The list of pubs and bars closing across the UK is growing depressingly large and brewing giants Stella Artois are as fed up with it as the rest of us.
With that in mind, Stella wanted to do their bit and they come up with a wonderful way of helping support struggling boozers: turning pub signs into nudey Renaissance-style paintings. As you do...
Created in partnership with Hospitality Action, a charity for those in the service industry, Stella Artois UK's new initiative hopes to raise crucial funds by auctioning off these unique paintings as well as selling prints to the public.
It's honestly one of our favourite marketing campaigns in a long time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t97AcIsy4to
As explained in the video, around 400 UK pubs have sadly closed in the last year alone, so instead of sitting back and watching the country be stripped of even more beloved watering holes, they decided to strip their pub signs instead. Quite literally.
The clever and comedic campaign dubbed, 'The Pub Renaissance', will see art enthusiasts and anyone who wants to do their bit for a worthy cause bid on these special artworks, as well as buy affordable prints to hang up at home.
All of the proceeds from the auction and print sales will be distributed by Hospitality Action to pubs in need of financial assistance across the country.
Collaborating with painters from all over the world, including 23-year-old Samuel Rees Price — a graduate from Leeds Arts University — each creator was challenged to come up with their own inspired take on a notable pub sign.
After all, Stella Artois is best unfiltered and they thought the same should go for the patron saints of these precious pubs.
As they put it: "Revealing a royal modesty here. An imperial side-boob there. No aristocratic private part was kept under wraps." Consider our first bid already in.
You can bid for any one of Stella Artois' 12 Pub Renaissance paintings or grab yourself a print HERE, or simply donate to Hospitality Action directly if you wish. Let's help save our pubs.
Featured Image — Stella Artois UK
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Dogs Trust Leeds is looking to find a ‘forever’ home for their loneliest dog
Meet Edie, the lovely Shar Pei at Dogs Trust Leeds who has had 41 first dates at but still hasn't found her 'forever' home.
Edie is a beautoful 7-year-old Shar Pei who has been waiting to find her forever home longer than any other dog at Dogs Trust Leeds.
She joined the charity back in 2020, after the death of her owner.
Edie has spent over 4,000 days at the charity and has been adopted 41 times, but is still yet to find her forever home.
We're not crying, you are.
Edie is described as an 'amazing dog' who can be'very shy initially but with a little time and plenty of treats she will soon be nudging you for a bit of fuss!'.
Image: Dogs Trust Leeds
Dogs Trust Leeds states: "She’s also worried by other dogs, but she’s proven that in a home where she won’t see them up close, she is a dream. She's been for sleepovers to her handlers home and she was the perfect house guest! Very relaxed, fully housetrained, and happy to just chill out. We know that in a peaceful adult only home where she’ll be the only pet she will thrive."
"Edie is the most loving and gentle natured dog and has come such a long way since first arriving in our care. Her handlers all adore her due to her zest for life. She's super affectionate and loves plenty of snuggles!
"She enjoys getting out for walkies or playing with her toys and she's absolutely smashed her training. Off-lead playtime is another favourite hobby for her so she will need to have a secure garden to play in. So if you’re looking for a very loving companion, you have a quiet and predictable routine and have time to gradually settle her in, add our Edie to your favourites now!"
If you'd like to welcome Edie into your home, then find out more here.
The Maccabees announce full line-up for huge Leeds show at Kirkstall Abbey
Clementine Hall
Indie heroes The Maccabees are set to headline Live at Kirkstall Abbey, and they'll be joined by a few others.
The renowned indie rock quintet The Maccabees have shared a stacked lineup for their only northern headline show this year as part of the Live at Kirkstall Abbey concert series.
Joining them are Newcastle Alt-Rock legends Maxïmo Park, eclectic art rock fourpiece Everything Everything, psychedelic indie rock stalwarts The Mystery Jets led by the inimitable Blaine Harrison and fast rising singer/songwriter/storyteller Fiona-Lee.
The Maccabees’ eagerly anticipated return in 2024 got indie music lovers across the country very excited indeed, headlining All Points East and Glastonbury’s Park Stage, the band’s return was met with enthusiastic crowds.
Building upon that reception, The Maccabees are now set to inspire similar scenes across the country as they head out on a major outdoor summer tour in July including their only northern date at Leeds’ Kirkstall Abbey.
Maccabees guitarist Felix White says, “The year we’ve just had was so special to all of us, and so unexpected, that it has put some momentum in everyone collectively …. and who wouldn’t want to do all that again”
Also announced for this year's Live at Kirkstall Abbey is The Streets, performing their critically acclaimed album A Grand Don’t Come for Free alongside reunited Leeds indie heroes The Sunshine Underground.
The debut ‘Above All Else’ event headlined by Loyle Carner will be taking place and the return of Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival featuring Dara Ó’Brien, Jason Manford, Lucy Beamount and more.
The Maccabees will be performing at Kirkstall Abbey on Friday 31 July 2026 and you can get your tickets here.
Danny Jones -
6th April 2023 
