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
Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
Fantastic Leeds bakery owner claps back at one-star review calling him ‘silly man’
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' most popular independent bakeries has addressed a recent one-star review, which slammed them for being sold out of sandwiches.
Silver's Bakehouse, which comes from the same team behind Silver's Deli, suggested that the reviewer should 'work on their manners'.
The review hit out at the Farsley bakery for being sold out of sandwiches by the time they travelled 'an 80 minute round trip', describing owner Chris Riley as a 'silly man'.
The reviewer said they have been 'loyal high-spending customers since the first one opened' but wrote that they won't be visiting Silver's again after being left empty-handed.
They wrote: "It's all very good being mr instagram but things can go south very quickly silly man, make more sandwiches if you are going to be sold out in the first hour, don't risk the disappointment!!!"
Silver's Bakehouse has now publicly shared and responded to the review, stressing that they won't tolerate 'rudeness' and detailing the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
He said: "Let me explain again for you, David…
Inside Silver's Bakehouse in Farsley. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
"We start baking at 5am and rarely finish before 6pm. Everything is made fresh, by hand, often taking days to prepare, in a very small bakery. You can literally see how small it is - and we utilise every inch.
"We make as much as we physically can. Sometimes we sell out earlier than we’d like, and we’re incredibly grateful that so many people want what we make. But there is, unfortunately, a limit to how much we can produce.
"For the record, I’m not overly enthused about being “Mr Instagram” - what a truly horrendous phrase to conjure up. I managed to avoid it for years, but needs must and all that.
"I am genuinely grateful for your custom, David. Rudeness, however, I’m considerably less enthusiastic about.
"So yeah, we’ll keep working hard. You keep working on those manners."
Sophie Smith -
14th March 2023 
