4 new Fused Glass Workshops at Chirpy this Autumn

Fancy getting creative with Fused Glass this Autumn?

Run by Cherry Tree Glass, an experienced glass fuser, our Fused Glass Workshops have proved really popular and we’re delighted to welcome back Claire with 4 autumnal creative workshops.

Perfect for beginners, or if you’ve been to one of her workshops before then why not join us again to creative something new.

1. Fused Glass Autumn Picture

Thursday 17th September 7-8:30pm Book here

In this workshop you creative your very own autumn themed picture using colourful glass pieces which will be mounted on a wooden stand.

2. Fused Glass Trick or Treat Pumpkin

Thursday 15th October 7-8:30pm Book Here

Join us for a bit of Halloween fun to create your own fused glass gothic or autumnal hanging pumpkin.

3. Fused Glass Winter Fireplace

Thursday 12th November 7-8:30pm Book Here

Create your own winter tea light holder with a fireside scene, glowing from the flickering tea light.

4.Fused Glass Christmas Wreath

Thursday 19th November 7-8:30pm Book Here

Make a unique Christmas Wreath adorned with everything seaosnal and ready to hang as a festive decoration.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

Chapel Allerton Indies : Cinnammmm

Here’s a little interview we did with Mina from Cinnammmm to find out a little bit about her and her business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

Hello, I’m Mina. Owner and founder of Cinnammmm. Its mainly just me that runs the business from all angle, ops and behind the scenes. But I am very lucky to have a massive support network of family and friends with helping hands as I need.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I started in july  2020 during lockdown whilst on furlough as I worked for an events company and everything had come to a halt. I was baking away filling my time finding things to do to fill my time. I always wanted some sort of food business, and so this was perfectly timed by the universe to let me have a go. I wanted something niche to set me apart from all the other bakers doing cookie and brownies at the time.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Lol, a normal day? Well everyday is different.
As I mentioned I started in July 2020, and Dec 2020 I also took on a full time remote based events role and have been managing both my full time day job Mon to Fri alongside running cinnammmm for 5 years from my home based kitchen, doing weekend pop ups, markets and food festivals with supplying upto 12 local coffee shops through out the week too.

Fast forward to Dec 2025 and I’ve made it to Chapel Allerton with my first brick and mortor shop front. I now work remotely from the shop mid week, plus the shop on a weekend. A typical day involves 4am starts, fresh bakes and shop set up. Log on to laptop for day job for 9am.  Switch between the coffee machine and bakery counter, to pot washing, sweeping and doing instagram posts to then hopping back to my lap top answering emails and processing bookings for my job. Start to close down the shop and tidy up around 430pm, finish off day job and log off laptop 5pm, finish shop close down and usually out around 530pm if I’m lucky then restart again.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date for Cinnammmm in all honesty was the guts to just start and try it. Its been progress ever since. Yes there are low and very low days with voices and doubts in my head often of what am I doing. Then I stop to pause and think right back to the beginning and the hardest scariest thing was just starting in the first place and that’s what I am most proud of because to anyone that starts any business it takes guts and courage to actually do it not just say it or write it down but actually walk the walk and try!
And it don’t stop there, everyday is a an achievement, the resillience of trying the next steps not knowing how it will be recieved or if it will work!

Favourite product you sell / make

I offer a selection of bakes, mainly american style ie whoopie pies, snickerdoodles and pecan pie, but our speciality and niche is american style cinnamon bons with our signature special homemade caramel and pecan.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my business is the people I get to meet along the way and building relationships and friendships along the way from fellow small business owners to customers too.

Worst thing is not always having/knowing what to do but having an opportunity to ask others and try anway.

Favourite time of year in the business?

It’s my first year in the shop so not sure yet...but from previous years I love the summer months of food festivals and then winter festive markets too. It’s just a vibe and people are in a positive state of happiness.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

Ooo I’d love to have a go at Tasha's place, flavour like fancy! It just shouts out FUN all over! The colours, the products and variety and the spectrum of customers in there...oh and also Armardillo, that is just dreamy to have a play day in there!

Plans for the future?

