A Yorkshire pub is breaking the mold when it comes to licensing innovation by craning in four hot tubs to add a little something extra to its seating offering.
Punters drinking at Showtime on Zetland Street will be able to order a beer to their hot tub - and even smoke a cigar, if they so choose.
The new hot tubs have set owner Ian Snowball and his son Adam back over £60,000 - but they're hoping it will all pay off, after taking a gamble that the pandemic has left people "more than happy to spend their hard-earned cash in the pursuit of something new and exciting."
After spending thousands on the new equipment, they also had to hire a crane to lift the hot tubs over Showtine's roof and into the pub's beer garden out back.
After spending thousands on the new equipment, they also had to hire a crane to lift the hot tubs over Showtine's roof and into the pub's beer garden out back / Image: Snowballs
All four of the new state-of-the-art Canadian Hot Tubs will have interconnecting doors between them and, according to Adam, have a total capacity of "between 34 and 60 people" dependent upon how you are using them.
They are also the only hot tubs in the world that have a self-cleaning system, which the pub's owners felt was important given that they will be used by a lot of different groups of people
Every fifteen minutes, the entire pool contents are recycled, cleaned, and purified automatically, meaning that things are kept hygienic for punters who want to have a bit of fun whilst enjoying a pint.
Whilst there are a few legal matters to complete first, they hope to be open for the public to enjoy in a couple of weeks. / Image: Showtime
As high-end hydrotherapy pools, they are also capable of offering massage therapy to, say, sportspeople - or alternatively can be hooked up to foam, bubble, or snow machines to add a bit of extra pizazz to a hen party or other special occasion.
And the owners are even happy to hook up a cinema screen for those who really want to relax in style.
Whilst there are a few legal matters to complete first, they hope to be open for the public to enjoy in a couple of weeks.
Whilst bookings are being taken now by phone or email, they are currently only booking slots in the evenings for now whilst they find their feet with the new offering.
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
The UK’s leading K-pop retailer is opening its first Yorkshire store in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers.
K-pop fans, you're going to love this one.
Soft launching on Friday 22 May, K-pop Korner Leeds will open initially as a pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the north of England.
Recognised as the UK’s leading dedicated K-pop retailer, K-pop Korner stocks official K-pop albums, signed albums, light sticks and rare collectibles imported directly from Korea.
Not only that, but the brand has developed a strong national following through fan events, trading days, concerts and exclusive product launches.
The Leeds opening follows the success of K-pop Korner’s existing stores in London Waterloo, London Euston and Nottingham, with growing demand from fans across Yorkshire and the north driving the expansion.
Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Community has always been at the heart of what we do and we’re looking forward to building a welcoming environment where fans can meet, discover new merchandise, celebrate their favourite artists and enjoy special events together.
“Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step. The Merrion Centre stood out because of its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic city-centre location and strong connection to entertainment and youth culture.
“We want the opening to feel like more than just a store launch. It’s about celebrating K-pop fandom and creating memorable experiences for the local community. We’re especially excited to see fans come together for our opening events and experience the energy and excitement that makes K-pop culture so special.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th September 2021 
