Aptly named 'The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World', this charming haven of sweet treats has been named the very best in Britain.
Whether you fancy a bag of tangy sherbet lemons or a handful of chewy strawberry bon bons, nothing quite beats the experience of visiting a traditional sweet shop.
And there's not many places that still do it the traditional way, complete with metal weighing scales, a vintage cash register and shelves stacked with a myriad of brightly coloured jars - this shop in Pateley Bridge is truly the real deal.
The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World, which is actually is, has been continuously trading since 1827 - they even hold the official Guinness World Record for this accolade.
So it comes as no surprise whatsoever to see this national treasure crowned as the best sweet shop in Britain, according to a new survey.
The survey, carried out by Holiday Cottages in anticipation for the new Willy Wonka movie, interviewed 2000 people to find the best sweet shops in Britain.
Image: The Oldest Sweet Shop in The World
The Oldest Sweet Shop attracts visitors from far and wide, serving traditional sweets such as Chocolate Toffee Rolls and proper Pear Drops which you're unlikely to find in your average supermarket.
Their confectionary is made using the same traditional methods of yesteryear, boiled in copper pans and following recipes from the 19th century.
Just stepping into this charming shop will make you feel like you've stepped back in time, as you watch your Dolly Mixtures being weighed in the copper weighing scales or your Black Jacks cascading into a paper bag.
If you're around Pateley Bridge in the Nidderdale region of North Yorkshire, The Oldest Sweet Shop is a must visit.
But this wasn't the only Yorkshire shop that made it onto the list, Farrah's Olde Sweet Shop in Harrogate also got a deserved mention.
The full list is as follows:
The Oldest Sweet Shop in the World, Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire
BellyBoos, Norwich, Norfolk
The Sweet Hut, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Gordon & Durward, Crieff, Perth & Kinross
Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Leeds
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Clementine Hall -
14th November 2023 
