A slice of tropical paradise is coming to Lower Briggatethis Friday.
Founded in 2019 and now one of the largest independent plant shops in the country, Nice Things has made a name for itself across the Pennines for providing the best plant shopping experience imaginable.
A haven of glorious tropical foliage overseen by delightful staff who really know their stuff, it’s become the go-to spot to get your sacred space kitted out with as much greenery as you desire.
Not only that, but the space is wrapped up in the prettiest pink aesthetic complete with adorable tiny trolleys and warm lighting – making your plant shopping experience feel more glamorous than ever.
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: Nice Things
When we heard the news it was opening in our beloved city, we couldn't quite contain our excitement.
And now we really don't have long to wait, as Nice Things is officially opening its doors this Friday 19 July at 12pm.
But if you can't wait that long, then you can head down a day early to cheers to their new shop at their grand opening party that everyone is invited to.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Nice Things said: "The finishing touches are all coming together and we are thrilled to say we’ll be opening with a launch party this Thursday, the 18th July!"
"You’ll be one of the first to see the brand new shop, plus grab a free beer from Leeds based brewery North Brew Co. and go home with a goodie bag! Oh, and of course, there’s an absolute tonne of incredible plants, pots & accessories to shop from!"
The new shop will be open 7 days a week for all your planting needs, and we're sure it's going to bloom beautifully in the city.
It’s fair to say we are very very excited indeed, and can’t wait to visit the tropical paradise and take home some plants that we will try to keep alive… we can’t make any promises though.
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail, the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme
Clementine Hall
Northern Guitars in Leeds has had its long-term future secured after the building has been purchased as part of a nationwide community ownership initiative.
If you've ever been on a night out on Call Lane, then you will know of (or have heard) Northern Guitars.
It's about as grassroots as it gets, a proper intimate venue supporting artists of all levels.
And now the much-loved city centre venue, which has become a staple of Leeds' music scene, is one of the latest independent music venues to benefit from a scheme designed to protect cultural spaces from the pressures of the commercial property market.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been acquired by community benefit society Music Venue Properties (MVP), an organisation set up by the Music Venue Trust to buy the buildings occupied by grassroots venues and rent them back to operators on long-term agreements.
The move means the brilliant Northern Guitars can continue doing what it does best without the uncertainty that often comes with being in an increasingly challenging landscape.
MVP was launched in 2022 in response to the growing number of grassroots venues disappearing across the UK. According to the organisation, more than a third of the country's grassroots music venues have closed over the last two decades, with many struggling due to short-term leases and rising property costs.
Since launching, MVP has raised more than £7 million through community investment and funding, using the money to secure permanent homes for venues that play a vital role in nurturing emerging artists and supporting local music scenes.
This is a proper win for Northern Guitars and we're absolutely chuffed to know that they'll be going absolutely nowhere.
Clementine Hall -
17th July 2024 
