There's a brand new book shop in town - but it's unlike anything we have in the city.
Having only opened a few short months ago, Hold Fast is a book and plant store that champions independent artists, local authors all onboard an old coal boat called Marjorie R.
Hop aboard every Thursday - Sunday at Leeds Dock and uncover a whole new world hidden from plain sight.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside you'll find a huge selection of hand picked books. Choose from second hand novels priced at less than a cup of coffee, non fiction celebrating unsung heroes and local writers alike, as well as selection of stunning classics and contemporary ficton.
But this is far from just a book shop.
Also stocking a large selection of house plants with adorable names - yes, each one has a unique name, so that "customers will love the plants as much as we do", says a sign above the wheel.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Chris and Victoria Bonner support a whole community and support network inside these walls in any way possible. The walls are lined with work from local artists, and the owners can tell you all about the student illustrators and locals that have spent time creating the prints in store.
Humbled by the company of regulars who come in to catch up and recommending newcomers to check out the other independents at the Docks (which helped us to discover a new coffee spot on our visit), these guys are truly wonderful company, and make you feel right at home inside Hold Fast.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And there's probably good reason.
The boat itself, Marjorie R, was actually inhabited by the couple for around six years before deciding to transform their home into a book shop.
The idea was that by creating a public service, the boat would be looked after and protected in the future - and there's glimpses of every decade of the boat's 70-something year life all around.
You'll find cosy corners by the fireplace, which would have once warmed the entire living quarters, homage to its former days as a coal transporter in the strong frames and even photographs of the original Majorie, whom the boat was named after are on display.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is the perfect place to grab a new read, spend time escaping from the everyday in a truly unique setting.
There’s a real community feel about the place, with talks from local authors and Chris and Victoria welcome anyone in to spend hours pouring over their hand picked selection of new and preloved books.
Open every Thursday- Sunday, this has got to be one of, if not the, coolest bookshop in the city - but it's much more than that, it's a true independent that's keeping the spirit of locality, hospitality and sustainability alive in the city.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Award-winning vintage retailer announces new store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Popular vintage store brand Glass Onion is returning to Leeds with a brand-new permanent site.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is coming back with a bang and expanding into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They'll be taking over the old Levi's jeans unit on Lands Lane and will be opening on Wednesday 18 March, so we really don't have long to wait.
Customers can shop Leeds' best collection of sustainable vintage clothing with every piece hand selected for store at their Yorkshire HQ.
Images: The Sheff
Shop from an expertly curated mix of all your vintage favourites, including Y2K, techwear, workwear, sportswear, boho, and loads more.
The store will also feature big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley. They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
To celebrate the exciting launch, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Sophie Smith -
14th March 2023 
