One of the best-preserved mills in Britain has been taken over by four new owners.
And they've got big plans for the place.
Will Habergham, Terry George, Michael Rothwell and Kirk Allen have taken ownership of Thwaite Mills - a Grade II listed site at Stourton, Leeds, that will start to undergo a full restoration this week, more than two years after the mill closed to the public in April 2024.
The work is expected to take around 12 months and will be carried out alongside volunteers from Friends of Thwaite Mills, the supporters' group the new owners are relaunching as part of the project.
Image: Supplied
No reopening date has been set yet, but early plans include reopening the mill as a working museum, a pub and cafe with canal-side seating, and fully landscaped grounds free for walkers, runners and dog walkers to use.
Not only that, but a programme of free family events is planned and the owners are exploring the return of the craft fairs and car boot sales that the site was once known for.
"Thwaite Mills was saved by its community once before, and it'll be brought back by its community now," said Will Habergham, director of Thwaite Mills.
"We're not going to disappear for a year and come back with a ribbon to cut. We want people watching it happen, turning up, and telling us what they want this place to be."
Built between 1823 and 1825, Thwaite Mills worked first as a flax mill and later produced whiting and paint, operating commercially until 1975, when a broken weir threatened its future. Local volunteers stepped in to save it the following year, and it opened as a museum in 1990, welcoming visitors until it closed in April 2024.
And now, Thwaite Mills is set to enter a brand-new era and you can follow the restoration journey here.
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
Clementine Hall -
18th August 2026 