Not sure on the year ahead, just settling in and living in the present for now!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Times are tough right now all round, we get it. Supporting your local indies is about supporting one and other and our communities all round. It’s taking chances and trusting one and another, the multinationals are always looking at ways to take short cuts and short change us, they will replace us with tech. Keeping small businesses alive keeps connections alive, teaches younger generations the importance of communitiy and supporting as well as keeping skills and artisan maker and dreamers alive

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

I’m a super busy bee, I juggle lots and find it hard to sit still. I’ve been an active girlguide voluteer for over 10 years another great way to support our local young people through many experiences and adventures, plus it keeps me living my youth.

Where can we find you?

Find us the top side of Chapel Allerton, 186 Harrogate Road open weds to mon

Find us on social @cinnammmm

Chapel Allerton Indies : George & Joseph Cheesemongers

Here’s a little interview we did with Stephen from George & Joseph to find out a little bit about him and his business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

We’re George & Joseph Cheesemongers, a multi-award winning independent cheese shop in the heart of Chapel Allerton. We specialise in proper artisan cheese, with a big focus on British and Irish makers, alongside a carefully chosen selection of crackers, chutneys, wines and all the lovely bits that make a cheeseboard sing.

We opened our first shop in Chapel Allerton in 2013, then moved round the corner to our current home on Harrogate Road in 2017. Since then we’ve cut, wrapped, tasted, posted, delivered and chatted our way through more cheese than is probably sensible.

Our team is made up of enthusiastic cheesemongers who genuinely love helping people find cheeses they’ll enjoy — whether that’s a safe bet for a Friday night, something show-stopping for a dinner party, or a full cheese tower for a wedding.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

It started, as many good things do, with a love of cheese and a slightly reckless idea.

Before G&J, I’d spent years in a very different career, but cheese kept calling. I first got properly hooked through Homage2Fromage, the cheese tasting club in Leeds, and then started selling cheese at local markets and events. One of our first outings was at the CARA Easter Eggstravaganza in a Co-op car park in Chapel Allerton — very glamorous, obviously.

After a stint at farmers’ markets and Leeds Kirkgate Market, we opened the first George & Joseph shop on Regent Street in 2013. At first, the shop was open four days a week while I juggled freelance IT work on the side. By 2017, we’d moved to our bigger shop on Harrogate Road and gone full-time into cheese. No regrets — apart from maybe the occasional Christmas cheese queue-induced panic.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There’s no such thing as a completely normal day in a cheese shop, which is part of the fun.

A typical day might involve receiving cheeses from makers, checking ripeness, cutting and wrapping cheese for the counter, helping customers choose something delicious, making up online orders, planning events, putting together wedding cheese cakes, chatting about pairings, and answering excellent questions like “what cheese should I serve with this wine?” or “how much cheese is too much cheese?” — to which the answer is usually “steady on, but probably more than you think.”

We also spend a lot of time caring for the cheese. Cheese is alive, so it needs looking after properly — turning, wrapping, checking and tasting. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.

Biggest achievement to date?

Still being here after more than a decade feels like a pretty big achievement. We’ve had power cuts, floods, pandemics and everything else thrown at us, but we’re still proudly serving Chapel Allerton with brilliant cheese.

We’ve also been lucky enough to pick up some lovely awards along the way, including Best Cheese Retailer in 2018, Best Retailer at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards (twice), and People’s Choice at the Affineur of the Year competition.

But honestly, the biggest achievement is probably the community we’ve built. Seeing regular customers come back year after year, helping people discover new cheeses, hosting tastings, collaborating with other local businesses, and being part of Chapel Allerton’s independent high street — that’s the stuff that really matters.

Favourite product you sell / make / deliver

That’s a bit like asking us to choose a favourite child — dangerous territory.

We’re especially proud of our cheese wedding cakes, because they’re such a joyful thing to create. We’ve made everything from tiny towers for intimate gatherings to huge displays for weddings with more than 250 guests. Sitting down with couples, feeding them cheese, and helping them build something that’ll wow their guests is a pretty lovely part of the job.

On the counter, our favourites change all the time depending on what’s tasting great. We’ve always got a soft spot for proper artisan cheddar, beautiful blues, seasonal specials and cheeses with a good story behind them.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing is the freedom to build something that feels genuinely ours — a shop with personality, purpose and a proper place in the community. We get to choose the cheeses, tell the stories, work with brilliant makers, and create experiences for customers that go beyond just buying a bit of food.

