Up in Harehills, Leeds is a haunted old hospital building that's attracted ghost hunters for years.
If you're fascinated by the ethereal and fancy hunting ghosts in the dead of night, this overnight ghost hunt at this old haunted Leeds hospital should be just the ticket.
Now home to the Thackray Medical Museum, its dark and murky history stretches back decades - with the building having also been a workhouse, an infirmary, and a museum in its 163-year history.
Reportedly one of Leeds' most haunted buildings, it's thought to be home to many trapped spirits.
First built in 1858, in the buildings' workhouse days over 700 people toiled away here in miserable conditions - surviving on little more than bread and gruel in the bleakest hours of the industrial revolution.
The set-up for the workhouse's residents was really closer to prison, with forced labour, meagre meals, and many heartbreaking stories told by residents with nowhere else to go - bringing much despair.
Image: Thackray Museum of Medicine
Later on, when needs had changed, the workhouse was discontinued and the building became an infirmary instead. In the early days of modern medicine, this often meant operations were conducted with no anesthetic, and as a result survival rates were often low for patients who came in for treatment.
It continued to be used as a hospital during the First World War, renamed to East Leeds War Hospital to recognise that staff here were looking after armed services personnel. Now, it's home to the Thackray Medical Museum.
By day, the museum reenacts Victorian life and educates on the development of medicine through history. But at night is when it really gets interesting.
Those who feel brave enough can now explore the terrifying Thackray Medical Museum in the dead of night, an imposing old Victorian workhouse that has a particularly grim and grisly history that spans centuries.
Ghost hunts run from 8 pm to 2 am, giving those fascinated with the spectral world the chance to see the building's eerie happenings in the flesh - so to speak.
Haunted Happenings, who organise the hunts, have warned that they're not for the faint-hearted and we're happy to take their word for it.
Given the building's history, we're sure a terrifying night is in store for those who dare attend.
"The Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds sits in the old Union Workhouse building designed to house nearly 800 of the poorest people, who worked their short lives in harsh and terrible conditions," say organisers.
"An overnight ghost hunt at The Thackray Medical Museum will no doubt reveal some of the many spirits that still reside here, in its many dark corridors and rooms."
Tickets are on sale now from £65, with dates available in October 2023, January 2024 and the option to sign up to the waitlist for future events too.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
9th October 2023 
