Three bedrooms, rooftop garden, rural views - and a… shrine to Jimmy Savile and Fiona Bruce?
All is not as it first seems with this cottage that’s gone on the market this week.
The home in Queensbury in Bradford has loads of original features, like an Inglenook fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, and exposed stonework details.
The views are incredible too, with huge windows in the lounge and the master bedroom looking out over the surrounding countryside.
There’s also a rooftop garden with a seating area, parking for several cars, and an actual bar in the basement.
And all for the low low price of £230,000.
But eagle-eyed house hunters have noticed an unusual detail in the basement of the cottage. It’s an homage to a few unexpected celebrities.
Down here in the basement, where there are several pub-style tables and chairs bunched together, and a dart board, and you’re watched over by a cardboard cut-out of newsreader Fiona Bruce.
The outside of the cottage in BradfordThe cottage's rooftop gardenIncredible viewsAnd that basement shrine...
And that’s far from the weirdest celeb spot down here.
You’ll also notice there appears to be a framed photo of notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, aka the Yorkshire Ripper. What a nice, wholesome character to immortalise in your pub…
Former PM Margaret Thatcher is in pride of place above the fireplace, and there seems to be a copy of Jimmy Savile’s book on display on the mantelpiece.
The photos of the basement have been taken down from the Rightmove listing after this tweet, which asked: ‘Wouldn’t you take down your framed pictures of Margaret Thatcher, Peter Sutcliffe and Fiona Bruce down for the photos??’, went a bit viral.
In response, one person wrote: “part of me thinks this is a brilliant marketing move... I'm looking to move house, and the price point and rural setting is great. Wouldn't have even considered Bradford 'til I saw this....”
Another person pointed out: “I really hope the seller has done this because he knows Twitter will spread the advert far and wide.”
Someone else fairly observed: “Amazes me how people give a monkey's about anything other than the structure and layout of a house they're buying. Nothing else matters, you can paint it, fit a new bathroom etc.”
And also remove the shrine to the convicted criminals…
Tributes have been pouring in after it was announced that the founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s has sadly died.
Shabir Hussain opened the first Akbar’s restaurant over in Bradford all the way back in 1995, before later expanding to several other major Northern cities including Leeds , Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Manchester.
The restaurant founder’s death was announced by the company on social media this morning.
The statement sharing the sad news of his passing at the age of 56 on the official Akbar’s Instagram account reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group.
“Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement of his death, Akbar’s said all its restaurants – including the one in Manchester city centre – would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as a result while staff pay their respects.
“All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm,” the official statement concluded.
Since the news was publicly shared this morning, dozens of people have taken to the comments of the official Instagram post to pay tribute, share their condolences, and offer their support – with one reading: “A truly kind and generous man, and a very very sad loss indeed,” and another reading: “Heartbreaking to hear this beautiful gentleman is no more, but his legacy is forever.”
Another person wrote in tribute: “A huge loss. What an incredible legacy [he is] leaving behind.”
“So sad to hear this. Thank you for creating the finest lamb chops and curries,” another tribute reads, while someone else added: “So many good memories at Akbar’s, and always had a good laugh with brother Shabir. Will truly be missed.”
David Hockney launches drawing competition for Bradford City of Culture 2025
Clementine Hall
A nationwide drawing competition backed by artist David Hockney has been unveiled as part of UK City of Culture 2025.
The event is just one of many that will take place in Bradford over the course of 2025, including the acclaimed Turner Prize and an outdoor event helmed by Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo.
And it doesn't stop there, to celebrate literature there will be a series of tributes to the Brontë sisters who were born in Thornton, Yorkshire.
A number of music events will also be held, including a brass band celebration of Bradford and its South Asian community.
It starts here. We are Bradford. We are the UK City of Culture 2025. Check out the first part of our programme now ?
David Hockney, widely thought of as Britain's greatest living artist, was born in Bradford in 1937. He is inviting people of all ages across the country to take part in his project to "reflect our everyday lives".
Dynamo, the world famous magician, will perform his new show Rise, which is based on the story of his grandfather teaching him magic tricks in the city.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “The UK is invited to Bradford in 2025. Not only will audiences want to be celebrating everything that makes Bradford great, but it’ll also be a part of the change for this vibrant city and district.”
Image: Bradford City of Culture
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “This celebration of talent born and bred in the city will help to get more people of all ages and backgrounds involved in cultural events, creating good jobs and opportunities for young people.”
Bradford City of Culture 2025 will kick off in January and aims to bring the cultural wonders of Yorkshire to the UK public whilst bringing much needed funding to the city.
Daisy Jackson -
27th July 2023 
