The popular chef and restauranteur has been touring the country filming his new BBC series.
And one of our favourite spots featured on his route.
The new BBC 2 series, Rick Stein's Food Stories, sees Stein visit different cities across the UK, sampling local delicacies as he goes.
As part of the 15-episode series, he stops off in various locations such as Cumbria, Bristol, Manchester and our personal favourite of course, Yorkshire.
Airing on Wednesday 28 February 2024, Rick Stein learns to make the perfect Yorkshire pudding, visits a Michelin Star restaurant in York and visits street food favourite Bundobust in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Oh and he also stop off for a pint in Leeds institution Whitelock's Ale House, sounds like our ideal Friday night if you ask us.
Unveiling the news to social media, Bundobust said: "Somehow managed to (mostly) keep this one a secret, but we recently got a visit from Rick Stein as part of his new Food Stories show, starting tonight on BBC Two!
"Little old us, on the same channel as legends like Paxman, Vic, Bob, and Sergeant Bash!!
They continued: "The Yorkshire episode airs 18:30 on the 28th Feb so we won’t spoil anything, but if you can’t wait until then to see what we got up to (not to mention some top notch archive footage of John Betjeman in @whitelocksalehouse) you can catch it on iPlayer now."
So, tune into BBC 2 next week to find out whether Rick loves a Vada Pav more than a Bundo Chaat but if you can't wait that long (and we don't blame you) then you can watch the episode on BBC iPlayer here.
Fingers crossed we'll bump into him next time we fancy a Combo For Two down on Mill Hill.
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
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.
Clementine Hall -
22nd February 2024 
