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.
Lederhosen at the ready Leeds, because a new party bar is coming to the city.
Taking over the former Revolución de Cuba venue on Call Lane, the site will close for a major refurbishment before reopening in October as the seventh Barbara’s Bier Haus in the UK.
This isn't your average bar, guests can expect a proper themed experience with dancing bartenders in lederhosen, shot skis, DJs and interactive entertainment alongside beer and cocktail towers, shareable pizzas and wursts bringing the on-the-slopes atmosphere to the city.
Basically, it's time to cancel your upcoming skip trip as Barbara's will be bringing the slopes to you.
Image: Supplied
Russell Quelch, CEO of NEOS Hospitality, said about the opening: “Leeds has a fantastic nightlife scene, so it’s the perfect place for Barbara’s Bier Haus.
"The city is known for its energy and its love of a good night out, and Barbara’s brings something a little different with its après-ski theme, entertainment and big party atmosphere. We’re really excited to bring Barbara’s to Leeds and can’t wait to get the doors open this October.”
Images: Supplied
The upcoming Leeds opening forms part of a wider rollout of Barbara’s Bier Haus across the UK, as NEOS Hospitality continues to expand its core brands following its acquisition of 20 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba venues earlier this year.
Further details on the Leeds opening of Barbara's Bier Haus, including exclusive launch events and entertainment schedules will be announced ahead of October - and we'll of course be bringing you all the details.
Call Lane bar closes down for good after almost a decade in Leeds
Daisy Jackson
A popular bar and nightlife spot on Call Lane has closed its doors for good this weekend.
Revolución de Cuba - or Revs de Cuba, to most of us - announced the imminent closure of its Leeds bar last week, and went out with a 'final fiesta' on Saturday.
The venue opened on Call Lane, right in the heart of Leeds' nightlife heartland, back in 2015, and remained open after the collapse of Revolution's parent company back in January 2026.
The group's other venue in the city, Revolution at the Electric Press, did close immediately in January.
Revs de Cuba was famed for its Latin-inspired food and cocktails, and its late-night parties that tried to recreate the party atmosphere of Cuba.
The two-storey venue also had live music throughout the week, plus dancers and entertainment at the weekends.
Posting a statement to followers, Revs de Cuba wrote: "We have loved shaking your cocktails and creating unmissable parties and events over the years, but as of today, 15th August 2026, we will sadly be closing our doors in Leeds.
"We want to extend an enormous thank you for joining the Revolucion party and making some unforgettable memories.
"Any guests with bookings will be contacted in due course - Thank you for your patience and understanding. Goodbye and Gracias."
Commenting on their farewell post, one person wrote: "Noooooo! I had the best nights ever at Revs. I have the best memories. This cannot be trueeee."
Another said: "Thanks for so many years of Live Music and Joy."
And someone else posted: "what a place, end of an era."
The existing Revs de Cuba site in Leeds is under the steer of the NEOS Hospitality, who have revealed grand plans for its future...
Clementine Hall -
18th August 2026 
