Nestled under the railway arches on Viaduct Street is Huddersfield's first (and only) natural wine shop and bar, Kwas.
First opened at the end of 2018, it's seen an 80% increase in sales since the first lockdown - thanks to numerous additions to their offering including groceries, local and national delivery, organic veg box subscriptions, craft beer, low-intervention cider and more.
Currently housed in Archway 2, now owners Duncan Sime and Ola Dabrowska have launched a crowdfunder to help them expand into the unit next door to help meet growing demand.
Hoping to raise £15,000, they're offering some great rewards - including a year's worth of wine, veg, limited edition merch, private hire and exclusive tasting events
The pair behind Kwas - an ex-record label boss and artist - first started their business with the intention of educating their neighbours on the wonderful world of natural, chemical-free wine.
Working with friends, importers and wine makers from all over the world, Duncan and Ola brought something new to town - creating a fun atmosphere where people with any level of knowledge of wine can come, learn and enjoy a drink.
Kwas
The new site will include bar space, deli, kitchen and permanent grocery store – all under one arch in the centre of Huddersfield.
They've already secured an initial lease agreement and will use any funds raised from the crowd funder to carry out an essential refurbishment, kitchen installation and full fit-out.
As they get settled in the new venue, Kwas will introduce an exciting lineup of rotating food vendors and the welcome return of supper clubs from some incredibly exciting chefs.
Alongside these dining events, Kwas will also be hosting wine tasting events, live music and community meet-ups.
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
