The Botanist has officially created its very own in-house lager and to celebrate the launch, they're giving away a year's supply of the brand-new beer for free.
Teaming up with the Tiny Rebel brewing company, the bar and restaurant chain has just started serving their 'The Botanist Lager', a 4% ABV brew that you can now find exclusively in all 24 of their sites across the UK — including at their Leeds Trinity site.
Labelling it a simple but tasty session lager "infused with botanical notes [get it?...] and fruity aromas", the refreshing new beverage is another great addition to their already solid lineup of popular draughts and craft beers.
Sounds delicious but, to be honest, you had us at free beer — as for those of you who are hoping to get your hands on a year's supply of it for free, it couldn't be easier to put yourself in the running.
To cop a free pint of the new beer every day for 365 days, all you need to do as well as tagging a friend in the comments section and follow both The Botanist and Tiny Rebel on Insta, tag a friend and repost the competition on your own story. Simple as that.
Kelly Harrison, Head of Bars at The Botanist said: "We came together with Tiny Rebel over a shared love of doing things differently.
"Our innovative cocktail list explores unique combinations of fruits, florals, herbs and plants and we wanted to combine this expertise with their innovative craftsmanship to produce a great quality 4% lager, unique to us. What we’ve created is a refreshing light liquid suited to anyone who enjoys a cold pint!"
As for the award-winning brewers, Head of Wholesale and Field Sales, Alex Smith, said: "This lager is the result of things we both know and love – good beer, good food and great hospitality. A true collaboration, unique to The Botanist, which encapsulates style, flavour and good times. I for one cannot wait to grab a cold one at our local Botanist!"
The competition closes at 12pm on Friday, 24 November, where one lucky sod—sorry, 'winner', will be selected at random and contacted directly by The folks over at The Botanist.
Whoever does have good fortune will then receive a personal branded black card for the bar and restaurant which can be used at any of their various locations.
As always with this sort of thing, terms and conditions apply and you can find all the details in full HERE.
Good luck to you all and to whoever wins — no need to thank us, you can just get a round in for us one day. They're not the only ones giving away freebies this year either...
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
If you haven't heard of Get Baked, then you've most likely been living under a rock. Famed nationwide for their mammoth Bertha cake, their original shop is right here in Headingley and you'd be silly not to take advantage of this indeed.
If you can't stomach a whole slice of Bertha, then they've got slices of pie, stacks of cookies and so much more for you to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy a Sunday roast at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As the weather takes a turn for the worst a roast dinner is the only right way to spend a Sunday, and you'll find a fantastic one at The Swine Bistro.
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point. And I mean...look at that Yorkshire pud.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Here’s 10 places to eat in Leeds city centre for under £10
Clementine Hall
It's January, we're all skint, so here's how to eat out for less.
It's safe to say that every time the new year comes around, we're left feeling slightly glum and a bit short on change after the festivities.
January is already gloomy enough, so there's no reason why we shouldn't treat ourselves to a bit to eat.
So, to help you eat out for less we've rounded up 10 of our favourite spots it eat in Leeds city centre for under £10.
Let's get into it...
Bundobust
Mill Hill
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It wouldn't be a cheap eat round up without Bundobust. These Indian street food legends are the GOATS of dishes for under tenner, because every single thing is.
We recommend the Vada Pav - a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed in a springy bun. It'll fill you up good and proper and it's only £8. Class.
Little Bao Boy
Sovereign Square
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving pints, baos and coffee all just moments from Leeds train station: North Brew Taps is the ideal spot for those with a few spare hours before getting the train off home or looking for a lunchtime treat.
Little Bao Boy are slinging out the best baos in the city, and you can grab two for just £9.
Mommy Thai
Duncan Street and Vicar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay you may have to forgive us on this one...but we couldn't not include it.
For just £10.95 (close enough) you can get two courses at one of Leeds' best Thai restaurants. And there's loads to choose from, from chicken satay and Pad Thai to corn cakes and Pad Grapow - you won't be going home hungry.
Brod
Great George Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod is a staple for workers in the city, famous for their stacked sandwiches for super low prices. Most sandwiches are around the £6 mark, using fresh and homemade ingredients prepped daily.
Karpaty Bakery
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this one really is a bargain. In the market hall of Kirkgate Market you'll find Karpaty Bakery, a wonderful Polish bakery serving traditional baked goods for under £3. They're absolutely massive and such great value for money.
Bánh and Mee
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another classic from the market is Bánh and Mee, a brilliant lunchtime option for those wanting hot and fresh Vietnamese food all for under a tenner.
Our favourite is the lemongrass chicken rice box or the aromatic pho that'll warm you up in an instant.
Eastern Oven
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you hadn't gathered by now, Kirkgate Market is an absolute honeypot for cheap eats in the city centre where you'll find hundreds of dishes for under a tenner.
Another one of our favourites is Eastern Oven, a family-run stall selling fresh falafel wraps and pittas.
Meat:Stack
Bishopgate Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking to be a bit naughty and get stuck into a burger and chips, then Meat:Stack is the spot for you.
American smash burgers, loaded fries and thick milkshakes all for great prices. They also do brilliant lunch deals so you can get as much bang for your book as possible.
Rolawala
Trinity Kitchen
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One of our favourite lunch spots is Rolawala, find them at Trinity Kitchen for flavour-packed rice bowls and naan wraps for all under a tenner. It's a great healthy choice without skipping out on taste.
Dough Boys
Belgrave Music Hall
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you haven’t tried Dough Boys pizza at Belgrave you’re really missing out! Dough Boys specialise in unusual flavours for their pizza, with one standout, the Queen Brie, featuring roasted grapes to complement its namesake French brie.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous, or you’d just like some classic pizza flavours like the Silvio, Dough Boy’s version of a margharita, or the Salami of Darkness (no prizes for guessing what’s on this one,) you’re sure to enjoy the delicious thin crusts of these enormous pizza slices.