IL Magazine (Issue 23)

A FAMILY STORY

Yasmin and Amber Le Bon wear ASHOKA

HELLO AUTUMN

As Autumnal tones surround us, we are immersing in all of the joys that the changing of the season brings to Leeds, York and Yorkshire. In this issue we’re

the abundance of local food and the warming drinks for colder nights; we’re looking forward to revitalised city entertainment and looking back at the cultural heritage from which it grew; and we’re revelling in the cosy fashions and colourful trends of this evocative season. Read about all these things and more in 100 pages of Independent Life magazine. Embrace the Autumn.

John Barran - Editor Sarah Laycock - Sales john@independentlife.co.uk sarah@independentlife.co.uk

COVER Autumn Golds by Hilary Roper

Hilary Roper is a professional, northern artist, author and illustrator of children’s books. She has held several major exhibitions and had her work recommended by King Charles III to the National Trust. Hilary’s oil paintings offer chaotic and fractal patterns in braided rivers, mountains, wildlife and stunning colour in her landscapes. This cover’s artwork ‘Autumn Golds’ was painted with oil on canvas and is influenced by the woods alongside the tow path between Kildwick and Skipton in Yorkshire. It will be for sale at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Harrogate this December. www.pattersandpress.com

FOOD & DRINK

AUTUMN DINING Yorkshire restaurant recommendations from Tommy Banks. FALL FOR WINE Favourite Autumn wines of favourite Yorkshire bars. TASTES LIKE HERE Ben Daniells on the abundance of local seasonal produce. YES CHEF The story of Ahmed Abdalla, head chef at Legacy at The Grand, York. MIXING WITH THE SPIRITS Behind the scenes at popular city distiller York Gin. SPICE TRAIL A journey around the authentic South Asian cuisines of Bradford. BREAKING BREAD

community and cooking of Leeds’ Caribbean legend Maureen’s.

ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

WHAT’S ON The best events and happenings in the area throughout the Autumn. THE YORKSHIRE HUM Inside the Yorkshire music scene with band The Howl and the Hum. ARCH REVIVAL Learning the rich history of the county’s array of amazing abbeys. HISTORY SHE WROTE York’s Fairfax House tells the important life story of Ann Fairfax. PICTURE HOUSE RENAISSANCE Anticipating the reopening of Leeds’ Hyde Park Picture House.

SHOPPING & LIFESTYLE

EAST MEETS WEST YORKSHIRE Beautiful Bradford fashion celebrating rich Indian culture. AUTUMN INTERIORS

tips and trends for the season from Walton’s designers. A FAMILY STORY

225 year history jewellers Boodles as they open in Leeds. YORKSHIRE LOCAL A day out on your doorstep in the glorious

town of Ilkley.

Stead.

AUTUMN DINING

Tommy Banks, the Michelin starred chef behind The Black Swan at Oldstead and Roots in York, recommends eight of his favourite places to eat in Yorkshire this autumn.

Cresci, York - My go-to in York. Their Neopolitan pizzas are absolutely incredible, so authentic and it’s got such a lovely family-friendly vibe. If it’s on the menu, make sure to have the Rum Baba dessert - it’s outstanding!

Dawnay Arms, Newton on Ouse - If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll probably already know that the Dawnay Arms is one of my all-time favourite country pubs. There’s nothing I love more than a pint of Timothy Taylors in front of the fire in their stone-flagged bar, followed by a Sunday roast and a glass of Amarone. Another great family (and dog) friendly place to visit in a beautiful village, too.

The Star Inn, Harome - It’s one of those fantastic restaurants that everyone must visit at least once! Andrew Pern’s cooking is absolutely phenomenal and so unique, and all served within their cosy, fourteenth-century thatched-roof inn. I’m really excited to see them open again this October after last year’s devastating fire.

Shambles Kitchen, York - The perfect on-thego pit-stop on one of York’s most famous historic streets. Head to their kiosk at the bottom of the Shambles for one of their delicious Reuben sandwiches, made with bread from our friends at Haxby Bakehouse, too. So good!

Pizza Social, Harrogate - Another one for pizza lovers and one of Harrogate’s true foodie gems (if you can get a table, that is!). We love them so much that we asked them to serve up wood fired pizzas for our wedding evening food - as you can imagine, they went down a treat!

Bantam, Helmsley - A bucket list restaurant for me which I can’t wait to visit, and one that’s come highly recommended by my head chef at the Black Swan, Callum (the rabbit ragu was one of the ‘best things he’s ever eaten!’). It’s nice to see cool and upcoming chefs opening new places outside of the city, and Sam Varley’s ingredient-led cooking is a great addition to the Helmsley food and drink scene.

Jöro, Sheffield - Owned and run by Luke and Stacey Sherwood-French, both incredible restauranteurs and friends of mine too. I think it’s safe to say that Joro has become an iconic Sheffield eatery, and I love Luke’s Japaneseinspired, umami led approach to cooking. I can’t wait to see the restaurant in its new home later this year.

Holy Mountain Kitchen, York - One of several street food traders in Spark - one of York’s best foodie hangouts. They do mega smash burgers which are so tasty, and their New York bodega-style sandwiches are phenomenal too.

Image credits: 1. @bantam. helmsley, 2. Dawnay Arms @ the sm0keyjoe, 3. @restaurant_ joro, 4. @thestarinnatharome

FALL FOR WINE

For every season there’s a perfect drink. From a summer spritz to a winter whisky, perhaps a spring gin; and what of autumn? Whilst we all have our different favourites, maybe a sour, a stout, or a cider, we’re going for the wonderful world of wine. So, we asked six amazing wine bars for their favourite autumn reds, whites and roses.

22 Yards

We are loving Cada Nube. This 100% Cabernet Franc is produced by a lovely Yorkshire couple, Rob & Jo from Leeds, and it is sold exclusively in York to us here at 22 Yards. They have bought a parcel of land in Mendoza, Argentina, and produce fantastic quality wine in small quantities. ‘Cada Nube’ means ‘Every Cloud’, indicating the positivity of their whole wine-making experience. The attractive bottle even has a silver lining on it’s label. This is a beautiful, elegant red wine with delicious red fruit flavours, hint of black pepper & silky smooth tannins, making it a real easy drinker. The perfect tipple to open on an autumn evening as the nights draw in.

When autumn comes, I’m always excited to get behind some double glazing and watch the rain in comfort – and comfort to me is a sweet white wine, whose pale gold to orange colours match the falling leaves.

Spätlese means ‘late harvested’, and it’s this extra time on the vine, heading into October, that gives the grapes ripeness. Riesling’s natural acidity makes it perfect for this kind of treatment. This medium-sweet Spätlese is balanced by a fresh tangerine acidity, with bruised pear and flinty undertones rounding out a complex and sophisticated palate. What could be more seasonal than knowing the next vintage is being picked as we drink?

Schloß Reichartshausen is available at Friends of Ham as part of our Oktoberfest celebration, along with a selection of other German specials.

Cada Nube, Cabernet Franc 2020, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Friends of Ham Balthasar Ress, Schloß Reichartshausen Riesling Spätlese, Rheingau, Germany

Martinez Zensa Primitivo, Puglia, Italy

It feels like a bit of a cop-out to feature a grape variety that is very fashionable at the moment. However, there is a reason why people are flocking to Martinez Wines for this wine! Primitivo, AKA Zinfandel, is a real crowd pleaser, no more so than the fabulous Zensa (pronounced sensa) which is the Italian definition of ‘without’ or ‘to do without’; no chemicals, no pesticides, only what Mother Nature has given us, this organic wine is great value. It has an intense ruby-red colour with a complex bouquet, reminiscent of cherries, dried berries and toasted almonds. In the mouth it is full-bodied yet smooth and elegant with a silky texture. The finish is long and lingering, with a burst of spiced bright fruit and lovely earthiness at the end. If you like a wine that is rich, weighty and gives you a big hug then look no further.

