We all have our favourite places close to home, but what if you could go beyond your own city and see what others love about theirs? Our MYcity series gives you the inside scoop, revealing the hidden gems of each city through the eyes of our very own Offspring Community members.
Next up on our MYcity Series, Community member Has gives us an insight on Bradford – 2025’s city of culture – and what the city of Bradford means to him.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m Hasnehn, or Has and I’m a proud Yorkshireman from BD22 (this will make sense later in the article). The arts, sport, food, fashion & culture play a huge part in my life.
Bradford is MyCity and it’s given me so much growing up. From rides on the boating lake in Lister Park, to films at the first IMAX opened in Europe – it was the place I secured my first full time NHS job, at the Bradford Royal Infirmary – and I’m proud to say this city has shaped who I am today.
I hope to give Bradford the shout out it deserves, as the UK’s City of Culture, 2025.
Every 4 years the UK Government picks a city to focus on through the lens of culture and Sport (DCMS), inviting places across the UK to set out their vision for culture-led regeneration. 2025 is BRADFORD.
This is huge for the city. I work for the University of Bradford, so situated in the centre, I have a huge sense of pride in the involvement we will have over the next four years. I attended the launch night, RISE, in freezing temperatures and it was a breathtaking performance. The atmosphere, the energy and the diversity of attendees was really inspiring - and the programme of events for the upcoming year looks exciting.
What was it like growing up in Bradford?
Enriching. Always lots to see and do - and there still is! As a metropolitan district, its strengths lie in the landscapes it offers across the Bradford boroughs. From cityscapes, to rolling hills it has a bit of everything. Walking boots are a must in some places – leave the crispy sneakers in the car!
Raised in Keighley - my family were perfectly located to so many different areas growing up. The city boasts incredible architecture – a throwback to the once thriving industrial era. Looking up in city will serve you better than looking down!
Bradford has a reputation for being, shall we say, a bit rebellious. Take it with a pinch of salt – the centre certainly is a lively! The pops & bangs of a remapped GTI, hired Lambo fleets & blacked out RS3’s – the car scene is mega. The nightlife is more fast food over function - “who does the best chicken burger along Leeds Road?”. Visit the same stretch in the summer and you’ll see kerbside hustlers selling mangoes & exotic fruits. With queues of people. It utterly bizarre, yet somewhat wholesome – all things point towards diversity. And that is something I love.
What do you remember about fashion and culture growing up in Bradford as a young kid?
The way we expressed ourselves around a strict uniform policy, was by our footwear and outerwear. Sneakers were a no, but brands like Rockport, Kickers & Nicholas Deakins featured a lot. My uncle inspired me from a fashion perspective - he worked for the British Wool Marketing Board, the HQ being in Bradford. I'd see him wear brands such as Benneton & Gabicci, through to Paul Smith, Hugo Boss & Missoni to name a few. This was the catalyst for me exploring similar brands in my teenage years. Camper shoes and Wallabies were popular around these parts – and a high-quality outerwear piece often didn’t go unnoticed.
Where did you hang out back then, did it spark up an interest for you? Has it changed?
Back then we’d get the bus into the city and walk to the hot spots. Places like the ice rink and the National Science & Media Museum were cool. There was also a huge store called Sports Shoes Unlimited, which stocked endless running shoes, as well as track and field gear – it was huge but sadly is now just an online store.
Outside of teenage commutes, the sport scene – especially cricket and basketball, was where most of our time went. A love of basketball naturally lent itself to sparking an interest in the ‘American athletic’ sneaker scene – Air Jordans, Reebok Pumps, AND1, Kobe’s - Lebron had just popped onto the scene too – you know the rest. That sustained interest has kept my sneaker collection varied, from GR’s to coveted retros & now endless collaborations which are ever popular in recent years.
What’s the sneaker scene like in Bradford? How has it developed?
Truthfully, I don't think there is much of a sneaker scene here, in the sense of how a lot of our readers will view that phrase. However, there is an appreciation for high street and luxury brands here. There aren’t many independent stores anymore – just your usual high-street haunts.
Bradford is iconic in its the only place where those who reside in the city refer to their residing place by the first part of their postcode – for example “I’m from BD3”. I still don’t get it but it cracks me up every time I hear it this. So, in true Bradford style - the BD1-9 regions, is where you’ll see a lot of the typical “city stomper” sneakers like Nike TN’s & Air Max 90’s, 95’s and plenty of SHOX. There are a lot of the luxury shoes on feet like Balenciaga, Dior & Valentino too – often hovering over the gas pedal of a Range Rover or hot hatch.
