The floating sweet shop on the Leeds-Liverpool canal run by a pensioner
"We know where we are by the popularity of the sweet. If we're in Gargrave, they love their sarsaparilla-crazy. In Rodley, they love their midget gems and wine gums"
A man from Leeds who used to work on the markets has left his retirement to set up a new stall with a difference.
His floating sweet shop travels up and down the Leeds-Liverpool canal and has become quite the success after launching during lockdown.
Run by Pat Creaven and his wife Jill, Pendle Witch Sweets stops at various points along the canal - sailing between Rodley, Leeds, to Foulridge in Pendle.
Initially, the narrowboat was purchased by the couple to enjoy during their retirement but during the pandemic, Pat got other ideas and talked Jil into the new venture.
Image: Pendle Witch Sweets
It all started with the purchase of some old-fashioned Woolworths scales which, to his wife's dismay, inspired Pat to start the now very successful sweet shop business.
"It's a trip down memory lane, who didn't love a sweet shop when they were a kid?" he said, speaking to Leeds Live.
"It's that memory of sweets, you can walk along the canal and bring back memories."
Pat has colour coded all of his sweets to make shopping easy for those with special dietary requirements, including those with gluten intolerances, vegetarians and vegans.
He also has a dedicated 'memory lane' section which sells all of the old school favourites, like Yorkshire mix, rhubarb and custard, toffees and eclairs.
Image: Pendle Witch Sweets
"We know where we are by the popularity of the sweet. If we're in Gargrave, they love their sarsaparilla-crazy. In Rodley, they love their midget gems and wine gums," he continues.
The couple already traveled most of the UK and Irish canal system during their brief stint at retirement, and are now enjoying being out on the waters in a different capacity.
"You can't beat it, every morning you wake up and you have a different view. When you get used to one view, it's time to move."
Feature image - Pendle Witch Sweets
News
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
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."
Georgina Pellant -
29th September 2021 