The worst thing? You’re never really switched off. There’s always something to think about — stock, staffing, events, Christmas, deliveries, fridges, tills, invoices, social media, and whether we’ve ordered enough Baron Bigod. Running an indie business is brilliant, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Favourite time of year in the business?

Christmas is absolute chaos, but it’s also magical. The shop is buzzing, the cheese counter is groaning, and everyone’s planning something delicious.

It’s hard work — very hard work — but there’s something special about helping people choose the cheeses that’ll sit at the centre of their Christmas table. We also love the run-up to Christmas with our cheese advent calendars, festive cheeseboards and customers popping in with their annual “right, what are we having this year?” faces on.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

There are so many brilliant indies in Chapel Allerton, it’s hard to pick one. I’d probably choose somewhere I could learn a new skill — maybe one of the cafés or bars, just to see Chapel Allerton life from the other side of the counter.

Though, knowing us, we’d end up sneaking cheese onto the menu by lunchtime.

Plans for 2026 / the future?

More cheese, more events, more collaborations and more reasons for people to fall in love with artisan cheese.

Our big mission is to inspire one million love affairs with cheese, so we want to keep finding new ways to make great cheese accessible, exciting and fun. That means more tastings, more online experiences, more brilliant British and Irish cheeses, and more support for the amazing makers doing things properly.

We also want to keep strengthening Chapel Allerton as a destination for independent shopping. There’s something really special about this area, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Because local businesses make places feel like places.

When you shop local, your money stays closer to home. You’re supporting real people, local jobs, independent suppliers, community events and high streets with character. You also get better advice, better stories and a more personal experience.

In our case, you’re not just buying cheese. You’re getting the knowledge of someone who has tasted it, cared for it, knows where it came from, and can tell you exactly what to do with it. Try getting that from a supermarket shelf.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

Cheese at breakfast was completely normal in my family when I was growing up. I didn’t realise this was unusual until I went to university and discovered that apparently not everyone starts the day with a bit of cheese.

Looking back, that probably explains quite a lot.

Where can we find you?

George & Joseph Cheesemongers
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
Harrogate Road

Opening hours: 09:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday

Website: georgeandjoseph.co.uk
Instagram: @georgeandjoseph
Facebook: George & Joseph Cheesemongers

4 Painting Workshops coming to Chirpy

Ever fancied having a go at painting?

Already dabble a bit but want a bit of guidance?

Would rather not get the paints out at home but fancy a go?

We’ve got four painting workshops coming up this year, all perfect for beginners or those who have a bit of experience and guided by our expert tutors.

So why not give it a go?

1. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of colourful art in this painting workshop. If you’ve ever been to one of Joyce’s workshops before you’ll know the fun we have building up colour creating individual masterpieces.

2. Mini Abstract Art Workshop

Thursday 1st October 7-9pm Book Here

Learn the process of creating abstract painting using acrylics and layering effects to create two mini abstracts from a larger piece.

3. ‘Smiley Mr Fox’ Workshop

Thursday 8th October 7pm-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of art with this Smiley Mr Fox painting workshop

4. ‘Frost at Dusk’ Workshop

Thursday 26th November 7pm-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of art with this Smiley Mr Fox painting workshop

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

4 Creative Workshops at Chirpy this June

Before we have a rest for the summer, we’ve got 4 great workshops coming up in June

Perfect for beginners, all our workshops take place upstairs in our beautiful light filled space. Bring a friend or come on your own as we’re a friendly lot!

1. Creative Writing Taster Session

Tuesday 9th June 7-9pm Book here

Join local author for a relaxed, welcoming taster session exploring creative writing asa way to slow down, reflect and reconnect your creativity. This session is also an introduction to a new six-week creative writing course which starts in September.

2. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of colourful art in this painting workshop. If you’ve ver been to one of Joyce’s workshops before you’ll know the fun we have building up colour creating individual masterpieces.

3. Mindful Calligraphy

Friday 12th June 7-9pm Book Here

Join us for a relaxing and mindful workshop exploring the art of modern calligraphy

4. Ceramic Hare Workshop

Wednesday 24th June 10am-3:30pm Book Here

In the NEW one day workshop you’ll be guided by Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics to create you own long eared hare sculpture, learning step by step some of the key skills needed.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

6 of the best Creative Workshops at Chirpy this Spring

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

Our Chirpy Workshop programme has got off to a busy start for 2026 and shows no sign of slowing down over the next few months.

