Iconic Ivegate pub, Ye Old Crown, reopens as an ultra-modern sports bar after closing for a £300k investment.
Ye Old Crown on Ivegate closed its doors at the end of October this year to undergo a £300k refurbishment, which involved knocking through to the former Brickbox venue and office next door.
The result is an ultra-modern, top-of-the range sports bar named The Crown which open it's doors on Friday 2 December just in time for England’s triumphant World Cup clash against Senegal.
The new space features 15 large LED TV screens as well as a 4m x 2m ‘King’ sized screen, allowing it's 300 customer capacity to catch every bit of the sporting action.
The venue also boasts three competition standard pool tables as well as interactive darts, making it the perfect spot to socialise on the weekends and showcase your competitive streak.
Image: Supplied
The Crown's fully stocked bar features a wide range of craft beers, real ales and international lagers. Not only that, but as of early 2023 there will be a six-tap beer wall that allows customers to pour their own pints and beat the queues.
Hungry punters will be able to indulge in a lip-smacking selection of sports fan favourites including juicy burgers, cheesy pizza, wings, dirty fries and much more.
Speaking ahead of the relaunch, General manager Andrew Ingham said: "Given the amount of history and fond memories Bradford locals have with Ye Old Crown, we wanted to make sure its reinvention as a sports bar did not disappoint. We’re confident customers both old and new will love The Crown, as we truly believe it’s going to be the very best place to enjoy sport in Bradford and cheer on England in the World Cup.
"Interactive darts is also something we’re extremely proud to bring to The Crown and the self-pour beer wall is another feature that makes our offering unique. Ivegate is undoubtedly one of the city’s liveliest areas and we’re thrilled to be sitting alongside some of the best bars and pubs in Bradford."
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.
Clementine Hall -
5th December 2022 
