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."
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Clementine Hall -
13th May 2025 
