That's right, Hyde Park Picture House is reopening to the public this week after three long years.
And for those wanting to have a nosey inside ahead of the opening, check this out:
The iconic Leeds cinema is set to reopen its doors on Friday 30 June, following completion of transformational redevelopment project.
Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the 109-year-old cinema has successfully carried out significant restoration works over the past two years and is set to reopen at the end of the month.
Refurbishments include repairs to it's façade and external lamppost, the restoration of it's beautiful original terrazzo flooring and the refurbishment of it's iconic nine gas lights which will be lit during every screening.
Image: Ollie Jenkins
The Picture House Project, which received funding from Leeds City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation, has also introduced new accessible facilities, including a ramped entrance, Café Bar, Community Room, platform lift and wheelchair accessible toilet.
Later in July a brand new 50-seat second screen will open in the basement, allowing the Picture House to bring to Leeds even more award-winning films from around the world.
Opening on Friday 30 June with Wes Anderson’s critically acclaimed Asteroid City, followed by a summer of screenings and launch events.
Image: Ollie Jenkins
During its opening week, the Hyde Park Picture House is hosting a series of open days, where audiences are invited to visit the cinema and explore the new and refurbished spaces.
Visitors can enjoy free films on the big screen and see archive material up close in the new Community Room.
Alan Gay, Chair of the Leeds Heritage Theatres Board, said: “Hyde Park Picture House is a crucial and much-loved part of the Leeds Heritage Theatre’s family of venues, a community asset and an important heritage venue in the city.
"We’re grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for all their support throughout this project, enabling us to restore and enhance this beautiful cinema and bring film and the history of film to new audiences."
Image: Ollie Jenkins
Chris Blythe, Leeds Heritage Theatres CEO, said: “When we started work on the Picture House project in 2015 we had no idea of the challenges ahead and how long our original timeline would have to be extended.
"Nor did we fully appreciate the support and love so many people across the city and nationally would show for our cinema. As we stand on the cusp of re-opening, we are looking forward to a bright future with this gem of a Picture House restored and more accessible than ever before.”
To find out more about Hyde Park Picture House and their exciting upcoming events, take a look at their website.
It's been an absolutely belting year for new openings in Sheffield, and we're only just getting started.
We don't know about you guys, but we think Sheffield is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment. And trust us, that's a lot.
We've had some cracking spots arrive in the city so far this year, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out pretty pronto.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Maria
4 Wellington St, Sheffield, S1 4HD
Images: The Sheff
The talented team behind Bench and The Pearl opened up this beautiful restaurant in the city centre back in March, and it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage. It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Manchester’s beloved bakery, Gooey, has opened a gorgeous kiosk inside Meadowhall and we’re utterly obsessed.
They’ve brought their thick cookies, pillowy doughnuts and fabulous drink creations (hello French toast matcha) to Sheffield and it’s the perfect mid-shopping fuel.
Memory Dance
21 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD
Images: The Sheff
There’s a brand-new space that’s just opened on Chapel Walk, celebrating Sheffield in a truly unique way. From vinyl records and exhibitions to immersive cinematic experiences, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the city’s rich creative heritage.
JD Sports
Meadowhall, S9 1EP
Images: The Sheff
High street sportswear and footwear giant JD Sports has officially unveiled its brand-new superstore at Meadowhall, and it’s safe to say they’ve pulled out all the stops.
Packed with the latest trainers, streetwear, and all your favourite clothing brands under one roof, this new store is a must-visit if you’re planning your next shopping spree.
A bakery serving giant NYC-style cookies and fluffy cinnamon buns has just opened in Leeds
Clementine Hall
If you've got a seriously sweet tooth, then you're going to love this new opening.
It seems like there's been a flurry of new bakeries popping up in and around Leeds recently, and we're certainly not complaining.
Introducing Crumbb, a beautiful new bakery that has just opened its doors on Hyde Park Road just moments outside of the city centre.
Owner Naila started the businesses as a wholesaler six years ago, stocking up local businesses from far and wide with sweet treats.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Since then, Crumbbs opened its first location in Bradford just a few months ago that has been nothing short of a resounding success. So much so, that Crumbbs 2.0 was born right here in Leeds a few days ago.
Right, let's talk you through what's on offer.
For the sweet toothed out there, there's a whole myriad of treats for you to enjoy. We're talking giant NYC-style cookies, fluffy cinnamon buns topped with gooey icing, brownies slices, cookie muffins, rocky road, flapjack, the list is truly endless.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can even get warm cookie trays and hot brownies to enjoy in house that can be topped with ice cream or thick custard.
And it doesn't stop there, Crumbbs also whip up freshly baked savoury focaccia slices as well as cheese twists, pizza slices and savoury rolls filled with creamy mozzarella and herbs.
They've also got a fabulous drink selection on offer including matcha, coffee and hot chocolates.
Located in Headingley, we've got a feeling this spot is going to be a huge hit with students and locals alike looking to get their sweet treat fix. But they'll have to beat us to it first.
The Hoot -
27th June 2023 
