Did you know that Marks and Spencers originated from Leeds over 130 years ago and first opened in the iconic Kirkgate market?
Marks and Spencers is a British institution, known for it's high quality goods and iconic characters such as Percy the Pig and Colin the Caterpillar.
Born right here in Leeds back in 1884, it all started when Michael Marks opened up a Penny Bazaar in the heart of Leeds Kirkgate market.
With a simple slogan of 'Don't ask the price, it's a penny', the stall quickly rose to success and both Marks' idea and hard work paid off. However, it wasn't until ten years later when Tom Spencer came along that the business really began to take shape.
Image: M&S
Together in partnership, Marks and Spencers was born. By the year 1900 they had opened 36 Penny Bazaar outlets across the country, including 12 high street stores with the rest being market stalls.
Their new Leeds premises opened on Boar Lane in 1904 before moving to Briggate in 1909 where you will still find the store today.
As the war broke out and goods became scarcer, Marks & Spencers sadly could not maintain the penny price limit and instead built up a reputation of selling high quality goods at reasonable prices.
The iconic British retailer which we all know and love now have an astonishing 790 stores in the UK, more than 450 stores worldwide, and employ almost 86,000 people. The retail giant brings in billions of revenue from its clothing, food and online stores.
In 2013, M&S celebrated its history by opening up a stall in the place where the famous brand first started at Kirkgate Market. Situated next to the famous Marks and Spencers clock, visitors can learn about the heritage of the brand whilst enjoying a coffee and purchasing M&S merchandise.
You can even pick up a bag of Percy Pigs whilst you're there, it would be rude not to after all.
You can find out more about the rich history of Marks and Spencers here.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
Clementine Hall -
16th August 2022 
