What better way to mark the Six Nations than with some good pub grub?
If there's one thing that we've missed over the last few years, it's getting to the pub, enjoying a bite to eat and catching up on the latest news whilst watching the Six Nations games.
Whether you’re secretly rooting for Wales to keep hold of the title or ready to cheer on England this year, there's bars aplenty to keep you busy over the five rounds- you could really get away with choosing a new bar for every game this year.
The one factor that's currently swinging our decision is there's very few sports bars offering the Six Nations on the television and on the menu. The Box in Leeds city centre and Headingley are offering a full Six Nations inspired menu that'll have you forgetting all about the fixtures in no time.
Burger De Paris. / Image: The Box
On the menu is a double beef burger, garlic mushrooms, crispy onions, deep fried Brie and peppercorn sauce. Inspired by the Parisian streets and the beautiful game everyone has come together to watch, the Burger De Paris is guaranteed to be a bestseller this month.
Wales is celebrated with some deliciously loaded fries. Expect triple-cooked chips, spiced lamb, cheesy creamed leeks, crispy onions and with a signature spicy sauce drizzled over the top.
Obviously us Brits got fish and chips and we're not complaining about getting our hands on those crispy cod bites, triple-cooked chips with tartare and curry sauce. The perfect food for a sports bar is small, picky food that can be chomped down at half time or grazed on as the match goes on and this dish is the epitome of both these options.
Italy got the pizza dish, surprisingly. This isn't your regular margarita though, expect a basil pesto base with fior di latte, roast cherry tomatoes, mascarpone and rocket on top. You've got the colours of the Italian flag, all using traditional ingredients: not a bad choice for a mid-match snack.
Pizza Tricolore. / Image: The Box
Naturally, Ireland's menu item was an alcoholic beverage with whiskey in. The Irish mule is a concoction of Slane Irish Whiskey, ginger ale and orange that'll transport you to the backstreets of Dublin in no time.
The Scottish option is also booze-based, but this one comes in the form of a refreshing spritz. Think Johnnie Walker Black label, Cocchi Americano, honey, apple and topped with ice and soda.
Scotsman's Spritz. / Image: The Box
The Box have locations in the city centre and Headingley, so you’re never far from a cold pint of Budweiser or a bottle of wine, even out of match time. You can grab 2-for-1 cocktails, a 20% student discount and a pornstar martinis, served by the stein here too.
The pub night that's packing out venues across the UK is coming to Leeds.
Let us introduce you to Pints of Knowledge, a phenomenon founded by Callum Campbell that has built a social media following of more than 160,000 people.
This is different to your average night out, it's a chance to meet new people and spark interesting conversation all in the relaxing surroundings of a pub.
The event has attracted thousands to its unique mix of expert talks, conversation and community in pubs across the UK.
Image: Supplied
And if you're looking to get in on the action then you're in luck, because Pints of Knowledge is arriving at The Wardrobe on Sunday 9 August.
So, what can you expect? From landmark legal history and the hidden pressures behind big systems to the evolving language of gaslighting and radical cinema, Sunday's Leeds programme will demonstrate exactly why Pints of Knowledge has struck such a chord with audiences across the UK.
Founder Callum Campbell, who has spent more than a decade producing live events across Britain, said bringing the concept to Leeds was the natural next step - and we're so happy he thought so.
Image: Supplied
He said: "I've always wanted to bring Pints of Knowledge to more cities across England, and Leeds has such a strong appetite for ideas and conversation. Watching this grow has been amazing, and I can't wait to bring it here.
"As more people look for experiences beyond a traditional night out, Pints of Knowledge offers something different: expert speakers, thought-provoking conversations and the chance to meet new people, all in the relaxed surroundings of a pub.
"People still love going to the pub, but they're looking for more from the experience. Pints of Knowledge is about hearing incredible stories, asking questions, meeting interesting people and leaving having learned something new."
Image: Supplied
The Pints of Knowledge programme at The Wardrobe will look like this:
12pm - Human rights lawyer Mahnoor Omer presents '10 Legal Cases that Changed History'.
2pm - Georgina Shute asks 'Why billion-pound systems are built by people who can't finish their to-do lists'.
4pm - Isobel Logan explores 'Gaslighting: The Evolution of a Concept Across Art, Relationships and Politics'.
6pm - Angelos Koutsourakis will examine 'Third Cinema, The Global South & Climate Change'.
Campbell added: "One hour you can be unpacking landmark legal cases, the next you're hearing about the psychology behind gaslighting, before finishing the day exploring cinema and climate change. That's what makes Pints of Knowledge different.
"This is just the beginning. We've seen an incredible response across the UK, and we're excited to build on that by bringing Pints of Knowledge to more cities across the country.”
Pints of Knowledge takes place at The Wardrobe in Leeds on Sunday 9 August, and you can get your tickets here.
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Sophie Smith -
2nd February 2022 
