Leeds' clubbers have rallied around a beloved bouncer following news of his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Revellers and hospitality workers were shocked to hear the news of hospitality legend Salahuddin Sharif's diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer.
Friends and family moved quickly to rally around him, with one creating a gofundme fundraiser to support his final wish - to visit his brother in America before he passes away.
The page was set up Jodie Osakwe, a general manager at Individual Restaurants, and has already raised over £5,000.
The fundraiser reads: "Our beautiful friend Sharif, a true gentleman, Leeds hospitality legend and our head doorman of 20 years has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
"We are still all in shock and still can’t believe it.It has been truly amazing to watch all Sharif’s family & friends come together at this difficult time to ensure he has all the support and care he deserves.
"Sharif would really love to be able to visit his brother’s family in Tampa Florida and Jodie Osakwe has therefore decided to create this page to see if together we can fundraise this money to give him this opportunity while we can.
"We would need to ensure he is travelling first class to make sure he is comfortable, and his care needs are being met on this long flight.
"I know Sharif is loved by many in Leeds, whose lives he has touched with his infectious smile and warm greeting. Any money raised that is surplus to this initial goal will be given to his family.Thank you in advance to everyone who donates, no matter how small.
"Let’s show Sharif just how much respect we all have for this amazing guy."
Since being set up last month, the fundraiser has been shared many times on social media including on Leeds' Mint Festival Facebook page.
Donations have been pouring in, large and small, with the fundraiser now just over a third of the way towards its £15,000 goal.
And comments of solidarity have also been coming in thick and fast from those who've met and come to love him as an iconic part of the Leeds' nightclub scene over the years.
Gerald Acheampong, who donated £100 to the fundraiser, said: "There are very few like this man. He is a gentleman in the truest meaning of that word . Please give what you can if you can."
Whilst Filip Wron, donating £10, added: "Sharif is Leeds legend and all clubbers than know him should help! Sending Love to Sharif and family!"
If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser to help Sharif get to America, you can do so here.
News
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Georgina Pellant -
15th May 2021 