As the Autumnal months are upon us, I know I’m starting to think about the warm, inviting reds, and if you are too then I’ve got the perfect wine. Sericis means ‘silky’ in Latin, and this smooth, juicy red from their local grape Bobal is a cracking example. This wine is made exclusively from low-yielding, old vines where the soil is chalk & clay. A gentle pressing of the grapes takes place before a long macération period and eight months in French oak. The nose is full of forest fruits with notes of toffee and vanilla. The palate is complex and structured with plum and blackberry characters, smooth tannins, and a mocha finish. Everything I love about a red wine is in this delightful bottle.

Jorvine

Murviedro Sericis Cepas Viejas Bobal, Valencia, Spain

2 Many Wines

Rara Neagră 2019, Novak, Moldova

After many years of wine tastings, it is easy to be difficult to please. So, discovering a new wine sensation must almost go beyond one’s usual boundaries. This is what happened when earlier this year I came across what was going to be the best discovery in terms of flavour, texture, pleasure and history. It is from a country that has the longest cellars in the world and winemaking is in people’s culture. For centuries, wine has been made in Moldova and many indigenous grapes are still in use - one being Rara Neagră; with a bit of oak and bottle ageing, it gives you a cross of flavours going from Pinot Noir finesse and robust Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfect for Autumn, with its dark fruit and gentle oriental spices; we are happy to show it to our most demanding customers and it never disappoints!

This beaujolais, made from 50 year old Gamay vines, is a fantastic choice for autumn. It’s that perfect transitional glass that takes you from white to red, from summer to the colder months. It has an ultra-fine tannic structure that means it is almost weightless, making it light and delicate enough that it’s not jarring from the chilled glasses we’ve been enjoying all summer long, but carries that undercurrent of crushed peppercorn spice and jammy deep black cherry fruit that brings you into the autumnal season and provides that signature warmth that connects red wine to colder weather. The fruitiness is underpinned with a stony minerality and a lick of acidity that makes it an elegant but easy drink that’s perfect for sharing around a table. It’s this element of complexity despite its delicacy that I love. We love to support and champion female winemakers here at Howl, and Elisa Guerin is definitely one to watch as she expands her family Vineyard and champions biodiversity.

Howl

Villages Elisa Guerin, Beaujolais, France, 2021

Tastes Like Here

Ben Daniells grows natural seasonal food that is full of flavour and nutrition on his farm in Fangfoss, Rocket and Russett. He tells us all about the amazing produce of this Autumn season.

The curtains are finally being drawn on our long hot summer of 2022, a moment I’ve been trying to turn a bind eye to. This summer has been the best we’ve had, challenging to say the least, yet ultimately rewarding. For example, it was the first time we’ve managed a crop of nectarines that ripened on the tree; a truly mouthwatering experience and proof anything is worth trying. All told, the crops that made it through the drought have been amplified in flavour and the tough conditions have served as a timely reminder of the importance of growing food in a way that enhances the farms natural ability to retain moisture.

As has been the pattern over the last few seasons, Autumn didn’t really creep on us as much as it just appeared one morning unannounced. We’re certainly finding that the transition through the seasons is becoming much quicker and more intense. The rapid swings in temperature have already created new challenges, as whereas last year we had perfect tomatoes available into October, this year we have a lot of split fruit requiring a different and inventive approach. As always, there is opportunity in everything and to us this is the real magic of growing your own food; it breeds resourcefulness out of necessity. Cue a day of roasting juicy tomatoes now destined for delicious soups or a perfect passata that will nourish and remind us of sunny days whilst we’re in the depths of winter.

Of course, as autumn envelopes us with the change in colours and as the nights relentlessly march in, we have a plethora of seasonal delights to enjoy. The squash will be the first of the autumnal crops to look out for. Early varieties such as delicata and kuri squash are best enjoyed straight away, leaving your crown prince and queensland blues to cure and store for enjoyment over the colder months ahead.

The dark leafy greens are coming into their prime now too, and will only become sweeter as the colder nights arrive. Roots and brassicas such as kales and carrots start to increase their sugar content and release proteins that allow them to thrive in frosty environments, a process that isn’t fully expressed when they’re grown in warmer summer months. For us these changes in the plant’s composition result in improved flavour and arguably nutrition too. As we see the root crops develop on the farm I always begin to savour the return of a hearty roast dinner and the opportunity it brings to enjoy my favourite seasonal treat; celeriac cooked with lamb or beef that has foraged amongst the pastures with the sun on their back all summer.

On your autumnal walks in the next few weeks, whether down city street or country lane, look up at the trees, the fruit crop this year is impeccable. Apples especially have thrived and there is an abundant crop all over the county. We’ve found the old adage that you can eat a British apple everyday from July to April to be perfectly true. We started with a bloody ploughman in the summer and will store several varieties in a ventilated box, with no costly refrigeration, until we begin to welcome the warmer days next spring. Give it a go for yourself.

That’s it from us, we’ll head back to the market garden and sow the final crops of the year. There is just time for our winter purslane, a juicy succulent salad crop that will grow and grow all winter long. The final green manures too are ready to be sown and will keep our soils in tip top shape for next year.

Words: Ben Daniells Photos: Ben Daniells

YES CHEF

Ahmed Abdalla is the talented head chef at exciting new restaurant Legacy at The Grand, York. He describes his journey from starting out to getting here.

I started to take a keen interest in food early, watching my sisters and mum cook whenever I was allowed in the kitchen. My sister started to go through a baking phase as a teenage girl which I took even more of an interest in as I’ve got the biggest sweet tooth! For me, however, it was the small things. They used to try and outdo each other, who could cook dinner and have the kitchen spotless after, or who would be brave enough to try a new dish out that they’d seen on tv or read about.

From there, it’s been a long road, but an exciting one. I’ve worked in great kitchens over the last 6 years and all roads have led to Legacy. The last 2 years have flown by but have definitely been the most defining, and the hardest. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible head chefs over the years who have constantly pushed me to my limits.

As cheesy as it sounds, I like to think I take inspiration from everything; I’m very much in tune with the current food scene and look to the greats for inspiration where I can: Mickael Viljanen, Wignall, Kirk Westway, and of course our local chefs Neil Bentinick and Adam Jackson are who mainly inspire me. Sometimes you look over and think “how have they done that?!” It always keeps me grounded, seeking more and ensuring my dishes and creations are unique and memorable.

Once you step into the field you have to understand it takes a certain level of commitment, you tend to never switch off; constantly thinking about recipes or menus, it never stops. I think as an industry we’re getting better, the hours have been massively cut down, there’s a real focus on work life balance now, we all tend to have better values. Everyone, including myself, is looking at ways to make their kitchens a more sustainable place, which can only be a good thing.

On a typical day I start with coffee and emails. Once the team arrives we begin a few hours of prep; I’m lucky enough to have an incredible team who are self-sufficient, enthusiastic and engaged. The best thing is working with likeminded people who are looking to achieve the same goal as you.

By midday I start working the bread. I like to do that fresh every day because it allows me to shut all noise out and focus. I’ve never been a massive baker but I like the process and the patience needed for that specific job. By 3pm we would look at setting up for service so we’re completely ready. We have a pre service briefing with the front of house then it’s our time to focus on the guest’s that are coming in tonight. By 6pm we’re applying the final touches, picking herbs, searing protein and everything else needed to finesse the dishes. 6:30pm the show begins and we’re ready to deliver culinary excellence, starting with our three canapes.

It’s a magnificent experience when walking into the Grand. First of all you’re met by the doormen with a warm Yorkshire welcome. You’re then greeted by our lovely host, Emma, who is a friendly source of information, giving an insight into what the night has install. Legacy boasts a small team but everyone plays the perfect role. Derek, our Sommelier and Restaurant Manager, is the glue that keeps us together. He starts the night with a glass of English sparkling wine and gives you an intro of the dishes to come. I then meet the guests in the restaurant and present the canapes and talk through the menu.

Bold modern British cooking is more than meets the eye; prep heavy and a focus on main ingredients. We take inspiration from my travels as a chef so there’s hints of that in there, plus an emphasis on locality of ingredients. I try to showcase that as much as I can.

Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture

Mixing with the Spirits

Harry Cook is one of the founders of York Gin. As Director of Operations, he is also the master distiller, creating new recipes and overlooking the distillery. He knows a thing or two about making spirits, and shares some of that ginspiration with us here.

