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Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88

Such sad news.

Clementine Hall - 12th June 2026

David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.

Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.

He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.

And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.

This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.

Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.

Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.

His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.

His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.

A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.

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Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)

News

Step inside this stunning ultra-modern South Yorkshire home listed for under £1 million

Clementine Hall

Have a look at this stunning, futuristic family home that's currently on the market.

If you've ever wanted to live in a home that resembles a spaceship, then boy oh boy have we got the home for you.

This is Bennetthorpe House over in Doncaster, a truly impressive architect designed family residence that's so swish it even featured on one of the very first episodes of Grand Designs.

Now that's an accolade.

Images: Rightmove

Images: Rightmove

Set across three floors, the home has a whopping five bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a gorgeous light-filled reception room. In fact, the whole home is flooded with light due to the sheer abundance of windows.

Designed to impress, the entrance hall doubles as a dining area and showcases some of the property's most eye-catching architectural features, including a striking glass staircase and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass block wall.

Images: Rightmove

Images: Rightmove

Upstairs, the lavish bedroom suite comes complete with a walk-in dressing area and a sleek en-suite shower room.

The lower ground floor features a large bedroom, dedicated sitting area, en-suite bathroom and provides direct access to the property's double garage.

Certainly, it's not the sort of home to snuggle in front of the fire with a good book and get all cosy - but if you're a fan of all things modern and contemporary then it doesn't get much better than this.

Images: Rightmove

Images: Rightmove

The best part? It can be yours for just £850,000...how can one resist? It's a small price to pay to feel like you're the star of Grand Designs every single day of your life.

To have a proper nosey at this one-of-a-kind property then take a look at the listing on Rightmove here.

Read more The Hoot Leeds: Much loved independent homeware store finds new home after being closed for three months

Featured image - Rightmove (Fine & Country, Bawtry)

News

Here’s five of the best new openings coming to Leeds this year

Clementine Hall

We're almost half way through the year, so let's see what else we've got to look forward to...spoiler alert, it's a lot.

So far we've had everything from ice bath cafes to listening bars open up in Leeds, and it seems like 2026 is the gift that keeps on giving.

Allow us to get you excited about what's coming to the city...

Dishoom

68–78 Vicar Lane, LS1 7JH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one is a biggun' as the ever so popular Indian restaurant is set to open this August in a beautiful Grade-II listed building on Vicar Lane which was formerly Flannels.

First opening in London, Dishoom now has restaurants dotted all over the UK including a huge site in Manchester. The group is famed for its lavish and grand interiors, as well as its home-style curries, grills and breakfasts including its legendary bacon naans.

Acai and the Tribe

88 Vicar Lane

Image: The Manc Group

Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.

Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.

So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.

Read more: Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring

Sticks'n'Sushi

Vicar Lane

Images: The Manc Group

Images: The Manc Group

This Japanese restaurant serves a menu full of sushi as well as grilled meats on sticks, sharing sides and build-your-own hand rolls. All of this is wrapped up in the most gorgeous interior, which you can see from their jaw dropping new Manchester site.

Occupying the Grade II-listed space on Vicar Lane, the three-storey building will include a 220-cover dining room, 30-cover terrace and an upstairs bar.

Read more: Popular Japanese restaurant Sticks’n’Sushi is coming to Leeds city centre

Edges Pizza

Fourth Court, Bridge Road, Holbeck

Images: Edges / The Hoot Leeds

Images: Edges / The Hoot Leeds

New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.

Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat. Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June.

Read more: Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds

Freight Island

Trinity Kitchen, 27 Albion St, LS1 5ER

Image: Supplied

Okay, this one might not be happening this year...but we still had to mention it so please forgive us.

Trinity Leeds is embarking on a major transformation with a £15 million expansion, introducing a second food court called ‘Freight Island’⁠
⁠
The upgrade will add around 72,000 sq ft of new space, including a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking City Square the perfect spot to enjoy ⁠great food with skyline views.

Featured images - The Manc Group