This summer popular Leeds sports bar, The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes, is putting the spotlight firmly on women’s sport.
As the country gears up to support the Lionesses and the Women’s England Rugby World cup team, The Brotherhood will rebrand as The Sisterhood to celebrate a sparkling summer of women's sport.
Building on the success of the powerful rebrand, which was first created during the Women’s Euros 2022, The Sisterhood will return with even more for the women’s sports community with a programme that’s louder and more inclusive than ever before.
Sponsored by Heineken, The Sisterhood campaign champions women in sport with a community-first approach that engages local women’s football and rugby clubs, celebrates representation and supports equality in the game.
Image: Supplied
Customers can expect electric match day experiences plus, there’ll be a free pint of Heineken for every single customer when the first England goal is scored in the tournament. How class is that?
There’ll also be food and drink promotions, confetti cannons and live drummers and saxophonists to turn the pre- and post-match build-up into a high-energy celebration.
Throughout August and September all eyes will be on the women’s Rugby World Cup, which has been expanded to include 16 teams and will be hosted across eight venues and cities throughout England.
Image: Supplied
Fans can expect the same unbeatable atmosphere and fun throughout the tournament, with plenty of surprises and celebrations planned to make every match one to remember.
The Brotherhood director and founder, Seema Dhiman, said: “The Sisterhood is more than a name change, it’s a statement of solidarity, celebration, and support for women in sport. We hope to engage local communities, particularly women’s football and rugby clubs, and promote greater inclusivity and representation in the game.”
“It’s going to be more than watching a game, it promises to be an immersive experience that brings people together in full voice setting the tone for two tournaments the nation won’t forget and, fingers crossed, triumph for England in both!”
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.
Topshop is officially back in Leeds and it’s just as iconic as we remember
Clementine Hall
Topshop and its Joni jeans have launched in 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, and we're absolutely buzzing about it.
Okay before we get your hopes up, the absolutely mega Topshop on Briggate is still gone for good, but the fashion brand has officially launched in our local John Lewis and its enough to get us feeling very nostalgic.
It's all part of a nationwide partnership with John Lewis that brings Topshop and Topman back into physical retail on the British high street.
From today, Topshop will launch in 32 John Lewis stores and online, featuring a curated edit of its most in-demand and premium pieces.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Topman will debut in just seven locations, including right here in Leeds - apart from Newcastle, it's the only northern site to do so.
So for those Leeds lads looking to level up their wardrobe, you can count yourself very lucky.
Michelle Wilson, Managing Director of Topshop, said: “Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love. From our cult denim to new‐season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day. Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis, added: “Topshop and Topman are brands with enormous cultural relevance, and their return to physical retail is something our customers are genuinely excited about. This partnership reflects our focus on bringing iconic names, strong style and compelling experiences into our stores.”
You can browse the Topman and Topshop collections online at John Lewis here.
Clementine Hall -
1st July 2025 
