In what is a rather unexpected collaboration, but could be the stuff of dreams for some, Auntie Bessie’s and Northern Monk have joined forces.
The UK’s leading frozen food producer and the Leeds-based brewery are already hugely successful and well-loved companies in their own rights, with thousands of fans nationwide – but now, the two have decided to come together to launch a collaborative range of ales inspired by British comfort foods.
And the flavours are, shall we say are… interesting?
Grabbing headlines left, right, and centre over the last few days, the four ales in the new range include tipples combining the flavours iconic British sweet treats such as Apple Crumble and Sticky Toffee Pudding, and come after the success of the Jam Roly Poly Pale Ale exclusively last year.
Image: Northern Monk
But it’s not all about dessert, as the one brew that’s sure to catch the eye of us northerners the most focuses on the main course itself – the Roast Dinner Brown Ale.
Yes, you heard that right. If you wouldn’t consider yourself to have much of a sweet tooth, then how does a beer resembling the heartiest and most comforting meal you have all week sound? Like we said, it won’t be for everyone, but for others, it could be a match made in heaven.
According to Northern Monk, the Roast Dinner Brown Ale is a “rich, hearty and satisfying beer” that has, believe it or not, actually been brewed with Yorkshire Puddings and roast potatoes.
Northern Monk’s founder, Russel Bisset, said working with Aunt Bessie’s has been an “honour”.
“Aunt Bessie’s is a truly iconic Northern brand,” Mr Bisset said.
“There’s nothing quite like a Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, and on a weekend where we’d usually be getting together with our families for a traditional Sunday Dinner, we’ve teamed up to bring you something a little different.”
Each of the Aunt Bessie’s x Northern Monk brews are now available to buy online here, and are also exclusively in Morrisons branches nationwide.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Northern Monk
Eats
Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month
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.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
