The Great British Sewing Bee returns to BBC this week (Wednesday 27 April 2022) with a new home here in Leeds.
Viewers watching the new season of the BBC One show might notice a few changes to this year's season- including the swap of their usual London home to one right here in Leeds.
Located at Sunny Bank Mills, the new Leeds filming spot will share one of the city's biggest creative hubs with TV screens across the UK and beyond.
Now in its sixth-generation of owners, Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley has been serving the local community since 1829. Having been regenerated to form an open, airy space that effortlessly fuses work, leisure and culture, the Mills operate with a tea room, gallery and beautiful creative and business spaces all year round.
It is hoped that the new filming location will pique interest in the historic Mills, as well as offering Sunny Bank Mills ample opportunity to show off its amenities.
Celebrated judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young will be making a comeback but this year Joe Lycett has given role of presenter to Sara Pascoe.
So who can we expect to see on our screens this evening?
Whilst we know very little about the contestants at present, we're convinced there's good reason they have beaten the applicants and landed a spot in the final twelve of this year's show.
Sadly, there's no contestants from Leeds to rally behind, but there's plenty of talent to gasp in awe of over the coming weeks.
Image: The Great British Sewing Bee
The show is also looking for new contestants for the ninth series of the show. All you need to is be over the age of 16 and be able to commit to 6-8 weeks of filming between August and November 2022.
As the show is looking for up-and-coming talent, they also ask that entrants have not completed any sewing NVQ or other equivalent sewing-related qualification and you cannot have worked full-time as a dressmaker, sample machinist, pattern cutter, tailor or seamstress at any time during the last 15 years to apply for the show.
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
Clementine Hall
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Sophie Smith -
26th April 2022 
