritage Lottery Fund can be found.
Alternatively if you're more interested in pondering over the incredible gems being uncovered each week, make sure to follow the Hyde Park Picture House Instagram page.
Feature Image- Hyde Park Picture House (HPPH)
News
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.