Our workshops make great gifts for a crafty friend, a brilliant way to spend an evening crafting together or why not treat yourself to learn a new skill for 2026.

Here’s 6 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Spring…

1. Jesmonite Coaster Workshop

Thursday 23rd April 7-9pm Book here

In this workshop you'll make 2 trinket trays perfect to use for your jewellery or as coasters. Choose from different shapes you'll make a base colour for your trays and add a mix of coloured shards to give a multi coloured terrazzo finish.

2. Gelli Printing Workshop

Tuesday 28th April 7-9pm Book Here

Join us for a relaxed and inspiring Gelli Print Workshop where you’ll explore the fun and addictive art of gel plate printing.

Using simple tools, vibrant paints, textures, and plants, you’ll learn how to layer colours and patterns to produce unique prints on paper.

3. Mini Abstract Art Workshop

Thursday 30th April 7-9pm Book Here

Join local artist Victoria Hough on a Mini Abstract Workshop. Learn the process of creating abstract paintings using acrylics and layering effects choosing your own colour palette, painting layers and adding gold leaf accents if desired.

You’ll then find compositions within the larger paintings and cut out to create two mini abstracts which will be mounted to take home.

4.Fused Glass Wave Workshop

Thursday 14th May 7-8:30pm book here

Join Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker, for a fun and creative event where you can create your very own fused glass wave using shaped glass pieces.

Made by applying  frit and modelled glass pieces to a fused glass wave which on completion will be taken away and fired and returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

5 . The Art of Lino Cutting & Printing Workshop

Tuesday 19th May 7-9pm book here

Join Emma and Lynn of The North Leeds Print Collective for a hands-on introduction to linocut printing. With over 20 years of combined teaching experience, they will guide you through the process of turning your ideas into striking pieces of art.

6. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7 - 9:15pm book here

Even if you haven’t touched a pencil since primary school, with step-by-step guidance of professional local artist Joyce Buzeman of BuzemanArt, you will create your very own master piece. Also when you are more experienced, we assure you will go away with new paint tips and paint ideas.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

5 of the best Mother’s Day gifts in Chirpy

Rosie Made a Thing 5 Star China Mug

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday 15th March, we thought we’d choose our favourite 5 gifts ideas available at Chirpy in store and online for that special lady.

From gorgeous homewares, bath & beauty products and fabulous accessories, we’re sure that you’ll love what we’ve got in store at the moment at Chirpy.

Seen something you think will be the perfect present for the mum, stepmum, carer, or just a lady you want to say Thank You to then pop in store or add it to your basket online.

Order by Monday 9th March and use the code MUM2026 to get FREE SHIPPING

Here’s what we’ve picked for you …

1. 5 Star Mum mug

Make mum’s day with a cup of tea in bed on Mother’s Day - served perfectly in the bone china mug.

Supplied in a spotty box - perfect for gifting

Add to your basket HERE

2. Colour Block Cotton Cushion

For the colour enthusiast, these block colour cushion covers are a great way to add, enhance or create colour in your home.

Made from 100% cotton, each cushion is finished with a scalloped edging in a different colour; making for some striking colour combinations.

Add to your basket HERE

3. Grow Bars

For the garden (or window box) enthusiast.

Cleverly curated seed collection nestled in neat, fertile coir bards, ready to grow! Choose from a variety of different bars, including Butterfly, Bee & Gin

The perfect letterbox gift! Just add water!!

Add to basket HERE

4. Ceramic Soy Candle

Featuring vibrant hues and inviting patterns each 8oz/226g ceramic vessel is meticulously hand-painted with individual brushstrokes for an artisan feel.

Choose from five expressive illustrations, each one including a matching hand drawn dust cover and adventurous fragrance.

Add to basket HERE

5. Colour Pop Paper Vase

The honeycomb paper vase, set to be the talking point of the table, containing a glass vial with a pastel honeycomb casing that’s held together by a magnetic closure.

Simply pop the glass vial into the vase, add water and fill with flowers.

Available in 2 colours : Lilac/ Green & Yellow/Orange

Add to basket HERE

As always, at Chirpy we aim to bring you great, affordable gifts for all occasions and Mother’s Day is no exception. From local products to small brands we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Shop MOTHER’S DAY HERE

And what’s more, by shopping local you’re supporting the local economy, and keeping the high street thriving.

