Happy Hour: the best time of the day to grab a pint in the sunshine, bask in the warmth knowing a hard day of graft has come to an end and there's nothing left to do but sip away the post-working hours.
Far from a generic Happy Hour menu, Pastel has reimagined the hours between 4pm - 7pm four days a week to bring us some of the most exciting cocktails in the city- and all for just £5.
Goodtime Grog is your all-round crowd-pleaser and perfect for those days where the sunshine is warming up the pastel pink booths on the first floor of this hidden-retreat. Get those holiday vibes going with Havana Spiced Rum, almond syrup, fresh lime and apple juice for a sweet and tangy sensation- packed with moreish flavour.
Channeling summertime in a glass, the Big Blue is a Beefeater gin cocktail with blue curacao, fresh lime and boozy mango soda- the perfect party-starter that matches the gorgeous hues inside the bar.
Those looking for a sweet blend that sips down easily, the Cherryade cocktail with Absolut vanilla vodka, cherry and lemonade is the ideal serve everyday of the week.
Cherryade cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Bandarra and tonic is a house-favourite and for good reason. We were first introduced to Bandarra (similar to an Aperol) at a Pastel cocktail masterclass and haven't looked back since. This bartender's choice of tipple is a sophisticated blend that comes in two flavours: Rojo and Al Fresco flavour before being served over ice with artisan skinny London tonic and grapefruit.
Available 4 - 7pm every Tuesday - Friday, these cocktails come at just a fiver each, making them some of the best-value drinks in the city- the gorgeous pastel interior and welcoming staff are just a bonus that'll keep you inside this Kirkgate hidden-gem all night long.
Cocktails with a view. / Image: Pastel
If you're not one for fancy cocktails, you'll probably surprise yourself with newfound favourites- but there's still bottles of Becks for £3.50 available during happy hour and shots of Jamesons for £2.50 aplenty.
Of course, there's still all of the usual Pastel favourites during these hours too. We're talking about the iconic pancetta and Haribo drinks that Pastel has become synonymous with, as well as wine available by the bottle, frothy and fizzy concoctions aplenty.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If that's not enough, every Monday you can grab a classic cocktail for a fiver as part of Pastel's Monday Club. The idea is that every single week, the Monday Club drink is announced on Instagram each week and you can then plan all your post-work drinks accordingly. Previous drinks have included the likes of a Clover, Batanga and Tommy's Margaritas.
We really can't think of a better spot to hang out after hours in a sun-soaked venue- especially without spending more than a fiver.
So, see you in there next week?
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / Pastel
Eats
Leeds’ first frozen yoghurt bar is opening in Headingley this weekend
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley in just a few days.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok and Instagram girlies as of late, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and they've just announced that they'll be soft launching this Sunday 19 April 2026.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this summer
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this summer.
Sophie Smith -
20th May 2022 