Gin is basically a flavoured vodka, so you always start with a completely neutral clean base; we have grain spirit from Yorkshire which is made in Selby. That’s 96% alcohol when it comes into us, so we dilute it down and put it into our still; from there it’s however you want to flavour your spirit.

Some distillers will macerate their products, so what they’ll get is their gin and other botanicals, and some may steep them in the alcohol overnight to boost all the flavours and make it really strong. We hang all of our botanicals over the alcohol so it’s vapour infused which gives it a nicer lighter flavour; it feels more organic.

There are a couple of things we do put in the stills. We do a chocolate and orange gin, where we put fresh cocoa nibs in the base so that it cooks; this ends up with a big alcoholic vat of hot chocolate that passes over all of the botanicals, and the oranges give it a fresh citrus flavour with a deep chocolate finish.

The distillery is in Nether Poppleton. We moved here last year as we needed the extra size and space because of the volumes being produced. When we started it was just the founders, and only Pete and Emma were working at the distillery; now there is me plus 6 others.

The thing that we set out for right at the beginning is that York Gin is based on history and tradition. What we wanted to do was to make a gin that you could have a few of and it not be overpowering. We tried to look at the history of spirits in York, and found that there had never actually been a registered distillery in York; we wanted York Gin to feel like it had always been here.

From there, we looked at the traditional flavours and botanicals. Some of the things we do, like the Roman fruits gin, is steeped with a tea that contains ingredients that were either here when the Romans arrived or were brought to the UK by the Romans. It contains apples, strawberries, redcurrants and blackberries.

I designed how our stills would work, bringing in parts from all over the world. The base is an alembic pot still from Portugal, the classic shape that has an onion head on it. We sent it off to a fabricator in Scotland who makes whisky stills and there they put in some holes at the bottom so we can attach heating elements. And we got some heating controllers from the US who make them for moonshine distilleries.

The key to it all was energy efficiency. In the olden days you would’ve been heating it up over an open fire and nowadays that might be gas or heat steaming. We actually heat directly into the still. We do have some modern elements in there to try to recreate traditional methods, but in a more environmentally friendly way.

From our tape and labels being made of paper to all of our bars being made from reclaimed wood of used pallets, we’ve made sure there’s no plastic that goes out from the site. Our Yorkshire packaging suppliers Packaging Answers are not only one of the most sustainable in the market, they are also great innovators. We also try to keep our energy costs down, so we’re looking at recycling the cooling water by having a tank that will cool down overnight so we can re-use it again the next day.

One of the things we had to adapt to was what effect Brexit might have on the market, not just in terms of sales but supply chains. Our bottles used to come from a big glass producer in France, which had to be transported through several hubs to get to us. In the end we found a glass producer in Leeds called Allied Glass who make our bottles now. They’ve calculated that our carbon footprint from the transport costs has reduced by around 95%.

We are now launching a refill scheme with some of the pubs and bars around York, with Valhalla and Grays Court Hotel leading the way. This scheme will save lots of bottles by refilling the ones they already have rather than using new. And we already work with Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern at The Star Inn who creates the syrup for our gin Old Tom made from the botanicals and herbs from their restaurant garden. We give them a 4 1⁄2 litre glass bottle full of each of the gins they use; they have a giant optic on the wall made out of reclaimed wood that has the York Gin bottles in, so we can recycle those.

The loyalty and support from the trade has been amazing since we launched and given us a fantastic presence in the city. There are some fabulous creations from the mixologists in York bars. Middletons Hotel are serving a Bramble Cocktail for autumn, using York Gin Outlaw, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de cassis, seasonal berries and lemon slice to garnish. The Star Inn The City are using York Gin Roman Fruit in the Negroni on their autumn cocktail menu. The Impossible Bar on St Helen’s Square always have a delicious York Gin Chocolate & Orange cocktail - a lovely historic touch given the building once housed Terry’s chocolate shop. And the guys at Dough-Eyed pizza oak-age York Gin Outlaw in their own oak barrels to create a rotating cocktail. As well as being stocked in many York bars, we also sell other Yorkshire brands in our shops, including Bax Botanicals, who are a super small company making zero alcohol ‘spirits’.

The gin as a distilled spirit has an indefinite shelf life, the flavours in there will change so you can still have a summer gin in winter or vice versa - but there are definitely seasonal flavours that come in and out. During spring it’s normally the light crisp apple and fresh flavours, coming into summer you’re looking at fruits like rhubarb, raspberry and our roman fruit mix. Into autumn that’s when you look at things like the Old Tom, a bit more of a spiced mix maybe with peppercorns, star anise and liquorice so it feels more earthy. And at Christmas it’s about the chocolate and orange, and the history of Terry's chocolate orange in York.

I G H T C O U R S E T A S T I N G M E N U | P A I R I N G W I N E F L I G H T | S E A S O N A L I T Y | L O C A L I T Y | S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

Y O R K ' S N E W F I N E D I N I N G R E S T A U R A N T

SPICE TRAIL

The city of Bradford is arguably home to the best curries in Britain. Within ten miles of Leeds city centre, the journey west connecting into Bradford reveals dozens of delicious authentic Asian eateries.

The story began 80 years ago when migrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh arrived in Bradford to fill jobs through the 1940s and 50s. By the 1960s they were essential for keeping the city’s textile mills running, and thousands were therefore encouraged to settle here.

These communities brought with them cuisines from their homeland, which generations later are ingrained in British culture. Since the first curry house opened here in 1964, both the food and the palates have evolved and adapted to create the many choices we have today.

From traditional home cooking cafes to lavish modern fusion restaurants, there are tasty offerings for everybody to enjoy. We took a trip along Leeds Road, into Bradford city centre and out the other side, to feast on the finest food of this Yorkshire spice trail.

Akbars

A famous favourite across the north, Akbar's has expanded from its original Bradford home to have ten restaurants, from Glasgow to Birmingham via Leeds. Happily, the very first remains on Leeds Road and has not diminished in quality as the brand has grown. Instead, you'll discover why Akbar's has become such a success, as authentic South Asian curries are served up with a quality and consistency that guarantees mighty flavours every time. From the impossibly good pickle tray and the lip-smacking lamb chops to the hot handis and the giant naans, you'll leave full of food and satisfaction.

Mughals

Mughals have been serving the cuisine of their culture to the people of Bradford for 25 years, and a taste of their home-cooked treats confirms why they're still going strong from the same staple Leeds Road spot. This is a family business which showcases authentic Pakistani food in all its deliciousness. Whilst the curries sizzle - especially the desi karahi - there are a whole range of eating options to cure your spice craving. Call in anytime from morning till night to enjoy a Mughals breakfast, grill or traditional sweet dessert.

Sweet Centre

One of the UKs first curry houses, Sweet Centre was first opened on Bradford's Lumb Lane by a family of brothers from the textile industry in 1964. Almost sixty years and generations later, this influential eatery is still serving amazing Kashmiri cuisine at the same venue to adoring diners in a relaxed and buzzy environment.

On a weekend morning you can sample a proper desi breakfast, and on all afternoons and evenings they're cooking up the finest fish masalas, crispy samosas and beautiful baltis. Head next door from Sweet Centre restaurant to Sweet Centre corner, originally part of the same business, which now run independently; as well as serving savoury, they live up to their name and know their way around a sweet; if your tooth is that way inclined, try the mithai mix.

International

A Bradford favourite which has been serving excellent authentic curries in its comfortable and vibrant two-floor Morley Street restaurant across five decades. Recently refurbished, settle down and fill up on their extensive menu of modern additions and heritage heroes; try the traditional masala, whose recipe dates back to 1976 by Raja brothers, or perhaps a fiery madras, or a mellow pasanda. All are great, all-comers are welcome, and most return as regulars.

Kashmir

Laying its own claim as Bradford's oldest curry house, Kashmir was founded by a family who arrived here in the 1950s and became a gathering place for the Pakistani community to meet. During the sixties it had become a gathering place to also eat, and the authentic cooking style gradually gained interest amongst others in the city. In the same casual Morley Street space, Kashmir continues to cook up curries that bring people together.

