There's few spots in Leeds where a post-work drink before the train is possible, but we've found a place where you can grab some of the fastest pours in the city.
Picture the scene.
It's a Wednesday afternoon and you've got post-work drinks on your mind. The only thought that's going to get you through the next few hours at the office. We know your type- you've got a train to catch at 6pm so you need to be in and out within the hour. No time for queuing up at the bar.
Why waste your precious hour between work and the train travelling across town, only to have to wait twenty minutes to be served. And if you want a cocktail, well forget it- there's no way you can get one in time.
Hangry and frustrated, you reluctantly head to the train station for a lukewarm pint in an old bar that has an ungodly smell about it and reside yourself to the fact that post-work drinks were only made for those that can afford to spend all night in the city, not commuters like you.
We've all been this person at one point or another. And well, it sucks.
Image: PGHL
Finally, a bar has spotted this gap in the market and is changing the post-work drinks scene for the better. SALT, with a newly opened site at Granary Wharf, is serving up the fastest cocktails in the city- and we're genuinely ecstatic about the concept.
Bringing draught cocktails to the masses, their canalside bar is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of grafting in the city centre.
Grab a seat and lazily unwind in a cosy nook of the circular-shaped seating area or grab a sun-drenched spot next to the windows where light just floods in.
Image: SALT Craft + Falafel
Located in the former Craft Asylum bar, with the steady stream of water from the Leeds-Liverpool canal at eye-level , SALT Craft + Falafel is all about providing those post-work drink essentials: speedy drinks in a picturesque location.
The bar area itself is comfy enough you could stay all evening long, especially once the nights draw in later and the sun shines through the clouds without stormy skies superseding.
Grab a glass of Espresso Martini or Strawberry Cosmopolitans within seconds thanks to the selection of seven 'on tap' cocktails- which take the same amount of time as a pint to pull, mind-blowing.
If that's not enough, all cocktails are 2 for £12 all day, every day.
Image: The Hoot LEeds
It's not just cocktails that SALT Craft + Falafel is making a name with. Those that have carefully listened to the name will have noticed that this bar is all about craft beers, and SALT have them in abundance.
Living by the slogan 'the purpose of beer is to create pleasure', it's clear that these guys are passionate about their drinks. Expect award-winning hop forward beers alongside Ossett Brewery cask, YON Lager, local guest breweries and more- all poured before your next train is due.
Locally famous street vendors Falafel Guys have set up in the kitchen here, so you won't even have to duck out for food if you decide to let post-work drinks turn into an evening in town.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Halal menu offers Middle Eastern cuisine at its finest. There's serving up chunky grilled halloumi, three types of hummus, as well as falafels, chicken wings, halloumi fries and chicken shawarma to choose from.
Even if you allow the evening to run away with you, the former Craft Asylum building is only a few short steps from the South Exit of Leeds Train Station.
We really can't recommend a better spot for long afternoons, cocktail or craft beer in hand- it's certainly the post-work treat that we look forward to, no matter where in Leeds (or further afield) we're heading home to.
You can find the newly-opened SALT Craft + Falafel at Granary Wharf and put their speedy drinks service and unbeatable location to the test for yourself.
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
Clementine Hall
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."