Fans of Scary Spice have been granted a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes at the home life of Mel B.
The place she's called home for the past year has just gone up for sale, and you know we wanted to have a nosy at how the other half lives.
A Leeds lass herself, she rented Kings Lea for a year when she returned to Yorkshire after leaving her abusive ex-husband Stephen Belafonte.
Now she's upped sticks, giving fans the chance to look at her old pad and imagine the life she lives when she's off duty.
One of the reception rooms inside Mel B's former house
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom property off Smithy Land is now up for sale - and images online
The striking residence boasts a large pond within its stunning 1.6-acre grounds and spans a whopping 4,600 square feet inside.
Priced at a cool £1.4 million for the asking price, the huge house is set among acres of green belt between Bramhope, Cookridge and Horsforth and accessed via a private road close to Cookridge cricket club.
It is one of two detached luxury homes which are accessed initially from a shared private drive way which then splits off to the two private residences.
The property from the front, lit up at night
From the front, the expansive property is reminiscent of a modern American-style home: painted all in white, with an ornamental verandah. Set back from the road, it's well hidden and guarantees a good degree of privacy - something clearly valued by its former occupant.
Downstairs, there are four large reception rooms and a large high-spec kitchen/living/dining room with bi-folding doors that lead out onto a southern-facing sun trap terrace overlooking the grounds - one of several at the property.
Impressive mod cons inside include a Gaggenou indoor BBQ, a built-in aquarium and a log burning fire.
Upstairs, there are five large double rooms but Mel's old master suite is the most impressive: complete with walk-in wardrobe, gym/study, and a gorgeous en suite with walk-in shower and freestanding bath.
Better yet, the master bedroom also has a built-in Bose sound system and access to an elevated private terrace overlooking the grounds.
The master bedroom boasts a large en suite, gym, walk-in wardrobe and private roof terrace
The house bathroom, meanwhile, features another large walk-in shower and jacuzzi bathtub.
Just to sweeten the deal, all the bathrooms have underfloor heating too - no getting your toes cold here.
Elsewhere, there's a double garage with electric roller shutters and large hallway, downstairs WC and ground floor office space.
Viewings are being taken by appointment only from 3rd July. To view the full listing, click here.
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Georgina Pellant -
21st June 2021 
