Leeds' first Tequila Festival is set to arrive in Leeds next month.
On the eve of Friday 22 July 2022, one of Leeds' favourite cultural arts spaces will be transformed into a tequila-infused haven, with an appearance from Tequila Ocho, the world’s first Single Estate tequila, amongst other exciting household names.
Fans of the Leeds Whisky Festival or Rum Fest from Rolling Social Events will be delighted to see another boozy day of takeovers across the city.
Leeds Tequila Festival will be launching its debut event in July. / Image: Supplied
Next month, The Tetley will play host to ambassadors, makers and creators from numerous renowned Tequila distilleries, including the likes of Monin Syrups, Tequila Ocho, Patron, Arette and Fortaleza.
The one-evening-only event will showcase over 50 agave products, including tequila, mezcal and other exciting Mexican spirits whilst The Tetley's fully-stocked bar will allow those looking to up their cocktail game with a splash of tequila to find their new favourite mix.
If that's not enough, Call Lane's favourite Mexican watering hole, Neon Cactus will be showing everything why they are known as the go-to spot for Margaritas, all by serving up their their perfect pair of tacos, including veggie and vegan alternatives.
Neon Cactus will be serving up tacos all night long. / Image: Supplied
Clare Morrow, Ocho Brand Manager says:“We are so excited to be sponsoring Leeds’ first Tequila festival. There has been huge growth in interest and consumer knowledge in agave products over the past couple of years, and there’s never been a more exciting time to share what makes Tequila and Ocho so special. Leeds Tequila Festival will be a great opportunity to share Ocho with people neat, but also showcase its versatility in cocktails, where the authentic agave flavour shines through.”
Lee Jones, Rolling Social Events says: “We’ve done rum, we’ve done whisky, we’ve done gin…tequila was the next logical step! Whether you have just discovered the world of agave or simply enjoy a delicious margarita, there will be something for all levels of interest at our first ever Leeds Tequila Festival at The Tetley this July.”
A Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
Sophie Smith -
24th June 2022 
