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Topshop has returned to Leeds and it’s just as iconic as we remember

Don't panic, the Joni jeans are back.

Clementine Hall - 12th November 2025

Fashion huns grab your wallets, because Topshop has made its triumphant return to Leeds.

But, not as you might hope.

Unfortunately that absolutely mega Topshop on Briggate is gone for good, but the fashion brand has popped up inside our local John Lewis and its enough to get us feeling very nostalgic.

Ahead of their full resurgence in 2026, Topshop are testing the waters with this adorable little pop-up in the womenswear section.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

But even though it's small, it sure is mighty.

We're talking rails of sparkly going out dresses, fur coats, mini dresses and of course...the jeans.

If you weren't rocking a pair of Joni jeans back in the day, then were you even a teenager living in the 2010s? We don't think so.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Image: The Hoot Leeds

In the pop-up you'll find a huge selection of jeans for every body shape, as well as a great accessories selection from trendy bags to sunglasses.

They've even got Topshop's class sound track blasting, fantastic attention to detail if you ask us.

Basically, you'll find everything you need to make you feel like you're back in sixth form again hunting for a new outfit to wear to the next house party.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

And we don't want to feel any other way to be honest.

Topshop will launch permanently inside John Lewis next February but for now, get yourself to the pop-up to get yourself a pair of Jamie jeans. You know you want to.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Feature

Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026

The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC

Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show

This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.

That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.

So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.

Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.

An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month

Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

What can we expect from your upcoming EP?

This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.

What is it like being a Northern independent artist?

I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.

How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?

This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.

Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots

Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?

Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.

What does a performance day look like for you?

I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.

What is your ultimate dream musically?

I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.

What's next for Cole LC?

I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.

Read more: Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Roukaya B | February 2026

Featured Images - Supplied via Press shots

Feature

Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Clementine Hall

Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.

Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.

It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.

The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.

So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".

Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."

It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.

"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."

The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.

It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.

Read the full review here.

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds restaurant hailed as ‘charming’ and ‘delightful’ by national critic Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds