The new drive-thru Greggs will be the first in Yorkshire and will stock bestselling pasties and cakes to morning commuters on the go.
A planning application to demolish the a derelict pub to make way for a drive-thru Greggs have been accepted by Bradford Council.
The Cross Keys pub had been closed to the public before the pandemic began and it appeared that there was little chance of the venue reopening as it stood.
The Cross Keys pub closed in 2017, following an arson attack on the building and has been left derelict and decaying ever since. Over time, the land has become a playground for fly tipping and there have been reports of anti-social behaviour.
The Cross Keys pub has been left as a derelict building for the past four years. Image: 28 Days Later
Public House company 5apphire Ltd submitted an application to reform the site back in July of this year, but there were objections to the original plans sent to the Bradford Council.
There has been a mixed response from the public and there were letters of complaint and in favour of the bakery chain sent to Bradford Council during this time.
According to the Commercial Director of 5aphire Ltd, Mr Happy Khinda, there were multiple companies interested in the site, including Greggs and Tim Hortons but the company chose to enlist Greggs as it would suit the neighbourhood.
It is also hoped that the new Greggs will offer residents a warm environment for people to meet up or simply grab a bite on their morning commute without breaking the bank.
The application stated that the business plans to stay open from early morning until late evening and could create up to twenty jobs for locals.
The local area is also set to undergo major road improvements, including reports of an increase in pedestrian and cycle facilities.
The drive-thru Greggs will be the first in Yorkshire and only the 'sixth or seventh' to open in the country.
The popular chain opened their first drive-thru to the public in Manchester back in 2017 but is now expanding at a quick pace, with new drive-thru branches opening in both Cumbria and Wales earlier this year.
The construction of the new building is likely to begin in the new year after the former pub on the site has been demolished.
Bradford
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
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.
Sophie Smith -
11th October 2021 
