Go behind the doors of this truly beautiful house on the market in the leafy suburb of Horsforth.
Now this one really is a thing of beauty.
Located on Scotland Lane in Horsforth, The Rookery is an absolutely stunning former Georgian farmhouse dating all the way back to the 19th century.
It occupies a whopping 5,000 sq ft as well as its very own cottage amongst 5.5 acres of land, as well as five double bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Images: Rightmove
And guess what? It's only on the market for a mere guide price of £1.75 million. Pocket change.
In the main house you're welcomed with a grand entrance hall and staircase leading through to a series of reception rooms on the ground floor, how posh. Here you'll also find a wet room and an orangery which attaches to the kitchen, even more posh.
Images: Rightmove
Upstairs there's five double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a study - that should be plenty room for us we think.
But the exterior is where it gets really interesting as here you'll find five acres of beautifully maintained gardens featuring an orchard, kitchen garden and a tennis court.
Image: Rightmove
There's also 'stabling suited to equine use, adding further appeal for those with equestrian interests'... we couldn't have put it better ourselves.
Beyond that The Rookery features it's very own detached two-bedroom cottage as well as a garage with mezzanine accommodation.
Images: Rightmove
The entire property looks like something out of a fairytale, so if you're looking to live your best 19th century Bridgerton-esque life, then dig deep and get hold of that £1.75 million.
But if you do buy it, can we please live in the cottage?
When Wakefield's queen of the cruise ships recommends a pork pie in Yorkshire, you listen.
TV presenter, singer and national treasure Jane McDonald has never hidden her love for her hometown. While her career has taken her around the world, from luxury ocean liners to sold-out theatre tours, Wakefield has always remained close to her heart. And among the many things she proudly champions from her hometown, one local institution receives more praise than most: Allums Butchers.
In fact, Jane has often joked that one of the reasons she still lives in Yorkshire is because of their famous pork pies. Most recently, Jane was once again singing their praises during her album launch at HMV when we interviewed her. She has also recently spoken fondly about the butcher's legendary pies on Alan Carr's podcast.
Hearing her enthusiasm sparked our curiosity, so we decided to make the trip to Wakefield and discover for ourselves what makes these pork pies so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located on Brook Street, Allums Butchers is more than just a place to pick up your Sunday roast. It's a business woven into the fabric of Wakefield's history, with a story stretching back more than 80 years.
The journey began in 1945 when Albert Allum started trading from Wakefield Market.
At a time when local communities depended on independent traders, Albert Allum built a reputation for quality produce, expert craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Those values helped establish a loyal customer base and laid the foundations for a business that would stand the test of time.
More than eight decades later, the same principles continue to guide the company.
Today, Allums remains proudly family-owned and is run by third-generation butcher Jonathan Allum. While much has changed since Albert's early days on the market stall, the commitment to quality remains exactly the same. The business has grown into one of Yorkshire's most respected independent butchers, yet it continues to place traditional butchery, carefully sourced produce and customer service at the heart of everything it does.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Speaking to us about his relationship with Jane McDonald, Jonathan shared memories that stretch back decades. The pair first met as teenagers when Jane would visit the market alongside her mother. Like many local families, they regularly stopped by the Allum stall and, more often than not, left with one of the butcher's famous pork pies.
Jonathan remembers chatting with Jane as she collected her order.
"I'd often say, 'See you next week,'" he recalled. "And every so often she'd reply, 'No, you won't - I’m off cruising.'"
Jane has gone on to become one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers, known by millions for her television programmes and her successful career at sea and most recently her iconic Mighty Hoopla performance . Yet despite the fame, she never forgot her Wakefield roots. To this day, she remains one of Allums' most loyal supporters and regularly speaks about the business with genuine affection.
Allums' pork pies have become something of a Yorkshire institution in their own right. Handmade using a traditional recipe that has been refined over generations, each pie is crafted using seasoned pork, rich savoury jelly and a perfectly baked hot-water crust pastry. There are no modern gimmicks, just a commitment to making a classic product exceptionally well.
Naturally, we couldn't leave without trying the pork pies ourselves.
Sometimes the best food stories aren't about reinvention or chasing the latest trend. They're about preserving traditions, maintaining standards and doing one thing exceptionally well for generations.
More than 80 years after Albert Allum first opened for business in Wakefield Market, Allums Butchers continues to embody exactly that philosophy. And after finally experiencing their famous pork pies for ourselves, we can confidently say that Jane McDonald might just be right.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
Kick-off for the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us so it's time to find out in Leeds where we'll be watching, preferably with a pint in hand.
International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing the 2026 World Cup this year.
So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds. You’re welcome.
Get yourself on one of Leeds' best terraces to enjoy a spritz or two before heading into the main bar to watch the matches.
Meanwood Tavern
607 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HQ
Over in Meanwood, the much-loved Meanwood Tavern will be showing the games with screens at the front and back of the pub. Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged.
BOX
15 Infirmary St, LS1 2JS
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It's an absolute classic, but BOX will of course be showing all the games on their multitude of screens. We also recommend booking a table for this spot as it's always a busy one.
Hyde Park Book Club
27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, LS6 1BL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A favourite amongst students, Hyde Park Book Club will be showing every England game and more on the big screen.
Trinity Kitchen
27 Albion St, LS1 5ER
Image: Supplied
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer.
The space is getting ready to be transformed into an evening fan zone with three super-size screens, a brand-new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters.
The space will be completely free to attend and will open just in time for the start of the tournament on Thursday 11 June.
This fantastic events venue will be showing all the England World Cup Games, so get your tables booked and make sure to head for some food at Galleria beforehand.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Tetley's Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' newest pubs right by the canal will be showing all the England games, booking is recommended.
The Melbourne
476 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, LS8 2HU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're in Roundhay then The Melbourne is the place to be. They'll be showing all the England games on their swanky new 75inch telly and they'll even have some new beers on the lines to celebrate the occasion.
This absolute gem of a pub will be showing all the England World Cup games on multiple screens, including some big ones. If you're a fan of a huge beer garden, then this is the spot for you.
This fabulous pub on the edge of the River Aire will be showing the footy on a huge screen in their expansive beer garden. If that doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does.
Brudenell Social Club
33 Queen's Rd, Burley, LS6 1NY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues will be showing the footy both outdoor and indoor, they'll also of course be providing plenty of pints, pies and good vibes.
Brotherhood
54 New Briggate, LS1 6NU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic sports bars will be showing every single match of the World Cup alongside plenty of drink deals and food on offer to keep you fuelled up.
If you're looking for a proper fan zone atmosphere, than Beaverworks is your best bet. For £5 a ticket, expect BBQs at each game, beer towers, DJs and a free beer or cider.
4TheFans at the O2 Academy
55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW
Image: 4TheFans
4TheFans will be creating the ultimate atmosphere at the O2 Academy, expect a production and sound experience built for global superstars, combining the noise, the passion and the atmosphere into one electric, next-level fan experience.
Clementine Hall -
13th May 2026 
