Headrow House

Last week, I headed up to Leeds for the Bloggers' Blog Awards. However, Leeds is such a bustling city, there is always more than one blogger event going on whenever I visit, so I was excited to also attend the launch of Headrow House, Leeds' newest bar, club and event space. In fact it was so new, the building was still being built on the launch night so we headed past the builders into the finished beer hall inside.

Headrow House is very similar to Belgrave Music Hall - which makes sense, once you realise that they are owned by the same company. The guys behind Belgrave have taken everything that works about the venue and applied it to a new location on The Headrow. It comprises of four floors and two roof terraces, although unfortunately there aren't really any views to speak of. However, the space is great; we spent most of our time in the beer hall and the long benches and tables create a fun and social vibe. Once I had a Pilsner in my hand, I settled into the beer hall atmosphere and everyone seemed to be having a great time. 

The student in me was shocked that a pint of beer was around the £5 mark - and this is Leeds! However, once I thought about it, I think this is intentional. Headrow House are effectively pricing out the students and ensuring the venue is going to appeal almost exclusively to locals. Headrow House wouldn't look out of place in London, and although I'm sure plenty of people will love this fact, it made me a little bit sad about the lack of some Leeds personality. 

I never entirely understand the decision to host launch parties before a venue is completely finished, as I don't think I got to see the best version of Headrow House, as many parts of the building were still being finished. However, from what I did see, I would return again and I'm excited to see how the venue flourishes in the future months. 

Check out Headrow's House website for all their future events. Will you head on down to Headrow House?

Jess

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"Don't let the muggles get you down"

I love Harry Potter. I really, truly love it – it is a symbol of my childhood and has followed me into my twenties. I’m becoming well known for my Dobby earrings, I own almost every Harry Potter themed tshirt and pyjama set sold by Primark and my internship with Bloomsbury was partly so exciting because it was the publishing home of the Harry Potter series. The films have become as big a part of my love for Harry Potter as the books and the first time I visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour a couple of years ago, I actually cried as I stepped into the Great Hall - yes, I'm that fan. When I was offered some tickets for the September Screenings by the Studios, I might have screamed, cried and screamed some more with joy at the amazing opportunity to visit and review the special event:

I last visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour at Christmas in 2014 so I had been planning to visit the tour again for a while. For me, the tour continues to be excellent whether it is your first or fifth visit, thanks to the constant innovation and new sections introduced by the Leavesden studios. The latest addition to the tour was the part I was most excited to see; the Hogwarts Express. Just look at it. And I actually got to stand in front of it and even walk on it! It was such a highlight and a genius addition to the tour. I was also amazed to see some trolleys attached to wall, exactly the same as the ‘Platform 9 and 3/4’ trolley at King’s Cross Station. I have been waiting for months to spot a queue short enough to join for a photo at King’s Cross, which has obviously never happened, so I was more than happy to pose with the trolley at the Studios instead and pretend I could reach Hogwarts!

This visit was even more special as a result of the September Screenings. Unfortunately now finished, the tickets for the Screening not only included your entry to the tour, but also included some hot food, a soft drink and a cup of the famous Butterbeer to enjoy at the mid-point of the tour. After the tour, the ticket also included a screening of one of the Harry Potter movies in the tour cinema, accompanied by some popcorn or pick and mix. The day I attended was the screening of The Goblet of Fire, probably my favourite book of the series and I had honestly forgotten how good the film is too. After walking round the tour and getting excited about all the props and displays on show, I always want to go home and immediately watch the movies, so being able to sit down and watch one of the films in a room full of Harry Potter fans was perfect. Everyone was so involved in the film, nobody minded the odd popcorn rustle or whoop at an exciting moment; we were all there together as fans of Harry Potter to enjoy the evening and it was magical.

I’m hoping Warner Bros Studio Tour plan to repeat the September Screenings next year, if not sooner, as I would definitely return and do it again. It was a wonderful day and the Studios are constantly innovating and adding new events to their calendar – like the incredible option to dine at the Great Hall this Christmas, which was unfortunately completely out of my price range and is now sold out. I personally don’t mind these higher priced events, as long as there is still a balance of alternative events and seasonal offerings for a range of fans, whatever their budget. For me, the September Screenings were the right price for an amazing experience and I loved every single second. I cannot wait to head back as soon as I can!

Have you ever visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour? What was your favourite part?

Jess

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A Dress From A Duvet: That's Sew George

I have finally handed in my Masters' dissertation! I can now no longer describe myself as a student (although part of me will continue to be in denial until I get confirmation that I am actually graduating and my student card expires). Now I have a little more time to catch up all things blogging and today I wanted to share a crafty post, with the help of George at Asda:

Dress: DIY from George at Asda duvet* Heels: Primark. Belt: Primark. Necklace: George at Asda*

George at Asda offered me a new duvet cover from their amazing homeware range to update my bedroom with a fresh new set of bedding. Then, they explained the twist; I was challenged to use this bedding to sew into something completely new. Using a duvet cover as a fabric for a dress is a concept which I had come across on Pinterest before and I immediately knew this was what I wanted to try and do. It's such a cheap way to get your hands on some interesting cotton fabric rather than buying by the metre. George at Asda have an amazing range of duvet covers with brilliant patterns and colours, so I eventually settled on this cute fox print for the basis of my dress.

I decided to make a simple shift dress, without the need to include a zip or buttons. I say 'simple' but it wasn't quite as easy as I thought. With the help of my Mum and after recutting a couple of sections so the foxes weren't upside down, we managed to sew something that resembled a dress. Now, I must admit, that I feel a little like Dobby in his pillowcase as the measurements somehow came up much bigger than we expected. However, for today's photos I cinched in my waist with a tan belt and added some heels to lengthen my legs. Hopefully, it's only because I know it's a duvet that I'm a little self-conscious and nobody else can tell! What do you think?

I also have some amazing unicorn patterned fabric from Asda which I am dying to turn into clothing, but I think I need to practice before I try again. I can't risk ruining the incredible unicorn pattern! Have you got any sewing tips for new sewers like me? Have you ever made a dress from a duvet cover?

Jess

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