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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
‘End of an era’ as beloved Leeds bar announces move after 15 years
One of Leeds' most loved late-night bars has announced it will be moving on from its current location after more than a decade.
Known for its eclectic party atmosphere, fabulous cocktails and fun DJs, Wax has long been a go-to spot for Leeds night owls looking for a big night.
The New Briggate bar has built up a loyal following over the years, becoming something of an institution on the city’s nightlife scene.
And now, Wax has announced that it will be moving location, bringing an end to an era at its current home at the top of town.
Image: Wax Bar
Taking to Instagram, Wax shared the news with its loyal customers, stating: “Wax is moving!!!
"Thats right folks, our time on New Briggate is coming to an end. For 15 years many a drink we have drunk, many a dance we have shared, many a hangover we have nursed.... so let’s keep that going in our new home.
"Don't worry you can get your OG Wax fix for the next few months. More info announced soon. See you around. X"
Of course, in classic Leeds fashion, customers flocked to the comments to express their support.
One person said: "So many memories, will forever have a very special place in my heart" whilst another expressed that "Change is good! Long live Wax Bar."
We'll keep you updated with where Wax is moving to as and when we find out, but we're sure its loyal fans will follow them wherever they go.
For now, it’s business as usual at New Briggate - so if you’ve got memories to make (or simply want one last night in the OG Wax), you’ve still got a few months to do so.
Major Leeds Festival artist cancels string of dates after losing voice
Daisy Jackson
Rising rock star Violet Grohl has addressed fans after cancelling a series of sold-out gigs just hours before fans entered the venue.
The singer (who, yes, is the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl) had been set to perform to a packed-out crowd at Band On The Wall in Manchester last night.
But just hours before doors opened, Violet announced that the show would be postponed, along with tonight’s show in Glasgow.
She said in a statement that she was ‘really f**king bummed’ to be cancelling the shows.
Violet told fans that the gigs had to be cancelled because she ‘doesn’t have a voice right now’.
She is due to perform on The Canopy stage at Leeds Festival this Friday, and its sister site Reading Festival on Sunday.
The star added ‘it pains me to make this decision’ as she officially postponed her Manchester show.
Those who had tickets will receive updated information soon, with the plan to reschedule them.
She wrote: “hey everyone. really f**king bummed to have to let yall know i’m canceling tonight and tomorrow’s shows in Manchester and Glasgow.
“i don’t have a voice right now and it pains me to make this decision, but i just can’t perform.
“we’re rescheduling these shows and everyone who bought a ticket will receive the updated info. looking forward to seeing you soon xx i’ll be back!!!”
Violet Grohl released her debut album, Be Sweet To Me, back in May, produced at the home of acclaimed producer Justin Raisen.
Her music takes influence from late 80s and early 90s rock, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Bjork, PJ Harvey, and more.
When she announced her UK tour dates, demand was so overwhelming her Manchester show was upgraded from The Deaf Institute to Band On The Wall.
Georgina Pellant -
29th September 2021 
