As one of the oldest chip shops in Leeds, St Michael's Fisheries has a whole lot of history hidden in the walls.
If you've headed into Headingley on any kind of match day - you're bound to have come across this place.
The building first appeared on the books back in 1888 as Miss Annie Dewhirst's Private School before being listed as the Headingley Conservative Association until 1922.
In 1923 St Michael’s Fisheries was officially listed as a ‘fried fish dealer’ and has continued to operate with this trade from this point onwards.
St Michael's Fisheries is considered to be one of, if not the oldest chippy in Leeds and has operated almost completely uninterrupted over the last century. The takeaway even operated during the Second World War as fish and chips was one of the few items that weren’t rationed during this time.
The chippy then became Oak Fisheries in the 1960s and Midgley's in the early 2000s, and has actually only recently changed its name to St Michael's Fisheries.
It is believed that the owner during this time, Denis Dalby, developed a darkroom in the cellar of the building. Known locally as a 'jazz legend', Dalby spent time photographing famous jazz musicians and was the founder of the original Leeds Jazz.
Whilst the dark room doesn't exist today (nor do many of the original features given the sheer age of the chip shop), there's still a few nods to the past century, including traditional Spitfire fryers and photos on the wall of Headingley Stadium over the years.
The current owners Kosta and Panos keep the chippy alive with friendly staff and a well-stocked list of fish, chips and mushy peas.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Sophie Smith -
9th March 2023 