See you soon in Chirpy x

Welcoming Tessa Houghton's New Exhibition 'Land, Sea & Sky'

We’re delighted to welcome back international artist Tessa Houghton to Chirpy with her new exhibition ‘Land, Sea & Sky’

Tessa’s exhibition with run between Thursday 12th March and Saturday 28th March.

She’ll be at Chirpy for a ‘Meet the Artist’ on Saturday 14th March from 12pm. Come along to chat to Tessa to find out her inspiration for her new body of work and a free informal drinks reception - all welcome.

Tessa’s exhibition with run until Saturday 28th May.

Born in Lancashire in 1976, Tessa Houghton celebrates the beauty of natural landscapes, capturing the atmosphere and drama of the elements through expressive mark-making and layers of oil paint and texture. Her new collection explores the elemental spaces of land, water, and sky, evoking light, movement, and emotion.

 The paintings hover between abstraction and figuration, inviting viewers to experience their own interpretations and connections.

Her work has been exhibited and collected extensively across the UK and internationally, including Barcelona, New York, Texas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Artist Statement

"I am captivated by landscapes that stir memory and emotion, places that have shaped my own journey. From the tangled canal banks of my childhood to the vast solitude of the North Yorkshire moors and coastline, I explore the liminal spaces where land, water, and sky meet. Through light, texture, and expressive gesture, I explore the atmosphere, memory, and emotion of the landscape. I hope my work sparks a sense of possibility and invites the viewer into a space of reflection and wonder."

6 of the best Creative Workshops this Spring at Chirpy

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

Our Chirpy Workshop programme is live and we’ve got some great creative evenings for you.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or to learn a new skill in 2026, wanting to organise an evening with friends or have a Chirpy Workshop Voucher to spend then we’re sure you’ll find something you’d love to do.

Here’s 6 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Spring.

1. Spring Flower Bowl Fused Glass

Thursday 26th Feb 7-8:30pm Book here

Ever fancied making an item from fused glass? In this workshop you will design your piece and then apply frit, stringers and modelled glass pieces to make a fused glass spring bowl picture. 

2. Jesmonite Coasters

Thursday 5th March 7-9pm Book Here

In this workshop you'll make 2 trinket trays perfect to use for your jewellery or as coasters. Choose from different shapes you'll make a base colour for your trays and add a mix of coloured shards to give a multi coloured terrazzo finish.

3. Bluebell Forest painting workshop

Thursday 12th March 7-9:15pm book here

Even if you haven’t touched a pencil since primary school, with step-by-step guidance of professional local artist Joyce Buzeman of BuzemanArt, you will create your very own master piece. For those more experienced, we assure you will go away with new paint tips and paint ideas.

We provide all the paint, brushes a 30 x 40cm canvas and other materials that are required. All you need is a to turn up with a good dose of enthusiasm. Why not bring your friends, family or colleagues…

4. Calligraphy

Friday 13th March 7-9pm book here

A relaxing and mindful two hour workshop exploring the art of modern calligraphy. We start with warm up exercises and basic strokes, practice letterforms and then have a go at crafting your name, before moving into writing our own affirmations.

5 . Fused Glass Spring Wreath

Thursday 19th March 7-8:30pm book here

Join Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker, to make a Spring themed glass wreath.

Made by applying  frit and modelled glass pieces to a fused glass wreath which on completion will be taken away and fired and returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

The piece measures 9 cm in diameter and after firing a matching ribbon will be added.

6. Doodlemap workshop

Thursday 26th March 6:30 - 8:30pm book here

Find yourself Doodling in meetings or while on the phone? Always fancied a go at illustrating?

This 2 hour masterclass with Dave Draws will give you the chance to doodle your favourite area and create a unique map and piece of art for you to take home, under the guidance of Dave. All you need is an idea of where you want to doodle.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for all workshops in 2026, the perfect gift for someone crafty

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

Chirpy Festive Opening Hours

Chirpy will be Open every day right up until about 2pm on Christmas Eve (or until the last customer leaves!)

We can’t thank you enough for all the support we’ve had this year, especially with the run up to Christmas.

We’ll be taking a well deserved break and back open on Friday 2nd January.

Our workshops will restart in February - check out what we’ve got coming up HERE

You can shop online at any time with Chirpy - orders placed from Tuesday 23rd December will be posted on Friday 2nd January Tracked48