Sultans

Established in 1973, Sultan restaurant has become known for its tremendous traditional curries. Moving from Lumb Lane to Manningham Lane and now Keighley Road, Sultans have elevated from their casual origins to create a finer dining experience. They have moved and evolved without losing the authenticity of the Pakistani cuisine which is showcased in special dishes that use unusual cuts alongside more familiar daals, karahis and biryanis, all expertly spiced.

Karachi

A photo of Rick Stein with the talented Karachi team has adorned the walls of this legendary laid back restaurant in the middle of the terraced Neal Street for many a year, and you can happen upon a TV visit of the famous chef lauding the quality of this unassuming eatery from the time. He's not wrong, as the superb sauce bases make for a damn tasty curry, whether choosing a meat madras or a lentil daal. Although of course you'll order the Rick Stein special, of chicken and spinach and that je ne sais qua that only decades of doing it can create.

Punjab Sweet House and Grill

With an open kitchen, you can see the fresh cooking of traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine being prepared in anticipation for your eating delight. It all adds to the communal atmosphere and shared vibes of this long-standing Listerhill restaurant. As the name suggests, start with a tandoori grill or a kabader and end with a sweet Asian desert like jalebi; with your curry of choice in between served in a wok the traditional way.

Shimla Spice

On the outskirts of Bradford, other towns in the BD postcode also have some fantastic restaurants to visit for authentic South Asian cuisine. In Shipley, Shimla Spice leads the way as a favourite local restaurant worth travelling there for. Set up by three brothers who learnt their trade in the London food scene before returning home to Yorkshire at the end of the last century where they opened in Keighley and then Shipley. Go here for sizzling starters and Punjabi flavours, all served with style and conviviality.

Jinnah Bistro

The world heritage site of Saltaire serves authentic Indian food of its own through the appropriately handsome Jinnah Bistro. Coming full circle from Bradford's Leeds Road, where the Jinnah brand launched and expanded from, the bistro version refines the original Kashmiri menu into tantalising favourites. It's smart and full of flavour, from mild tikka masalas to 'Asian Style' niharis, and a great example of marrying traditional origins with evolving cultures.

Prashad

On the edge of Leeds, crossing to Bradford, a small family restaurant in a little village has made a big name for itself. The married couple behind Prashad had come to Bradford in the 1960s and opened here in 1992, serving beautiful vegetarian Gujarati cuisine to those in the know. When their daughter married a chef, the restaurant continued through the family and was elevated into fame when becoming finalists on Gordon Ramsay's Best Restaurant. Now in a bigger space in Drighlington, the food remains rooted in its origins, exquisitely elevated.

BREAKING BREAD

In most cultures, food has always meant much more than a necessary sustenance. The making and sharing of delicious foods have passed through generations, created traditions and brought communities together throughout history. Here in Yorkshire, there are still people and places that are serving the food of their heritage with a warmth and soul that welcomes folk in to make friends and break bread.

One such place has been attracting a diverse Leeds crowd for their Caribbean goodness and homely vibes for nearly 20 years. Maureen’s Kitchen is exactly as the name explains; opened by Maureen in 2003, who continues to bring the good food and good mood to this Roundhay Road kitchen.

Her journey to this destination actually began long before then, as Maureen describes; “I remember being a young girl and my mum and dad would invite friends round to have parties; they used to always come for the food. My mum was a good cook and I picked up her style of cooking. Around 9 or 10 years old I started baking. My mum worked shifts and would leave food out for us to prepare in the evening; I’m the middle child of 7 but I took over, making rice and peas, stewed meat, chicken, all sorts of things.”

Despite this natural talent, Maureen did not go straight into cheffing, initially working in an office job before her culinary skills seeped through.

“In the 1980s this guy asked me to cook him some food and it took off since then. Before opening Maureen’s, I was cooking at home and in community centres. I’ve met a lot of good people along the way.”

That sense of community, atmosphere of home, and meeting of people remains at the heart of what makes for a vital social food hub. “I’m always talking with my customers, and some people who don’t know me will ask “Are you Maureen?” she enthuses. “The palate is for everyone here. We have many regular customers and they won’t go anywhere else; they always come back.”

It is often considered that collective human connections are diminishing in the modern world, yet a feeling of belonging is as essential now as ever before. In every city and every town, locals crave a place of communal comfort, which welcomes in every age, race, gender, religion, nationality, background and culture. Ironically, a place to call their own.

This spirit was happily evident at this year’s Carnival, a celebration of West Indian culture where all of Leeds gathers to celebrate our differences whilst supporting local favourites. For Maureen’s, her loyal following caused “never ending queues”, as she explains, “because we’re local, everyone goes for food from someone they know. People were waiting around an hour and a half, they weren’t going nowhere!“

These long lasting relationships have also thrived from the beginning with other local businesses. “I’ve been using the same butchers for 20 years,” she says. “And my Caribbean food has always come from a guy in Huddersfield that imports them. It really is the proper stuff.” The result is an authentic menu of seasoned fried chicken, jerk chicken, rice and peas, mixed seasoned veg, macaroni and cheese, curried goat, and ‘Saturday Soups’ of chicken, mutton or oxtail. Even if she does say so herself, “It tastes delicious”.

And that is half the reason why people go out for food, because it tastes delicious. The other half is perhaps even more important. “It’s about the food and family, eating together, sharing with other people. This has always been my passion.”

WHAT’S ON

The sun may be shying away and the nights may be drawing in, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be staying home when there are so many reasons to go out. All across Yorkshire, from city to country to coast, there are excellent and eclectic events to warm us up and get on down to. Here are eight of the best:

Yorktoberfest

20th to 23rd & 27th to 29th October

The celebration of beer that is Oktoberfest is replicated from its Munich home to towns and cities across England every October. York plays host at Knavesmire Racecourse, where the Bavarian spirit parties on with beer, bratwurst and bumper cars. Grab a sausage and a stein and get on down to the oompah band; eat, drink and be merry.

Harrogate Literature Festival

21st to 24th October

The world of literature has been visiting the affluent spa town of Harrogate for a decade this year, and the 2022 version of the Harrogate Literature Festival celebrates with a stellar line up. From Countdown’s Susie Dent, broadcaster Peter Snow and philosopher Prof AC Grayling, to theatre maker Stella Duffy, political journalist Otto English and novelist Stephen May, there’s a diverse mix of talks, interviews and discussions in the fabulous intimate venues of this premium festival.

Whitby Goth Weekend

28th to 30th October

Twice a year the beautiful gothic town of Whitby welcomes the beautiful gothic community to its Yorkshire shores. This is a stunning weekender like no other, as outsiders admire the dark aesthetics and the subcultural thousands enjoy the heavy music and the giant bazaar. Have a Halloween trip out to the East Coast, where you might be surprised to discover that it’s all enormous fun.

Aesthetica Short Film Festival

1st to 6th November

For six days at fifteen venues in York, Aesthetica is showcasing three hundred short films this November. There are BAFTA, Oscar and BIFA-winning directors, actors and producers, and there are exciting, upcoming talent all on display in this champion event of independent cinema. Now in its 12th year, this unique spectacle is as impressive as ever before.

Leeds International Film Festival

2nd to 17th November

Leeds International Film Festival has existed through four decades and has grown into a huge event which excels for all different tastes. There are upcoming blockbusters at multiplex cinemas, sure, but mostly there are unique screenings at independent venues of niche films that are often exceptional and always fascinating. Go watch what you want when you can.

Thought Bubble

12th to 13th November

This comic book convention is an annual extravaganza that attracts fans and artists from all over. Having moved from their Leeds home after over a decade there, this is the third time that Harrogate has hosted Thought Bubble, and the visitors are turning the town all things superhero. Expect art exhibits, animation screenings, panel discussions, workshops, costume parades and more, at an incredible event that comic fans adore and casuals have great fun at too.

Otley Science Festival

14th to 19th November

In the attractive market town of Otley, a visit this November will get those brain cells whirring. The Otley Science Festival is as entertaining as it is educational, with a science quiz, science fair and science cafe, as well as informative talks from engaging speakers on important subjects such as Darwin’s Expression and Climate Change. Something for all ages and interests.

