Chocolate lovers, unite - because the first-ever festival dedicated entirely to chocolate is coming to Yorkshire next month.
Yes, we can't quite believe that there's never been one in Yorkshire before either - but there we have it. Good things clearly come to those who wait.
Bringing together over 50 different chocolatiers and other chocolate-flavoured makers for the day, the festival will be held inside Sheffield's Kelham Island Museum on Sunday, 24 October.
Here, you'll be able to get your hands on a whole load of chocolatey samples and goodies - such as chocolate-themed gifts, brownies, doughnuts, hot chocolate and chocolate-flavoured rum and beers to name just a few.
It's not all going to be edible, either. For those who want to save their waistline with some stalls, rest assured there will be some stalls selling other chocolate-themed products that won't ruin your diet.
The festival - which is technically the first to take place in South Yorkshire - is being put together by charity Roundabout; a youth homelessness organisation that supports young people aged 16 to 25 in Sheffield Rotherham and Doncaster.
Roundabout’s Event Fundraiser, Emily Bush told The Star: "We are super excited to launch Yorkshire’s first-ever chocolate festival."
“There is going to be something for everyone, from brownies and doughnuts to hot chocolate and rum.
“You’ll find numerous treats to indulge in and other non-edible chocolate-themed gifts that will save your waistline too.”
She also said they are still on the hunt for local traders to take part and bring their delicious, chocolatey goodness to the event to make it the very best Yorkshire chocolate festival it can be.
“It’s very important now, though, that we reach out to those businesses that are going to make this event truly tasty," she added.
“If you are in the business of chocolate production or anything else to do with chocolate or sweet treats, it’s time to book a space and make this an indulgent day to remember,."
If you would like to get involved in the festival, get in touch directly with Emily here.
Feature image - Yorkshire Chocolate Festival
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Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd September 2021 
