Street artist Burley Banksy has won a long battle with BT over the placement of his artwork on their telephone box cabinets, with a little (or a lot of) help from the Leeds community.
Burley's Banksy, real name Andy McVeigh, has been embroiled in a row with BT for months after the company insisted he did not have the correct permissions to paint his street art on their telephone box cabinets.
But now, the company has changed its tune after receiving thousands of emails and social media messages of support for the artist - and has even agreed to cover the cost of restoring the pieces of art they had painted over.
He was inundated with messages of support from the local community after the company painted over a number of his street art pieces after BBC covered up several of his colourful murals in Rothwell.
It's become quite a public falling out, with a large number of people in Leeds siding with the street artist and sharing their support online for the work - which many say has brightened up their days.
But now, after a meeting with BT Openreach's regional manager for the North, the company has u-turned and given support to the artist to keep painting its boxes in Leeds.
It seems that BT Openreach has receieved thousands of emails and social media posts in recent weeks concern the artwork, with both fans of Leeds United and the wider community getting in touch to share their opinion on the matter.
Now, thanks to public pressure, Andy is finally permitted to paint the BT boxes around Leeds.
Leeds United themed-boxes, however, will be kept to the Elland Road area going forward.
What's more, BT has agreed to fund the restoration of the Burley Banksy boxes it had covered over in Rothwell. It will also be making a donation to Martin House Children's Hospice, at Andy's request.
"Everyone has really struggled in the pandemic and people have said the boxes get them through the day," Andy told the YEP.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2021 