Compass Festival

18th to 27th November

Every other year, Leeds comes to artistic life thanks to the interactive live art projects of Compass Festival. And we’re lucky enough to have it two years running, as the 2021 version was to exhibit the 2020 postponement, and so Compass is back in 2022. Expect public spaces to transform into animated art that will surprise and impress; expect the unexpected.

THE YORKSHIRE HUM

Sam Griffiths from York band The Howl and the Hum describes his welcoming experiences and the open connections of Yorkshire’s grassroots music scene.

The month before I first moved to York in 2011 I got the train up from the hellscape of Southern England to meet a friend and sample York’s infamous ‘one pub for every day of the year’. That night I ended up playing The Habit on Goodramgate’s open mic, alongside people that I would not only come to become an obsessive fan of (Mark Wynn and David Ward Maclean I’m looking at you), but also befriend, learn from, play with, and put the world to rights with for several hours outside Dusk until 3am.

This to me summates Yorkshire’s music scene: people from all corners of the world coming together for a few hours in a tiny pub, and leaving having formed partnerships, bands, friendships, political parties, staunch rivalries, and vast bar debts. I met all the members of my band at open mics and folk nights within the city walls: Conor played a Littlemores song called ‘Our William’ at The Habit nearly a decade ago; I whispered, in whatever accented nonsense I had at the time, “goodness gracious me golly gosh that was a bit good”. I followed by playing something sub-par and he commented “that were reet good that” - and the next eight years wrote themselves.

I’m an outsider to York, but was accepted with open arms: meeting bands and artists like The Lungs, Bull, And The Hangnails, Snakerattlers, Amy May Ellis, Boss Caine, Luke Saxton, Elsa Hewitt, Littlemores, and the infinite other bands I’ve left off this list, made me feel even more welcome, and still do. It gave me a strange sense of a thing I called purpose to know there was a bunch of artists from across a range of genres who’d all play sets at each other’s gigs, listen to what we were writing on a regular basis, work together to play our songs, and eventually bug Joe Coates enough to let us play for Please Please You.

To call Joe Coates the champion of the York music scene is an understatement: I’ve been told every town and city ‘has a Joe Coates’ but I don’t know how true that is, because I’ve never been to a gig elsewhere and the promoter is sitting in the front row with his legs outstretched on the floor, eyes closed, cup of tea in his hand, listening to the band. He now puts gigs on at The Crescent, which is one of the hives of the York music scene, and many other places too.

I moved over to Leeds in 2017 for the Brudenell Social Club, which is commonly and correctly called the best live music venue in the UK. I’d run far over my word count trying to list all the bands in Leeds worth seeing, but venues like the Brude most nights have someone you’ll eventually see on a billboard playing next to the billiards table. A very limited list of examples are: Yard Act, Crake, Carpet, Thank, Rory & The Nature Kids, Sunflower Thieves, Heir, elkyn, bdrmm, Mi Mye, Laura Kindelan, English Teacher.

Other venues in Leeds where you’re likely to see something that will not only make you stay the length of their set but also buy so much of their merch that the artist may even be able to cover their fuel that night are: Wharf Chambers, Hyde Park Book Club, Oporto, The Irish Centre, The Cardigan Arms, Belgrave Music Hall, Headrow House, Left Bank; spreading further across Yorkshire, other notable mentions are the Hebden Bridge Trades Club, Middlesbrough’s Westgarth Social Club, the promoters Bodys in Wakefield, Hull’s Adelphi Club, and ugh SO MANY MORE.

I’ve found the best way to find music in Yorkshire is find a promoter or venue or label you trust, and go to as many things they put on as you can. That’s where the scene is, and you can be part of it: it’s just another word for community.

Through Please Please You nights I wouldn’t have discovered Cowgirl, The Black Lagoons, Perspex, Trueman & The Indoor League, and many more, as well as venues that are still thriving today like The Fulford Arms, The Winning Post, and The Crescent, plus some that live long in the memory like York’s Fibbers and the Duchess in Leeds.

ARCH REVIVAL

Out of all the counties in England, Yorkshire is home to the most spectacular abbeys and priories. Once home to orders of monks and lay brothers, providing the local communities with education, shelter and their own forms of healthcare, these magnificent buildings now stand ruined due to the events of the 16th Century. When Henry VIII decided to break with the Catholic Church in Rome, the abbeys were dissolved, dismantled and the land sold off to his favourite lords.

Many, like Roche Abbey for example, were also pillaged by locals who took anything they could get their hands on. The suppression of Roche is recorded in surprising detail by the nephew of one of the monks, Michael Sherbrook.

“It would have pitied any heart to see what tearing up of the lead there was, and plucking up of boards, and throwing down of the rafters ... and all things of price, either spoiled, plucked away or defaced to the uttermost.”

The King was so keen that these buildings should not be used for worship again that in Kirkstall Abbey the road was diverted to cut through the abbey’s nave, disturbing any potential worship that might have been attempted. Today you can still see the marks on the walls where the carriages scraped against them.

The two biggest and possibly most famous abbeys are Rievaulx and Fountains, both in North Yorkshire. Fountains is one of the best preserved monasteries in England. Founded in 1132, it operated for 407 years before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Around the time of its suppression it had been involved in its own drama with the crown - William Thirsk, abbot between 1526 and 1536, was executed by King Henry VIII along with his friend Adam de Sedbergh for plotting against the king - Adam de Sedberg was the last abbot of nearby Jervaulx Abbey. Both abbots refused the oath of supremacy in 1536.

Rievaulx has a particularly famous monk in its history called Aelred of Rievaulx. Aelred was abbot of Rievaulx from 1147 until his death in 1167, and is also known as the writer of works such as “De Spirituali Amicitia”, or ‘Spiritual Friendship’. This work has led to Aelred becoming a patron saint for several LGBTQ+ organisations: “It is no small consolation in this life to have someone who can unite with you in an intimate affection and the embrace of a holy love...” Unlike most abbots, Aelred supported friendships between monks and had a lifetime of friendships with men.

Words: Katie Glover Photos: Katie Glover

Just down the road from Rievaulx is Byland Abbey, an underrated site with some beautiful medieval tiles which you can see in warmer weather. Though the ruins are smaller than others, Byland does have an exceptionally large cloister and abbey church, reflecting the size of the community which once lived here.

Whitby Abbey is a very well known site for its connection to Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was so inspired by the gothic ruins that he set portions of his novel there, as well as taking names from graves in the local parish church of St Mary, including ‘Swales’, Dracula’s firstx victim in Whitby.

Stoker writes of Whitby: “Right over the town is the runoff Whitby Abbey, which was sacked by the Danes... It is a most noble ruin, of immense size, and full of beautiful and romantic bits; there is a legend that a white lady is seen in one of the windows.”

Up in North Yorkshire near Skipton is Bolton Abbey, next to the historic Strid Wood. One of the most picturesque on this list, Bolton was founded in 1120 and, like most others, was dissolved in the 16th Century during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Building work was actually still going on when it was dissolved in January 1540. A tower that was begun in 1520 was left half-standing and was later converted into an entrance porch.

If you fancy a free to enter site, Byland Abbey, Easby Abbey and St Mary’s Abbey are excellent choices. Easby is in a beautiful location by the River Swale and was founded in 1152. Since the 18th Century the ruins have been a landmark for artists such as J M W Turner, who painted the ruins around 1816.

St Mary’s is nestled right in the heart of York City Centre, and was once one of the most prosperous abbeys in Northern England. When it was dissolved in November 1539, it was worth over £2,000 a year, which is equivalent to £1,430,000 in 2021. The ruins you see today were built between 1271 and 1294, rebuilt after a fire in 1137 destroyed the original buildings.

There’s nothing like seeing these beautiful ruins in person, and the history behind them is boundless. Whether you rely on the information plaques, visit the museum at Rievaulx or opt for an audio guide, you will leave full of incredible history and a sense of real peace and tranquility.

History She Wrote

History She wrote celebrates the lives of influential Yorkshire women who created positive change during their lives. As a new immersive exhibition opens in York’s Fairfax House exploring its 18th century owner Ann Fairfax, Andrew Morrison describes her life for us in an attempt to unearth the hidden true story.

