Squatters in Calderdale, West Yorkshire have taken over an empty grocery store and turned it into a cafe and free library, selling vegan cake, tea and coffee to locals.
The group has already installed signs in the windows reading "Squat the World" and "No Air B&Bs on a Dead Planet", and is now inviting locals to come and use the free library service and tuck into some comforting homemade vegan treats.
Their takeover of former grocery store Holts has received the most Hebden Bridge welcome possible from locals, with posts on a community Facebook group praising their efforts, calling them 'brave' and sticking up for their rights in the comments section.
One poster asked: "Sorry I'm not from the UK so have no clue about the right terms etc, but wouldn't that be classed as breaking and entering? I don't know much about squatting, I think I only ever heard uni students doing it to derelict factories back in Finland..."
They were met with a swift reply explaining that in the UK "squatting is classed as unlawful but not illegal.
"You can squat a nonresidential property for however long it takes for the owner to get an eviction notice to remove you, the law has been tightened in the last few years around squatting but some brave folks are still reclaiming empty building and they are often set up as temporary community spaces."
Whilst there have been some concerns from locals regarding suspected asbestos inside the property, the reaction to the new cafe has been overwhelmingly positive with many already planning trips down.
One person wrote: "Serving food teas and coffees from a building that’s long been empty… brilliant!"
Another said: "It's about time something was done with those premises. It such a shame it's been empty for so long and that the new owners want to destroy it and open yet another café/bar.
"If it can be used as shelter and a drop in community space, surely that's a good thing."
A third added: "The asbestos and roofing issues are a bit worrying, but frankly anything happening with the beautiful old shop is a great idea.
"Gives the kids somewhere else to hang out, the spirit in there seems really chipper and they aren't harming anyone.
"I hope a more permanent solution will be organised soon, but for now? Leave them to it until somebody gives a toss. It gives a poor impression of the town when it's sitting around empty."
A fourth said: "Great - about time something was done with that disgracefully neglected building"
Over the coming days, squatters are planning to host a film screening of alt-punk documentary Rebel Dykes and hosting a 'Disinfo Folk Session' at the grocery-store-turned-cafe.
They have set up a Facebook group to keep people informed, posting about the folk session: "Bring your instruments, bring your pals, bring your best tunes, and join us for our first open mic folk jam at your newest autonomous community squat!
However, not everyone seems as pleased as Hebden Bridge's residents about the new development.
The building is currently owned by Royds Catering Services, The Hoot understands.
A spokesperson for the firm said that they were told about the squatters on Tuesday morning and would be contacting the police to ask about their removal.
They added that Royds also owns the former Pennine Wine and Cheese Co, at 8 Bridge Gate next door, and is keen to merge the two spaces but has met with opposition from the council planning department.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2022 
