Kulture Coffee, an independent speciality coffee roastery, are set to open their brand new cafe on Kirkstall Road, Leeds.
We are always looking for our daily coffee fix and this new opening has got us very excited already. Inspired by Sydney's spectacular cafe culture, Kulture Coffee will be opening their new spot on the 11th June and are set to take Leeds by storm.
So what can you expect? A cosy haven of coffee decked out in rustic interior to create a chilled and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for your weekly coffee morning with friends or your afternoon study break. They're also dog friendly so feel free to take your furry friend with you and perhaps treat them to a puppacino, if they've been good that is.
Image: Kulture Coffee
Not only will they be serving up speciality, in-house roasted coffee but there'll also be freshly made sandwiches and deliciously thick cookies on offer made by Volcano Cookies.
Image: Volcano Cookies
The people at Kulture know their coffee so whether you're a flat white fiend, a latte lover or can't resist a frothy cappuccino, you can expect only the best quality cup made with passion and the utmost love.
Their opening weekend is taking place on 11 - 12 June 2022 and what a hoot it will be. With discounts on coffee beans and merch, live music and a fun 'name our cookie' competition, if you were thinking about a time to try out this new spot then this would be the perfect opportunity.
Image: Kulture Coffee
There's never been a better time to support the new independents in town so pop down to Kirkstall Road, show them some love and be a part of the Kulture.
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.
Clementine Hall -
1st June 2022 
