Squatters in Calderdale, West Yorkshire have taken over an empty grocery store and turned it into a cafe and free library, selling vegan cake, tea and coffee to locals.
The group has already installed signs in the windows reading "Squat the World" and "No Air B&Bs on a Dead Planet", and is now inviting locals to come and use the free library service and tuck into some comforting homemade vegan treats.
Their takeover of former grocery store Holts has received the most Hebden Bridge welcome possible from locals, with posts on a community Facebook group praising their efforts, calling them 'brave' and sticking up for their rights in the comments section.
One poster asked: "Sorry I'm not from the UK so have no clue about the right terms etc, but wouldn't that be classed as breaking and entering? I don't know much about squatting, I think I only ever heard uni students doing it to derelict factories back in Finland..."
They were met with a swift reply explaining that in the UK "squatting is classed as unlawful but not illegal.
"You can squat a nonresidential property for however long it takes for the owner to get an eviction notice to remove you, the law has been tightened in the last few years around squatting but some brave folks are still reclaiming empty building and they are often set up as temporary community spaces."
Whilst there have been some concerns from locals regarding suspected asbestos inside the property, the reaction to the new cafe has been overwhelmingly positive with many already planning trips down.
One person wrote: "Serving food teas and coffees from a building that’s long been empty… brilliant!"
Another said: "It's about time something was done with those premises. It such a shame it's been empty for so long and that the new owners want to destroy it and open yet another café/bar.
"If it can be used as shelter and a drop in community space, surely that's a good thing."
A third added: "The asbestos and roofing issues are a bit worrying, but frankly anything happening with the beautiful old shop is a great idea.
"Gives the kids somewhere else to hang out, the spirit in there seems really chipper and they aren't harming anyone.
"I hope a more permanent solution will be organised soon, but for now? Leave them to it until somebody gives a toss. It gives a poor impression of the town when it's sitting around empty."
A fourth said: "Great - about time something was done with that disgracefully neglected building"
Over the coming days, squatters are planning to host a film screening of alt-punk documentary Rebel Dykes and hosting a 'Disinfo Folk Session' at the grocery-store-turned-cafe.
They have set up a Facebook group to keep people informed, posting about the folk session: "Bring your instruments, bring your pals, bring your best tunes, and join us for our first open mic folk jam at your newest autonomous community squat!
However, not everyone seems as pleased as Hebden Bridge's residents about the new development.
The building is currently owned by Royds Catering Services, The Hoot understands.
A spokesperson for the firm said that they were told about the squatters on Tuesday morning and would be contacting the police to ask about their removal.
They added that Royds also owns the former Pennine Wine and Cheese Co, at 8 Bridge Gate next door, and is keen to merge the two spaces but has met with opposition from the council planning department.
The North’s favourite Mexican restaurant is arriving in Leeds.
You've met Salon Madre, but have you met her older sister Madre?
This fabulous new restaurant is bringing a taste of Mexico to Leeds, and after making a name for themselves over in Manchester you already know it's going to be good.
By day, Madre is a laid-back space designed for relaxed lunches and by night, it transforms into a lively restaurant serving a menu that celebrates the breadth of Mexican cuisine.
Expect everything from rich Oaxacan-inspired moles and salsas to Baja-style mariscos and Sonoran grilled meats.
Images: The Manc Group
At the heart of Madre is the Mexican tradition of sobremesa - the art of lingering at the table long after the meal is over. It’s all about good food, great drinks and even better company.
Madre’s famous Taco Tuesday will also be heading to Leeds, launching on Cinco de Mayo and running every Tuesday thereafter, guests can enjoy two-for-one tacos all day, every Tuesday.
Madre joins its sister venue, Salon Madre - the lively tequila bar and taqueria- which opened just a few weeks ago. Just a few minutes walk apart, the two spots are perfectly paired for a full day or night out.
We're talking dinner at Madre followed by a few margaritas and a couple games of pool at Salon Madre - class.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by extensive travels across Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of Madre.”
Madre Leeds will be located on Wellington Place and will officially open its doors next Friday 17 April, you can book your table here.
Take a look inside the huge Tulip Festival that’s just opened in Yorkshire with over one million tulips
Clementine Hall
Farmer Copley's Tulip Festival is back and it's just as beautiful as we remember.
Spring has officially sprung and with it, so does Farmer Copley's iconic Tulip Festival that officially opened last Sunday.
Based in West Yorkshire, nestled between Pontefract and Featherstone, the Copley family really know how to get you feeling ready for the season ahead.
Just moments after entering the festival, we can assure you that winter will feel like a distant memory.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Spanning over 8 acres, Jack and the team have planted over 600,00 tulip bulbs consisting of 100+ different varieties of all shapes and colours that arrived directly from the Netherlands.
In addition to the 500,000 planted last year, that means there's over one million tulips to enjoy - now that is pretty impressive if you ask us.
Varieties include Carnaval de Rio, Tom Pouce, Gavota, Lily Flowering Mix, Blushing Appledorn, Wedding Dress and Rodolfo.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The festival includes five sections that have been split by 5 metre walkways enabling the best customer interaction in the field.
There's two dedicated pick your own areas where a mix of bulbs have been planted to ensure that visitors have a wide range of tulips to explore, pick from and create the perfect bunch of tulips. How lovely is that?
Of course there's plenty of photo opportunities, fairground rides and a bar to enjoy the view with a tipple or two.
This really is the perfect family-friendly day out and with the weather looking gorgeous (for now), we'd take the opportunity to see the tulips looking their best whilst you can.
The festival is on until Sunday 3 May 2026, with tickets starting from just £9.
To find out more and to book your ticket, take a look at Farmer Copleys website. We'll see you in the tulip fields.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2022 
