Happy Hour: the best time of the day to grab a pint in the sunshine, bask in the warmth knowing a hard day of graft has come to an end and there's nothing left to do but sip away the post-working hours.
Far from a generic Happy Hour menu, Pastel has reimagined the hours between 4pm - 7pm four days a week to bring us some of the most exciting cocktails in the city- and all for just £5.
Goodtime Grog is your all-round crowd-pleaser and perfect for those days where the sunshine is warming up the pastel pink booths on the first floor of this hidden-retreat. Get those holiday vibes going with Havana Spiced Rum, almond syrup, fresh lime and apple juice for a sweet and tangy sensation- packed with moreish flavour.
Channeling summertime in a glass, the Big Blue is a Beefeater gin cocktail with blue curacao, fresh lime and boozy mango soda- the perfect party-starter that matches the gorgeous hues inside the bar.
Those looking for a sweet blend that sips down easily, the Cherryade cocktail with Absolut vanilla vodka, cherry and lemonade is the ideal serve everyday of the week.
Cherryade cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Bandarra and tonic is a house-favourite and for good reason. We were first introduced to Bandarra (similar to an Aperol) at a Pastel cocktail masterclass and haven't looked back since. This bartender's choice of tipple is a sophisticated blend that comes in two flavours: Rojo and Al Fresco flavour before being served over ice with artisan skinny London tonic and grapefruit.
Available 4 - 7pm every Tuesday - Friday, these cocktails come at just a fiver each, making them some of the best-value drinks in the city- the gorgeous pastel interior and welcoming staff are just a bonus that'll keep you inside this Kirkgate hidden-gem all night long.
Cocktails with a view. / Image: Pastel
If you're not one for fancy cocktails, you'll probably surprise yourself with newfound favourites- but there's still bottles of Becks for £3.50 available during happy hour and shots of Jamesons for £2.50 aplenty.
Of course, there's still all of the usual Pastel favourites during these hours too. We're talking about the iconic pancetta and Haribo drinks that Pastel has become synonymous with, as well as wine available by the bottle, frothy and fizzy concoctions aplenty.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If that's not enough, every Monday you can grab a classic cocktail for a fiver as part of Pastel's Monday Club. The idea is that every single week, the Monday Club drink is announced on Instagram each week and you can then plan all your post-work drinks accordingly. Previous drinks have included the likes of a Clover, Batanga and Tommy's Margaritas.
We really can't think of a better spot to hang out after hours in a sun-soaked venue- especially without spending more than a fiver.
So, see you in there next week?
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / Pastel
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
20th May 2022 
