Meet the brand championing Leeds independents with hot sauce collabs.
If there's one thing we love more than witnessing Leeds independent stores thrive, it's when they help each other to get there.
This year, we've seen collaborations of all kinds as brands get together to boost each others following with tasty treats- some bizarre, but on the whole, some of the most delicious dishes this year have come from this type of comradery.
Thiccc Sauce is just one example of this, having spent 2021 collaborating with the likes of much-loved Headingley cafe, Fika North and city centre charcuterie hotspot, Friends of Ham to create irresistible sauces that sum up each brand's specialism in a single drop of sauce.
If you're like us and relish in an opportunity to support your local and champion the independents we have around us, chances are that you've already had a taste of a Thiccc Sauce collaboration without even realising.
From Neon Cactus, Little Bao Boy and the Savvy Baker to Honest Burgers, Mozzafella and more, Thiccc Sauce really have covered all the greats- and they've only been open just over a year.
Our recent introduction to Thiccc Sauce, entitled 'The Thiccc Sauce championing the indie food scene in Leeds', got us thinking about our favourite collabs this year, and although it was a difficult choice to make, here are some of our favourites from this year:
Thiccc Sauce X Friends of Ham is known as the 'Vote For Pedro' sauce. A decedent dark sauce crammed with sugared plums, Pedro Ximenez sherry, black garlic, smoked chipotle, red jalapeño, Bermondsey Sobrassada Oil, Spanish red grape, Vermont maple syrup, Sherry balsamic vinegar, locally smoked garlic, onion, vine tomato and spices with medium to high heat.
Fika North- Lagöm
Thiccc Sauce X Fika North is all about championing local and international flavours with their Lagöm Lingonberry Hot Sauce. Lagöm meaning “just the right amount, in balance” in Swedish, is a collaboration with local legends Fika North containing freshly squeezed Lingonberries, Lingonberry Jam, habanero chilli, bell red pepper, tomato, red wine vinegar, maple syrup and spices.
North Brew Co- Rye Candy
The Thicc Sauce chefs used their previous maple bourbon bbq sauce recipe with molasses, black treacle, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper then upped the maple content & added a copious amounts of Rye Bourbon & Strong Stout to create Rye Candy, a complex sweet boozy bbq sauce perfect on a dirty burger or some bbq meat.
Third Eye Signs- Seoul Food
Chances are you favourite indies have had their branding designed by Third Eye, making this collaboration, an exciting combination of flavours from no particular eatery. The Seoul Food is made from gochujang paste, soy paste, rice vinegar, scotch bonnets, red jalapeño, ketchup, sesame oil, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, soy sauce, maple syrup, sugar, ginger, spices and honey- and sound delicious.
Dukes Halifax- Dystopia
This collab was between Dukes bar in Halifax and Yorkshire designer Drew Millward. Described as a gentle spice of green jalapeño mashed with a whirlwind of herbs spices and fruit, this hot sauces comes flavoured with pineapple, tomatillo, jalapeño, mint, coriander, lime and agave- what's not to love about that combination?
At present, the Leeds-based sauce company have a few collaboration favourites left before they pack up and enjoy their Christmas sauce-order-free, but as the demand for the sauces is so high: you'll have to head to their website to see what's available at present.
Bottle Chop in Headingley is a stockist of the local collaborations and original sauces and limited edition drops are announced sporadically on Instagram- so keep an eye out for any and all updated from Thiccc Sauce, you don't want to miss out.
Feature Image- Big Guys Thiccc Sauce
News
SIR Kevin Sinfield knighted as part of King’s Birthday Honours list for 2026
While many individuals were already public knowledge, we're made up to hear that SIR Kevin Sinfield has now finally received his long-overdue knighthood, and he's not the only familiar face to have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2026.
There are numerous worthy names on the list, but it goes without saying that the 'Sir Kev' campaign is one that many have been flying the flag for rather high over the past few years.
