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.
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Clementine Hall -
16th August 2022 