Ann Fairfax lived in one of the finest houses in York on Castlegate. In the early 1770’s, as the only surviving child, Ann inherited her father’s estates in North Yorkshire centred on Gilling and Ampleforth. Her eight brothers and sisters had all died in childhood of Smallpox – a lethal disease amongst children in the 18th century. Ann was forty-seven, a Catholic, a single woman and without an heir – all of which were frowned upon in 18th century society.

During Ann’s adult life her character and state of mind were openly criticized, and gossip was rife about her. A ‘mere’ spinster – timorous, childlike, demanding, unlikely to wed, obstinate, afflicted, and even from her closest friend Mary Belasyse a person with a ‘wild and melancholic imagination’.

Her inheritance made her a very wealthy woman and brought the attention of those who thought that she would be incapable of looking after her estates. None more so than her own cousin Nathaniel Piggott – a well-known astronomer of the time. Nathaniel Piggott believed himself entitled to Ann’s estates as the oldest male heir and believed that Ann would be incapable of managing them herself. He generously offered to look after the estates for an annual payment of £250 and a promise that his 7-year-old son would be Ann’s heir.

Ann travelled and lived in style, often moving between Gilling Castle and York with 12 servants – cook, undercook, housekeeper, butler, dresser, coachman, and a handful of footmen and chamber maids. Ann’s decoration of Fairfax House on Castlegate in York was of the finest order and her taste in clothes was expensive – once spending £12 on gold trimmings for a dress at a time when the salary for one of her chamber maids was £4 a year.

In Nathaniel Pigott’s mind he saw the inheritance being squandered. After a great deal of perseverance, he weakened Ann’s resolve and convinced her to sign a legal document agreeing make him the sole Trustee of Ann’s estates, with the power to dictate how she managed her lands and financial affairs.

Ann’s close confidant Father Anselm Bolton – the Fairfax family’s Catholic chaplain who was entrusted with caring for Ann’s spiritual and emotional needs – was able to offer Ann advice to help counteract the immense pressure that she was undoubtedly under. This relationship came under close social scrutiny and unwarranted gossip and may have led to his trial in York in 1786 for ‘endeavouring to convert one Mary Bentley from the Protestant to the Catholic faith’. Mary Bentley was one of Ann’s maids.

Writers through history have repeated the descriptions of Ann Fairfax interpreting her as ‘hysterical’, ‘unpredictable’, ‘chronically indecisive’ and have used her unmarried status as a negative aspect of her character.

However, recent research by the York Civic Trust Curators at Fairfax House has started to question some of this unwarranted criticism and reveal a story of an independent woman who was of a completely different character. Her actions, management of her estates and her life suggest a contrasting picture to that created by some of her peers and in particular her cousin and taken up by historians and commentators over the last 227 years following Ann’s death in 1793. This research allows us to consider the different aspects of the Ann’s story and decide for ourselves the true impression of Ann Fairfax.

Words & Photos: Fairfax House

PICTURE HOUSE RENAISSANCE

As the Hyde Park Picture House nears completion of an impressive renovation, Ollie Jenkins reveals its historic past, vital present and exciting future.

THE HISTORY

Opening in 1914, the Hyde Park Picture House is one of the UK’s oldest cinemas and somewhat of a historical and cultural landmark in North West Leeds.

Prior to becoming a cinema, the Picture House’s first owner Henry Child had intended to open a new hotel on the same site named ‘The Paragon’. However, after Leeds Corporation denied multiple requests for a hotel, the site instead became home to the ‘Brudenell Road Social and Recreation Club’ in 1908 - a precursor to the Brudenell Social Club which established itself down the road five years later. Eventually the building was converted into a cinema by architect Thomas Winn, and on the 2nd November 1914 the Hyde Park Picture House opened, with a screening of the now lost American drama, My Only Son.

Throughout the decades since, the Picture House has changed and adapted with the times, shifting from newsreels and silent movies during the 1910s, to widescreen CinemaScope epics in the 1950s, to far less reputable softcore romps in the 1970s. In more recent years the cinema has established itself as the home of independent film in Leeds, working with partners from across the city to screen a diverse programme of award-winning movies from around the world, championing and celebrating works from emerging and historically underrepresented filmmakers.

THE CHALLENGE

When the cinema reached 100 in 2014, a feasibility study was commissioned to address a significant number of longstanding challenges with the building, which if left unchecked could threaten the future survival of the Picture House. Thanks to backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Picture House Project began in summer 2021, and this ambitious redevelopment is now nearing completion.

Of all the challenges facing the cinema, the physical condition of the building itself was one of the biggest. Over the years patch repairs had allowed the building to continue to function, but it reached the point where papering over the cracks was no longer an option and more fundamental fabric repairs were desperately needed. Many of the cinema’s important heritage features also needed proper refurbishment if they were to continue being used into the future.

Another major challenge was the longstanding issue of inaccessibility. Like many heritage buildings, the cinema had been unable to welcome everyone through its doors due to its stepped entrance and lack of wheelchair accessible toilets. There is only so long a building’s age can be given as an excuse for it not being accessible.

And the last important challenge was whether the building was providing audiences with an enjoyable experience. Many will be all too familiar with how hot the cinema got in the summer, or how freezing it could be in the winter; with waiting outside in the rain for the previous film to finish before they were allowed to enter; with how cramped the foyer and toilets could get during busy screenings; and with new films not always showing on their release date due to the constraints of a single screen cinema.

The Picture House Project’s aim is to respond to all of these challenges - everything we’re doing is about ensuring we can preserve and secure the building and the history within for another 100 years. This means combining conservation and repair work with the creation of new facilities; there will be a small extension and a second screen in the basement, as well as restored original features like our gaslights, 35mm projectors, iconic facade and external lamppost. We can also reveal some features which haven’t been seen in over 60 years, including original terrazzo tiles in our foyer.

During the redevelopment, we’ve been able to learn so much about the history of the Picture House too - from the dozens of different colours the cinema was painted, to discovering a 1930’s proscenium arch hidden between the original and newer arch, which we never even knew existed. Some of the items we’ve found under our floorboards - which we’ve recently been sharing as part of our #TreasureTrashTuesday project - have told us a lot about what people were up to in the building over the decades, including confirmation the cinema was used for bingo for a number of years. Once reopened, we’re excited to share these historical discoveries.

The redevelopment is also doing a lot to improve on the accessibility, comfort and sustainability of the cinema. Alongside some comfy new seats, we’ve introduced loads of new insulation and improved ventilation systems, which means we’ll be able to better regulate the temperature during the hot and cold months.

We’ll be reopening with a new ramped entrance, a new wheelchair accessible toilet and a new platform lift taking people to all three levels of the cinema. We’ll also be able to deliver more accessible screenings, including captioned performances, dementia and autism friendly screenings, and improved audio description facilities for audiences who are blind or vision impaired.

And people will be able to enjoy a drink at the cinema before the film from a seating area in the new extension, as well as stick around for a drink after. This should mean a lot less queuing outside in the rain!

THE PEOPLE

Many people have a lot of love and affection for the Picture House and rightly feel like they have a personal stake in its future and how it’s run. Because of this we did a huge amount of consultation with our community and audiences early on, providing them with opportunities to feed into the project and shape its direction. The result has been overwhelming support for what’s been happening, and an understanding for why change is necessary - it’s been so heartening to see.

There have been hundreds of talented and passionate people involved to get us to where we are today. Core to this has been a highly skilled design team comprised of award-winning architects Page\Park, who have worked on arts and heritage conservation projects including Leeds Playhouse, alongside widely experienced engineers Buro Happold, who worked on the refurbishment of the Majestic in Leeds.

We’ve been lucky to work with a huge number of skilled consultants and specialists, led by the project’s main contractors Triton. And the project wouldn’t have been possible without vital funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside crucial support from Leeds City Council and foundations like Garfield Weston, plus guidance from local planning.

The project has also been about celebrating the history of cinema-going in Leeds and the region more widely. This has seen us deliver Hiding in Plain Sight, an interactive project mapping every cinema which has ever existed in Leeds [lostcinemas.co.uk], as well as Memory Bank, a new reminiscence project run in collaboration with the Yorkshire Film Archive.

