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
Beloved Leeds Malaysian cafe known for its authentic home cooking announces sudden closure
A much-loved independent restaurant in Leeds has announced it will be closing its doors.
Kuala Lumpur Cafe opened its doors in Headingley in 2019 by Bart and Hirman, who wanted to bring authentic Malaysian cooking to the city of Leeds.
Throughout the years, they'd built up a reputation for their beautiful curries and vibrant street food dishes, all of which were made using Hirman's family recipes.
So much so, that in 2024 they opened a kitchen inside White Cloth Hall in the city centre when the Grade II listed food hall first opened.
Their kitchen sadly closed a year later, but their Headingley restaurant remained open serving the students and locals with their famous beef rendang, nasi lemak and more.
Sadly, Kuala Lumpur Cafe have taken to social media to announce that they will be closing their doors for good as of this Saturday 17 October.
Their statement reads: "Thank you to all our customers and team that made Kuala Lumpur Cafe possible across the last few years. After a long consideration, we have decided that our last trading day will be Saturday 17 October.
"If you have a booking after this date, we'll be calling you over the next few days to try to move it to an earlier date before we close.
"It's been our pleasure to serve Malaysian food to the community. Best regards, KL Cafe."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, local businesses and customers flocked to the comments to express their sadness and show their support.
One comment reads: "Such a shame. This was genuinely the best Malay food I had outside of Malaysia. Will be missed greatly", whilst another thanks the cafe for "all the delicious food over the years".
If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur Cafe one last time, then you have until this Saturday to do so. Go and wish them a proper farewell.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
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.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
