There's no denying it anymore, we're well and truly in 'wedding season' now.
Are you getting ready to tie the knot? Concerned about how much damage your big day will do to your bank balance, but still want to make sure your guests have a good time? If this sounds like you or someone you know, then thankfully, Aldi has just launched a new competition, and it could be exactly what you're looking for.
The budget supermarket is pretty well-known for its wine selection at this point, so if you're engaged and would consider yourself to be an Aldi wine advocate, then 60 bottles of the retailer's finest award-winning vino could be yours for free.
Aldi is looking for engaged couples to supply free wine to on their wedding day / Credit: Aldi | Matthieu Joannon (via Unsplash)
Launched to celebrate David and Victoria Beckham's silver wedding anniversary (for some reason?), this new competition is open to all engaged couples across the UK - with three lucky lovebird duos set to be chosen as the winners of a selection of the supermarket's top tipples, all paying a resemblance to some more pricey picks.
One of these wines Aldi's popular Pierre Jaurant Bordeaux, which wine expert, Sam Caporn, says "allows for a taste" of the Beckhams’ favourite Château Mouton Rothschild, that would set you back a whopping £3,600 per bottle.
Aldi says its also chosen to launch this competition for lucky couples now after some recent research has revealed that, despite the rising cost of living crisis continuing to make its impact felt on millions nationwide, the average wedding now costs around £20,775.
Three lucky winners will be chosen to win 60 bottles of the supermarket's finest vino / Credit: Aldi Corporate
This is apparently the first time the figure has topped £20,000 too, according to the research.
So, if you're engaged and you fancy being in with a chance of receiving a wedding party-sized supply of Aldi’s wines, then all you'll need to do enter sending an email to aldiweddingwines@clarioncomms.co.uk with your full name, proof of age, date and location of your upcoming wedding, and 150 words explaining why you think you should be chosen as one of three lucky winners.
The competition closes on 25 July, with the three winners contacted after that deadline date, and you can find out more and full T&Cs here.
Featured Image - Al Elmes (via Unsplash)
Shopping
Inside Leeds’ newest vintage store that’s a Y2K-lover’s paradise
Yorkshire's favourite vintage retailer has just opened a permanent store in Leeds city centre.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop-up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is back with a bang having moved into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They've taken over the old Levi's site on Lands Lane and wow is it a beauty.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
If you're a fan of Y2K fashion then you're going to absolutely love their new shop, the entire top floor is dedicated to the era complete with rails stacked with baby tees, long skirts and iconic accessories.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also an incredible selection of cowboy boots which we've got our eye on.
Downstairs you'll find a huge selection of big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
There's loads of changing rooms so you'll never find yourself queueing, and the prices won't break the bank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opening tomorrow Wednesday 18 March at 12pm, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
28th June 2024 