THE FUTURE

The Hyde Park Picture House has been around for so long that it now feels like a constant and immovable part of the Hyde Park community. So for the cinema to be closed for the past 2.5 years does feel like a big part of the area has been missing, and is why we can’t wait to reopen early next year and welcome audiences back.

The cinema’s new facilities will allow us to reinvest and deliver even more for those in our community. We’re so lucky to have as neighbours some wonderful community-focused cultural organisations including the Brudenell Social Club, Hyde Park Book Club and Left Bank - who in recent years have also all seen growth, development and investment. By being part of this thriving and diverse community and working together to deliver exciting events and projects we hope to celebrate Hyde Park with great pride.

Today the focus of the Picture House team is on placing the cinema on a more sustainable footing, allowing the cinema’s programme to grow in a way that’s more relevant and accessible for those in its community, whilst ensuring the Picture House’s much loved Grade II listed building is safe and secure for decades to come.

This has all contributed to a carefully and meticulously planned project, designed with respect and appreciation for what’s come before, and delivered to a high standard in terms of craft and materials. We can’t wait to show everyone the finished results very soon.

hydeparkpicturehouse.co.uk thepicturehouseproject.com

Words: Ollie Jenkins

Photos: Hyde Park Picture House

EAST MEETS WEST YORKSHIRE

Simmy Kanda is a fashion photographer and stylist based in Leeds. Within her award winning work, she is embracing her Hindu Punjabi culture to help educate society, respect people’s differences, and guide towards equality and inclusivity.

Identifying as a British Indian, Simmy was exposed to her heritage through fashion, food and language. She aspires to use these experiences in her art to inspire others to celebrate their roots and encourage individuals to follow their creative dreams.

Celebrating the important contribution of Eastern culture to West Yorkshire, Simmy created these images for us. Photographed by her sister at her auntie’s Unique Boutique on Leeds Road, Bradford, the traditional clothing that Simmy is modelling is generally worn at Indian weddings and parties, and is called ‘Lehenga’.

Photographer: Evita Kanda Shop: Unique Bradford Stylist/Art Director: Simmy Kanda @simmykanda

AUTUMN INTERIORS

Zoe Brewer of Walton's Fine Furnishings in Ilkley offers some expert tips and reveals the interior design trends for Autumn 2022.

With the dark nights approaching, many people are looking to create a place of sanctuary and a sense of contentment within their homes. Texture and colour are key to creating a feeling of warmth in a room.

Textural fabrics and carpets are being used in a combination of colours with eye-catching accessories such as statement cushions, lamps, signature upholstery pieces and feature wallpapers. Suppliers such as Designers Guild, Larsen and Romo have new collections showcasing some gorgeously rich and textured upholstery fabrics.

As we move into the Autumn and Winter months, we see a change in the intenseness of colour themes. Rich colours such as Rust, Black, Tobacco and Gold are popular, with pops of Magenta, Navy and Emerald Green. Customers are turning to paint colour combinations that add drama and intrigue to a space, from neutrals in graduating shades which flow between rooms, to more dramatic colour pairings.

Paint colour pairings are massively important at the moment, and Farrow and Ball have released 11 new colours inspired by moments of joy, comfort and refreshment intended to bring delight to your decorating. Versatile shades from a lively, flame red to a delicate pink showcase their signature depth of colour and response to light.

As soon as the central heating and fires go back on, traditional, hand knotted and flat weave rugs come to the fore. A cosy addition to any room, manufacturers like Crucial Trading and Alternative Flooring Company can create bespoke rugs from their carpet. Wood flooring is a great backdrop to a rug, and suppliers such as Ted Todd have vast ranges on offer. If a softer feel underfoot is preferred, luxurious carpets from suppliers such as Riviera and ITC can add a glamourous edge to a scheme.

Embellishment is another major trend this Autumn/Winter. Statement wallpapers are popular, and suppliers such as Cole and Son are a great source of inspiration as we are pushed to papering full rooms again. Zoffany have released a collection of decadent embroideries and weaves for statement curtains with a matching wallpaper book. Colefax and Fowler’s new launch showcases large scale prints and embroideries with gorgeous French knot details to sit alongside traditional woven fabrics for upholstery.

For small spaces or budget saving schemes we would recommend using statement patterns or textures in smaller quantities to reduce costs. A room with a fresh paint colour and simple blinds could be dressed with eye-catching cushions and a footstool or small chair in a standout colour or pattern. Osborne and Little have just launched an impactful collection of woven fabrics in collaboration with designer Margot Selby that would definitely fit this bill.

We also love to use local suppliers, and in Yorkshire nothing is more local than wool. We are so lucky to stock fabric collections from mills such as Moon, Art of the Loom, Marton Mills and Abbottsford. Westex are another Yorkshire based supplier, their carpet and Luxury Vinyl Tile ranges can tick any design box. Eco-friendly, recycled and sustainable fabrics are also increasing, as suppliers push to reduce their environmental impact whilst creating beautiful spaces.

Photos: Walton’s Fine Furnishings 46 - 50 Leeds Rd, Ilkley LS29 8DS www.waltonsfinefurnishings.co.uk

STORY

The unique story of Boodles begins in a northern city over 225 years ago; founded in 1798 by a Liverpool family, this fine jewellery brand has evolved through six generations to become a modern success with a rich heritage. From these humble beginnings, the Boodles journey has taken many twists and turns; from tragedy to Royalty, theirs is a life which has seen a lot and risen to the top. And in Leeds, it is only just beginning.

After being established by the Kirk family, the elevation of Boodles took off a century later when the Wainwright family took on the business. Henry Wainwright had learnt his trade at uncle William's watchmakers, and noticing opportunity in the rising city of Liverpool, he became manager and then owner of Kirk & Co.

Henry's sons Harold and Herbert joined the family business, and it wasn't long before they set up on their own by taking over another local jeweller's, Boodle and Dunthorne. Tragically, Harold was killed in the Great War, and it was left to Henry and Herbert to continue the business. In 1921, the father and son team opened Boodles House in Liverpool, which a century later remains the Boodles head office.

When Anthony Wainwright took over in 1945, he set the bar even higher as top jewellers with integrity. Soon, their reputation for the finest quality jewellery spread, and Boodles began mixing in the highest circles. They were commissioned to make a silver gilt switch box for King George V; they made a solid silver stand for one of Princess Elizabeth's wedding cakes; and they made the gold trophy for a Grand National winner ridden by the Queen Mother's jockey. With such acclaim, it was time to expand.

A second shop was opened in 1965, and now, in 2022, Boodles have grown into ten stunning stores across the UK and Ireland. Whilst the brand have also moved south with supreme success to have five immaculate London shops, their northern roots remain. The original Liverpool premise continues to lead the way, and Leeds was welcomed into the Boodles family last year.

Opening in the appropriately luxurious heritage setting of Victoria Quarter and with a handsome frontage onto the city's main shopping street Briggate, a visit to Boodles is a real treat. Whether shopping for a one of a kind gift, a statement piece, a sparkling diamond, or a subtle set; for engagements, occasions and weddings, for yourself or for someone you love; from lifelong rings to high fashion watches, this dazzling store will always provide a special bespoke experience.

Uniquely for such a leading brand with an enviable global reputation, Boodles have maintained the family values and local ethos which got them here. Still firmly within the Wainwright family, brothers Nicholas and Michael are the current generation, with the next generation of son Jody, daughter Honour and nephew James Amos at the helm of an ever evolving operation. Perhaps their biggest progression, 30 years ago this traditional English jeweller set up their own in-house design team, who ever since have created some of the very finest jewellery in the world.

Their iconic collections have included Raindance, Wonderland and Peace of Mined, and Boodles' new designs continue to innovate and reach these peaks; showcasing their expertise and elegance, these are handcrafted beautiful jewels that, like the brand itself, celebrate their heritage whilst shimmering as a spectacular modern piece of northern glamour.

Image credits: 1 & 2. Boodles

YORKSHIRE

LOCAL - ILKLEY

The Yorkshire spa town of Ilkley is surrounded by beautiful countryside landscapes and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city centre life. The town lies largely on the south bank of the River Wharfe and is filled with Victorian architecture, floral displays and wonderful independent businesses. Whether you’re visiting for a lovely seasonal walk on the famous Ilkley Moor, or perhaps to potter around the pretty shops and cafes, or maybe going for some relaxing drinks with friends, Ilkley is the ideal place for all of it. So, as you’re wandering along the streets and exploring the town, you may just discover this is your new favourite place to be.