Sinfield, 45, is not only a rugby league and England legend, but he has warmed hearts across the country and beyond through his superhuman '7 in 7' ultramarathon efforts on behalf of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in recent times, all in memory of his old teammate, local hero and best friend, Rob Burrow.
In fact, our mates at The Manc and we here at The Hoot are among countless others who've been calling for this for some time.
Following his 2014 MBE, OBE in 2021, and CBE in '23, we struggle to think of anyone more deserving of the accolade than Leeds Rhinos legend, to be honest.
Announcing his seventh and final '7 in 7 challenge' earlier this month, he's now managed to generate more than £11 million in vital funding for the cause.
Set to channel that same sentiment that Burrow and fellow late, great rugby legend, Doddie Weir, tried to reiterate so often once again - "MND isn't incurable, it's just underfunded" - the scenes are no doubt going to be more emotional than ever.
Hero, legend, inspiration - these words don't even begin to cut it.
The Greater Manchester native was one of the first confirmed new knighthoods made known to the public; here he is talking about the great privilege with the BBC:
There are also several Lionesses named, too, such as Euros winners and WSL stars Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton and Lauren James, who join the quintet of other national team players given MBEs as part of King Charles III's New Year's Honours List, with the prior official ceremony taking place last month.
Sinfield is not the only ex-sportsman to have been honoured this year, either.
As per The Manc, former Scotland international and Manchester United player Lou Macari (who still has a chippy in his name right near the ground) has also been made an MBE.
While Sinfield was recognised for services to sport and charity, 77-year-old Macari has been awarded the accolade for his work helping the homeless across not just the North but all over the country.
Another local sportsperson listed this year is our very own Head of GB Para Badminton, Richard Mark Morris, 36, who has been awarded an MBE for services to sport and disabled people.
He's been hailed not only for his coaching and improvements to accessibility, but also for helping create a world-class training environment over in Sheffield; he was clearly bowled over when he realised he was being recognised.
Besides the athletics community, others who received OBEs this week include Catherine Handcock, who founded the media brand and magazine Creative HEAD (a major outlet in the hairdressing industry), and fellow York native, Barrie Stephenson, who co-founded the crucial homeless charity, Restore.
Awarded for services to people experiencing homelessness in the city, Christian-backed non-profit Restore has helped accommodate, support and rehouse rough sleepers since 2010.
Speaking to fellow local outlet YorkMix, Stephenson said: "I may be the only person who has been with the charity from its inception, but I have worked with so many others who should share this honour, especially Ed Hambleton, our co-founder, who gave up a secure job to pioneer Restore with me.
Well in, Barrie.
You can find the full list of 1,182 people named on this year's list online, or simply look at which other Yorkshire/Northern legends made the 2026 honours right HERE.
Global pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo says she ‘really wants to go to Leeds’ in 2026
Clementine Hall
American pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo has outlined her ambitions for 2026 - and one of them involves a trip to Leeds.
It's safe to say the concept of Olivia Rodrigo taking a stroll down Briggate or waiting for a train at Platform 16 is one we're struggling to get our heads around, but we're absolutely not mad about it.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is known for her love of the UK, having been spotted spending chunks of time in both Manchester and London over recent years.
But in a recent interview with Hits Radio UK, Olivia Rodrigo stated she wanted to explore more of the UK. And the city at the top of her list? Leeds.
When asked if she has a favourite area of the UK, she said: "I spent some time in Manchester which was really nice. Very inspiring, so many great bands from there.
"I spent some time in Wales too, which was fun. I've been around but I need to go and see more things. I really want to go to Leeds this year. I think that'll be fun. Just like as a spectator, I think that'll be cool."
You know what Olivia, it absolutely will.
Interviewer Will Best then suggests she attends a Leeds match to which she responds "yes" enthusiastically.
So next time we're at Elland Road we'll definitely be keeping a firm eye out for Miss Rodrigo who we've no doubt will look exceptional in a Leeds United jersey.
Sophie Smith -
29th December 2021 
