A new pub dedicated to non-alcoholic booze is set to open in Leeds this summer, bringing a huge variety of different low-ABV drinks with it.
Called Functional Drinks Club, the new watering hole and drinks shop in Otley will serve non-alcoholic craft beers, lagers, ales, ciders, and sparkling wine when it opens next month.
It will also pour Kombucha (a fermented low-ABV tea drink) and nootropic serotonin-boosting mood drinks made using natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and guarana.
Founded by Kevin Gillespie, the new opening in Otley plans to run Leeds' first zero-waste kombucha service - offering a takeaway service where kombucha lovers can bring their own containers, fill up and take home as much of the good stuff as they like.
It will sell all of its drinks to take away, as well as provide a welcoming space for people to sit and drink inside.
Working alongside some of the UK's top kombucha brewers, the new non-alcoholic bar and shop will be rotating kegs of the fermented drink much like regular boozers do their craft beers.
Elsewhere, drinkers can enjoy a wide variety of non-alcoholic and nootropic craft beers, lagers and ales, as well as non-alcoholic wines, ciders and CBD drinks.
With an opening day set for 5 August, those wanting to head over and check out the concept for themselves can register for a ticket online to get a free kombucha on the day and 10% off everything in-store.
An Eventbrite listing for the launch reads: "Hi, We can't wait to open our new non-alcoholic drinks shop in Otley and see you there on launch day.
"This ticket will get you a free glass of Kombucha to try, and 10% off everything in-store that day.
"You'll be able to get your hands on the following at the shop:
Kombucha
Non-alcoholic Craft beers, lagers & ales
Nootropic Craft beers, lagers & ales
CBD Drinks
Non-alcoholic wines
"You'll also be able to find out about our Zero waste Kombucha service where you can refill your bottles on a weekly basis from our "Kombucha on Tap" station.
"If you fancy sitting in and having a few drinks, you can do that as well.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2023 
