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
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
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."
Sophie Smith -
20th May 2022 