I recall Adidas being the king of sneakers back in the day. There was a time in the early 2000’s where popular silhouettes consisted of Forest Hills, Countrys, New Yorks and Oregons - the LA trainer was very popular too. With Bradford City FC being a huge part of the community, those who tread the terraces rock their originals & spezials, with lots of different colours on offer (not just the BCFC gold/maroon!) – that part of sneaker culture will never die out here.
What brands are people wearing on their feet up there?
There is a big student population in the city, so the hype or ‘in vogue’ shoes such as Nike Dunks & Adidas Sambas feature quite a lot! Since COVID, where the online sneaker space raised awareness to a wider geographical audience, you do see a lot of different silhouettes now – YEEZYs were really popular, and certainly lots more Air Jordan’s.
Best food spots?
Bradford is known to be one of the best places in England for, you guessed it, curry! I don't care what anyone else says - we have the best curry houses! From cheap eats to elevated dining, I'll share with you 3 of my favourites – it only makes sense right?
Sweet Centre – where do we begin. Established in 1964, it’s a consistent performer in the Bradford curry scene. Located just off Manningham Lane it can’t be any more central to the city. Keep it simple there – lamb seekh kebab, a samosa & their iconic little “bag” of mint chutney. World class.
Aagrah – the Shipley one! Still a favourite in our household, as the food is the closest to how my mum and auntie make curries! Superb on a Sunday – their buffet is legendary, the slow cooked lamb shank is out of this world.
Cona – a luxury steakhouse – I’m talking real high-end dining, and really unique to this part of the country in serving elevated dishes that cater to those who seek high quality halal offerings. A super chic restaurant, perfect for “occasion” dining – think date night/anniversaries – located in Little Germany, an atmospheric labyrinth of one-way streets & tall imposing buildings, it’s a superb place to dine out and the customer service is always on point.
When it comes to culture and the fashion industry, how has your city developed into what it is today?
It is still a working-class city – the fashion is varied from Nike Tech tracksuits through to the garish monogrammed velour sets. Having said that as you venture out into the suburbs, with financially accessible homes and easy commutes to neighbouring cities, there is a young professional scene that brings the more ‘hip’ aesthetic – think baggy cords, heavy knits & 5 panel caps – moustache and tattoos in toe. Organic cotton tote bags are scarcely seen in the centre!
Where do you like to shop nowadays?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many independent stores left in Bradford – I recall places like Scott’s and TDF (To Die For) who used to stock brands like Lacoste, Fred Perry, Paul & Shark and more. There is a great store called AN-X, which is a casual’s dream, stocking all the essentials for a trip to a lower league football match. I do try to support independents where possible – MKI Miyuki Zoku is a local brand that has wide ranging reach now due to its high-quality pieces. Their HQ is in Bingley, and the flagship store a stone’s throw from Bradford.
What is your perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway?
Start with checking out CityPark and grabbing a coffee and pastry from the The Cake’Ole. From there, head to the newly refurbished National Science and Media Museum. It’s an amazing place to explore all things audio visual – and as mentioned above, there’s both an IMAX and a Pictureville cinema that shows a range of different films.
You can then pick from one of the food spots off my list above, before a wander down Sunbridge Wells before catching a theatre production at one of the cities jewels – The Alhambra theatre
For a lazy Sunday, go spend some time in Saltaire – check out the Mill and see some of David Hockney’s works. Also be sure to check out Ian Beesley’s “Life Goes On” exhibition – a social documentary photographer, Ian’s photographs capture the industrial north with compelling stories.
What is your favourite hidden gem in the city and why?
There is a Waterstone’s housed in the old Wool Exchange, and it’s a spectacular place. A stunning gothic, Victorian building, it’s a great place to chill out and grab a coffee from Café W on the balcony. Sit back, relax and people watch those getting lost in imagination from the hundreds of books on offer.
How does Bradford differ from other nearby cities in the UK?
Bradford’s diversity is its strength. The noise generated by those who aren’t from the city may well be focussing on the issues many large, working-class cities experience – but that pragmatic view will only ever be a barrier to progress - come visit and form your own opinion on how friendly and welcoming this fascinating place truly is.
