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Beloved bookshop Novel is finally reopening – but this time, there’s booze

Clementine Hall - 14th August 2026

Sheffield's much loved bookshop is reopening with a brand-new look.

You may remember back in January when Novel sadly had to close its doors due to circumstances beyond the team’s control.

Since opening in Crookes in 2024, co-owner Katie and the team had experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment, eventually leading to the decision to close the much-loved bookshop and bar indefinitely.

It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a business that had quickly become a much-loved part of the Crookes community. Katie, alongside her husband and business partner Joe, had ‘tried everything’ to keep Novel open, but with their safety becoming a growing concern, they were ultimately left with no choice but to step away.

At the time, it felt like that might be the end of Novel. Thankfully, it seems it wasn't.

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A post shared by PROOF (@proofsheffield)

Well, sort of...because Novel is back - but not quite as you might remember it.

The team have been teasing something new over on their social media, and it looks like Novel is getting a fresh identity. The new name? Proof.

And while there aren't too many details just yet, the new venture's tagline has already been revealed: ‘Books. Brews. Booze.’

And honestly, what more could you want?

It's still in the same spot, it's still run by the same team, and we have no doubt that it will be just as fabulous as it was before.

After all that they've been through, we couldn't be happier to see them back.

Read more:

Featured image - Proof via Instagram

News

UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues issued due to wildfire risk

A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.

Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.

According to new guidance published online this afternoon, disposable barbecues pose a 'significant risk to the public' due to the current heatwave conditions.

A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.

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A post shared by Andy Burnham (@andy.burnham)

The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.

A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.

"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.

"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."

Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)

News

A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend

Clementine Hall

Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.

Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.

Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.

Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.

Image: Supplied

Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.

The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.

“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”

Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.

“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

Find out more here.

Read more: Jacqueline Wilson and Gyles Brandreth among big names announced for Ilkley Literature Festival 2026

Feature image - Supplied