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.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Clementine Hall -
16th August 2022 
