Asda's first spectacular stand-alone 'George' store has officially opened its doors at Crown Point in Leeds.
And who better than Spicy Girls icon and Leeds native, Mel B, to headline the event.
The supermarket giant recently announced the trial of the new George store, which it hopes to replace its current Asda Living stores across the UK.
The grand opening proved a huge success with music and entertainment throughout the day, as well as a high-energy cyclone challenge pop-up offering customers the chance to win thousands of pounds worth of George vouchers.
To mark the launch, Asda donated £2,000 to Women’s Aid Leeds, a charity Mel B actively supports as a patron along with an additional £1,000 worth of homeware to help provide essentials to women and families in need.
Speaking at the event, Mel B, said: “I’m really pleased to partner with George at Asda. They have made a significant donation to Leeds Women’s Aid Refuge - both financial and practical - and as patron of National Women’s Aid that is so important to me.
“I’m incredibly proud of my home city and for me it’s all about coming together as a community and I hope this association with George and Asda will continue.“
George Chief Commercial Officer - Non-food and Retail, Liz Evans, said: “This new concept store represents an exciting step forward for the George brand and we’re incredibly proud to launch it in Leeds first, the home of Asda.
“We’re confident customers will love the expanded collections, inspiring collaborations, and convenient shopping experience the store offers. We were also thrilled to welcome Mel B, a true Leeds icon, to help us celebrate the opening, and equally proud to support Leeds Women’s Aid and the vital work it does to support women and families in the city.”
Leeds Women’s Aid CEO, Nik Peasgood, added: "Mel B is a wonderful patron of National Women’s Aid and a truly passionate advocate for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. As a proud Leeds lass, she’s been a fantastic supporter of our work, and we’re incredibly grateful to her and to Asda for its amazing generosity."
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Clementine Hall -
13th May 2025 
