Iconic Ivegate pub, Ye Old Crown, reopens as an ultra-modern sports bar after closing for a £300k investment.
Ye Old Crown on Ivegate closed its doors at the end of October this year to undergo a £300k refurbishment, which involved knocking through to the former Brickbox venue and office next door.
The result is an ultra-modern, top-of-the range sports bar named The Crown which open it's doors on Friday 2 December just in time for England’s triumphant World Cup clash against Senegal.
The new space features 15 large LED TV screens as well as a 4m x 2m ‘King’ sized screen, allowing it's 300 customer capacity to catch every bit of the sporting action.
The venue also boasts three competition standard pool tables as well as interactive darts, making it the perfect spot to socialise on the weekends and showcase your competitive streak.
Image: Supplied
The Crown's fully stocked bar features a wide range of craft beers, real ales and international lagers. Not only that, but as of early 2023 there will be a six-tap beer wall that allows customers to pour their own pints and beat the queues.
Hungry punters will be able to indulge in a lip-smacking selection of sports fan favourites including juicy burgers, cheesy pizza, wings, dirty fries and much more.
Speaking ahead of the relaunch, General manager Andrew Ingham said: "Given the amount of history and fond memories Bradford locals have with Ye Old Crown, we wanted to make sure its reinvention as a sports bar did not disappoint. We’re confident customers both old and new will love The Crown, as we truly believe it’s going to be the very best place to enjoy sport in Bradford and cheer on England in the World Cup.
"Interactive darts is also something we’re extremely proud to bring to The Crown and the self-pour beer wall is another feature that makes our offering unique. Ivegate is undoubtedly one of the city’s liveliest areas and we’re thrilled to be sitting alongside some of the best bars and pubs in Bradford."
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
Clementine Hall
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.
Clementine Hall -
5th December 2022 
