Just around the corner from Leeds train station, this new underground cocktail speakeasy is well worth checking out.
Called Underbelly, it's tucked away underneath Friends of Ham - a little gem in its own right with a delicious menu of cheese toasties, delicious things on toast, charcuterie, and cheese boards.
Open on the weekends only, this gorgeous little drinking den is easy to miss but well worth seeking out.
Underbelly can be found underneath Friends of Ham / Image: Friends of Ham
Serving up some fabulous cocktails that you just can't get your hands on in the restaurant upstairs, choices on the menu include classics such as espresso martinis, daiquiris, margaritas and negronis alongside some signature 'Underbelly twists'.
The twists menu features a twist on the classic French martini, or as they're calling it here a 'Parisienne martini', made with plantation pineapple rum as the base alongside raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice.
There's also a divine sounding Pedro's iced tea, perfect in a heatwave, made with Element 29 vodka, Portobello Road gin, curacao, lemon and smoked cola and Pedro Ximinez sherry.
The Delirium Old Fashioned, made with Wild Turkey Rye and a Delirium red syrup / Image: Underbelly
Give it to me now. We also like the look of the afternoon tea, a sweet tea infused gin concoction made with added lemon, apple presse and soda. The perfect long and fruity drink on a hot day (and let's be honest, we've been having a lot of those lately).
Not for you? How about the Herbie's pub - another rum heavy cocktail made with Plantation Fiji, alongside watermelon, lime and pineapple juice, or the El Damasco, a tequila-based drink with apricots, lime and agave?
Last but not least, we have to talk about their Delirium old fashioned, which blends a red syrup made from the iconic Belgian beer with Wild Turkey's rye to create a distinct finish.
An example of some of the delicious charctuerie and cheese places on offer both upstairs and down / Image: Friends of Ham
Of course, if cocktails aren't for you (or maybe they're not for your friends), there is also a handful of beers on tap here including some bits from local brewery Kirkstall. Starting from £4.80 a pint, you should be pretty happy with the craft selection on offer.
Out favourite thing about Underbelly, though, has to be the fact that you can also order food from the restaurant upstairs - a charcuterie board and those bar snacks are the perfect set-up for a night of drinking if you ask us.
Find Underbelly underneath Friends of Ham at 4-8 New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL.
Feature image - Friends of Ham.
Eats
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd July 2021 
