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.
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
News
A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
