The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived, Pop Mart has opened on Briggate.
If you were one of the many who were swept up in the viral Labubu craze last year, then you'll know exactly what we're talking about.
But if you're not familiar, then allow us to fill you in.
Pop Mart is a Chinese toy chain famed for its huge collection of designer toys and collectible items, often attracting fans from far and wide who are prepared to queue up outside the doors before opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The brand is most famously known for stocking Labubus.
A Labubu is the name of the viral plush toy created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, who drew inspiration from his love of fairytales to make this worldwide cuddly phenomenon.
They have been flying off the shelves and even creating some controversy, with some shops refusing to stock them due to customers fighting over them in the streets.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The new Leeds store, located in the old Dune site at the top of Briggate, is as joyful and as colourful as you'd expect.
The shelves are stacked to the brim with all the blind boxes you could ever want, but we don't see them sticking around for long as punters were already queueing round the block hours before they opened their doors this morning, 30 January.
With Yorkshire Pop Mart fans now being able to grab their next collectable here in Leeds rather than trekking across the Pennines to Manchester, we've no doubt it's going to go down an absolute storm.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Peter Shipman, Head of Europe and Managing Director at POP MART, said about the opening: "Bringing POP MART to Leeds is more than just opening a new store; it’s a long-awaited thank you to our fans in Yorkshire, who have long championed our brand and products.
"Our arrival here was only a matter of time! We are thrilled to create a space that sparks joy for both longtime collectors and newcomers alike."
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Clementine Hall -
30th January 2026 