Ilkley has an array of cosy cafes, so when you’re on the hunt for a delicious breakfast you’re certainly not short of choice. You can start the day on Wells Road at The Ilkley Cafe Company, a family run business that opened up in 2017. Perfect all year round, you can opt for their patio seating in the summer months or the comfy sofas during the winter. For breakfast, they serve classics like eggs benedict and smashed avocado on toast, as well as American style pancakes for those with a sweet tooth on a morning. Or you can treat yourself to something a little fancier with their Italian sausage and egg ciabatta dish. For an equally fancy bite, Betty’s is a Yorkshire institution which delivers an elegant breakfast or for later in the day a refined afternoon tea. On Leeds Road you can also find Lishman’s, an award-winning butchers who can supply you with high quality produce and some of the finest Yorkshire charcuterie for your nights at home.

As well as beng a great hub for food and drink, you can enjoy some fun and fascinating activities throughout the town. The Hot Yoga Chapel is located on Ashlands Road and they regularly host classes and events, with specialist classes in Original Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Rocket Yin and more. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by popular attractions including the Ilkley Toy Museum, showcasing collections of toys dating back from 350 BC to modern day, and the Ilkley Lido, a tranquil outdoor swimming pool that has a beautiful view across to Ilkley Moor.

As the colder winter days are fast approaching, an extra coffee stop is always a rewarding way to warm up. The Greenhouse on Leeds Road is a trendy and friendly independent coffee shop that’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends or enjoy some time with the family. Then just a short walk down to The Grove is Thirty Nine Cafe and Bakehouse. This eclectic cafe serves brunch, lunch and handmade cakes using lots of local ingredients and a mission to lead with taste. On their menu are options for vegetarians and meat lovers, as well as mouthwatering bakes including a Victoria sponge loaf, strawberry blondies and fresh scones. Dogs are also welcome inside and out!

Staying on The Grove, let’s continue the afternoon by browsing the array of shops dotted around the town, starting at Nora’s. This award-winning home accessories and gift shop is filled with products created by British makers and designers, where you’ll find gifts for everyone from children to proud Yorkshire residents. Just a few steps away is The Ilkley Shoe Company who stock one of the largest ranges of homemade gentlemens footwear in Yorkshire, and are known for their high quality leather goods. If you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe, Attic is the place to visit for womenswear. This independent boutique stocks brands from far and wide and are happy to help you find the perfect seasonal pieces. Back onto Leeds Road, Corner House Interiors sell decorative accessories and furniture, offering a diverse and eclectic mix of styles through their hand-picked collections and upcycled treasures.

Ilkley is undoubtedly a town with lots of charm and character, and it also offers attractive evening entertainment. Ilkley Cinema on Leeds Road is twoscreen independent picture house which shows films and hosts events in surroundings that combine comfy modern and handsome traditional interiors. Ilkley Playhouse is another lovely theatre, almost entirely staffed by volunteers, and bringing to its stage regular great live performances.

Into the night, there are many delicious restaurants in Ilkley to dine out in. Amongst these is The Box Tree, an award winning fine dining restaurant that combines exquisite flavours for an unforgettable experience. Set within a charming cottage with luxurious rooms, you can feast on classic dishes made with high quality ingredients. And an evening spent out eating isn’t fulfilled without popping in for a drink or two. If you’ve walked the moors then it’d be rude not to end the hike at The Cow and Calf, and back in town drop by Friends of Ham. Found on Wells Road, Friends of Ham serves high quality craft beers and natural wines in their inviting space, alongside a delicious selection of meats and cheeses. Inside they’ve installed a log burner for the colder nights, and there’s a nice beer garden for when the sun shines again.

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STILL MAKING IT

In 1904 a business began in Leeds that the city can be proud of. Founded by Charles F Stead, the company of the same name has evolved through the subsequent 118 years to still stand strongly as a piece of Leeds’ past, present and future. During that time, much has changed, but the ethos of this family business has remained.

The changes and challenges began early into the life of the Charles F Stead business, when the man was killed during World War I. After learning his trade, Charles had taken over Sheepscar Tannery, from where he produced original leathers. Following the tragedy of his father, Phillip Stead found himself at the helm at the young age of 22.

Soon after, leather came into fashion through the biker look, and then became a necessity of World War II, when Sheepskin clothing was required for the troops. For both purposes, CF Stead adapted and were in high demand. But after the war, the leather industry suffered with depressed markets, and Steads, with a production of mixed products but none that were outstanding, began speedily going downhill.

In 1954, Ernest Crack joined the business, and the Crack family remain at the forefront of CF Stead. Current MD Kenny Crack takes up the story; “Ernest changed direction to specialise in suede splits which form the basis of the business today. He quickly cut out the lines that weren’t profitable, bought the by-products from the UK bovine tanners who he could rely on for quality and consistency, and he targeted the best of the British shoemakers led by C&J Clark in Somerset.”

“The business today is still run by the 2 families that brought about that turnaround in the 1950’s: the Crack family and the Bailey family. Peter Crack, David Bailey and Douglas Crack developed the company from these bold new beginnings and steered us through difficult times when many tanneries in the UK closed due to greater competition, firstly from Europe and then latterly from the Far East, which rapidly became the dominating force that they are today.” The business is now run by the next generation of Kenny Crack, Andrew Bailey and Michael Crack.

“I have been here for 26 years and seen many changes in that time”, Kenny continues, ensuring CF Stead keep the best of their heritage whilst evolving with modern times. “We use traditional methods to make our products, placing quality at the centre of everything we do. This however is now combined with state of the art machinery; the last 10 years has seen us invest in a new automated dye house, and replace many machines for improvements in efficiency and energy usage.”

The foundations of CF Stead remain rooted in its leather origins, and their expertise is now exported out of Leeds to the global market.

“We manufacture high quality suedes and leathers, predominantly to supply into the global footwear brands”, explains Kenny. “We supply into the two Clarks iconic shoes, the Original Desert Boot and The Wallabee.”

The process requires the knowledge, contacts, skills and facilities that have been developed for over a century. And, as Kenny describes, a commitment to quality, time and effort. “The key starting point is the procurement of the best raw material, which we we buy already tanned. This can come from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Southern Africa. We dye and finish the material, utilising the best available dyestuffs to create the deep rich colours that we are famous for. Our approach is always to do more and not less.” The result is the finest and most durable napped suede which is known globally as ‘Crosta Inglese.’

The ongoing success of CF Stead has been despite difficult conditions in a competitive industry. Kenny explains; “It’s a very challenging time being a manufacturing SME in the UK at the moment. We import 85% of our materials and we export 85% of our finished articles. Brexit, Covid and volatility with the exchange rates have been problematic in the last few years. Hopefully a period of stability is round the corner.”

There has also been a change in attitude from when CF Stead was founded to now towards the leather industry. Their ethical approach, Kenny maintains, means they are producing sustainable material; “As long as people are still choosing to eat meat then leather can be a sustainable product; we are taking a by-product of the meat industry and utilising what would otherwise be waste. We put a lot of effort and work into our own sustainability as a company. We are part of the Leather Working Group which audits tanneries environmental impacts; this has helped us to recognise and implement significant improvements to help reduce our waste, water usage and energy usage. This part of the business is crucial.”

It is this ability to adapt and evolve that has helped CF Stead survive and thrive into the modern manufacturing world when many others have not. “We are a rather isolated industry”, says Kenny. “Yorkshire and Leeds in particular was a hotbed of tanning activity until the early 1900’s, and today we are the only existing tannery in Leeds.”

And as the city can be proud of this local business, Kenny confirms that the feeling is reciprocated. “We are very proud to be a Leeds based company; our heritage within the city is strong. We have employees whose grandfathers and great grandfathers worked with us. As Leeds continues to be one of the most vibrant and business focused hubs outside of the capital, we are proud to have been an active contributor for 118 years.”

AN INTIMATE

York YO1

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