A bubble gun, creamy cocktails in pastel pink hues and some of the city's friendliest bartenders: this is an experience not to be missed.
Newly-opened cocktail bar Pastel has quickly made a name for itself serving up unique cocktails- and now you and your friends can learn how to make their signature drinks for yourself.
Learn how to make raspberry and regular mojitos, an alternative version of an Aperol Spritz and Pastel's signature Pastel fizz in a one-hour cocktail masterclass at this dreamy pastel-coloured haven in Kirkgate.
Having only been open one month, Pastel have taken Leeds by storm and is quickly becoming one of our favourite places to grab a drink. Their cocktails are unique and innovate, whilst their decor transports us to the tropics in an instant.
The masterminds behind Pastel are now offering a 'Cocktail Making Experience' so you can get in on the action. For just £30 a head, enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and learn how to make a classic cocktail of your choice followed by their iconic Pastel Fizz and Goodtime Spritz.
The package is available to book for a minimum of four people, with a maximum capacity of eight per sitting, and can take place on any day of the week before 6.00pm.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Here at the Hoot, we sampled the experience and created our own versions of Pastel's signature drinks- and can confirm that the experience is not one to be missed.
There were giggles aplenty as we learn about the importance of 'slapping' mint (it brings out the flavour) and the fascinated history of the bartender's favourite spirit: Bandarra Al Fresco.
Not only are the staff super friendly and fun, the drinks are delicious and unlike any we have tried before.
Their signature Pastel Fizz particularly was an absolute showstopper; a delectable concoction of Bacardi Raspberry, raspberry liqueur, fresh lime juice with cream, egg white, soda, all topped with ‘Pastel Dust’ that gives it a frothy appearance.
The Goodtime Spritz is the perfect drink for a summer's day and definitely lives up to its name. Similar to an Aperol spritz, the tall drink consists of Bandarra Al Fresco, Grapefruit Bitters, Artisan Yuzu Tonic and Prosecco.
This one is even served up with a side of bubbles courtesy of a nifty handheld bubble machine, this is usually done by the bartender but upon request, you might get to have a go yourself- it's a lot of fun.
The Pastel Fizz cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for something a bit different to do than just your average night out, then this experience is the one for you.
We can guarantee you'll come for the class but stay for the fantastic service, delicious drinks and good vibes.
To find out more, visit the Pastel website or give the cocktail bar a ring on 0113 2439 548.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
News
Number 10 North is officially ‘open for business’ and here’s why it’s so important for Yorkshire
Number 10 North has officially 'opened for business' this week, and Andy Burnham has now explained his key reasons for launching it.
You may remember that earlier last month, Andy Burnham revealed he had intentions to create a Number 10 North if he was to become Prime Minister, with the new base expected to be a 'dominant driver of the UK's economy' once it was officially up and running... and now, fast forward to today, Number 10 North is officially 'open for business'.
Operating from Heron House in Manchester city centre, as previously reported on by The Manc, Number 10 North will be the Government’s new 'situation room for growth'.
It also brings the 'levers' of local economic growth and devolution together under one roof for the first time ever.
With the Prime Minister expected to work from Number 10 North each week, so that decisions about the country’s economic future will no longer exclusively be made in Westminster, and with other ministers also working from there on a regular basis, the Government says the move underlines its determination to 'do things differently'.
Number 10 North has officially 'opened for business' / Credit: gov.uk (via Wikimedia Commons)
Now that Number 10 North has officially opened, Andy Burnham has explained why this move is so important for Yorkshire and the north as a whole.
"For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve," explained Andy Burnham.
"Number 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country. It will be the situation room for making Britain better, the place we use to get power out of Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can turn things around.
"The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, for good."
Featured Image - The Manc Group
News
Pints of Knowledge, Callum Campbell’s fastest-growing event, is coming to Leeds city centre this summer
Clementine Hall
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.