Sustainable drinks have come a long way in the last few years, but this new edition to Leeds' supermarket lineup is a gamechanger.
For those thinking that the drinks aisle is never long enough or those watching the mountain of beer cans pile up week after week and wondering if there's an easier way to reduce all this waste- Asda Pudsey has now introduced a bar concept into the supermarket, and there's a choice of twelve different drinks at any one time.
The 'Craft on Draft' concept offers shoppers a chance to sample a menu of twelve ever-changing beers, ciders and cocktails and the opportunity to chat to supermarket experts to find the perfect taste for their palette.
Image: Supplied, Asda
No more wasting drinks you don't like and bought because 'the cool IPA packaging made me do it' or downing drinks you don't like to feel as if you've got your money's worth- the future is here.
The idea is that the rotating drinks are poured into a refillable glass container to be taken home, with each holding 500ml, one or two litres at a time.
Selections include ready-to-drink cocktails like crowd favourites Pornstar Martinis and Straeberry Daquiris, as well as Dia De Los Muertos by Hammerton Brewery and Little Fish by Goodh Brewing Co for beer.
Craft on Draft is a specialist retailer that produces craft beers, cocktails, ciders and other alcoholic drinks with the premise of highlighting small-batch production as a more sustainable way to shop for kegs and fresh alcoholic drinks.
Image: Supplied, Asda
Claire Cragg, Manager, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships at Asda, said: “We’re really pleased to be bringing this exciting concept to Asda Pudsey, just in time for Christmas. The Craft on Draft team’s expertise in the hospitality industry will bring a range of drinks to the store that are unlikely to be found elsewhere and that complement our strong existing beers, wines and spirits offer.
“The refillable element of the trial gives customers the chance to pick up a new tipple and make a small change to help them shop more sustainably.”
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.”
Historic family-run Leeds restaurant that’s been open for half a century is forced to close
Clementine Hall
Beloved Leeds restaurant Salvo's has closed suddenly due to 'unexpected dispute' with landlord.
Salvo's over on Otley Road in Headingley is a real Leeds institution.
Having first opened in 1976, it has been serving generations of families for fifty years with its authentic Italian menu.
The much loved restaurant announced the heartbreaking news to their social media today stating that the unexpected closure is down to an 'unexpected dispute' with their landlord.
The post read: "To our dearest customers, friends, and supporters,
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we must share some devastating news. Due to an unexpected dispute with our landlord, we have been forced to close our doors effective immediately.
"This morning, the landlord changed the locks and denied our team access to the premises. This means we are, with immediate effect, unable to honor any existing bookings, provide table service, or welcome you for the dining experience we love to create.
"We want to be unequivocally clear: We have always met our obligations, including rent and all bills. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly, not just to serve exceptional food, but to build a community within our walls. Through the immense challenges of the hospitality economy, we fought to stay afloat, committed to our staff, our suppliers, and most of all, to you.
"Our hope now is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We remain committed to our dream and to serving you again."
The post continued: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible support, your laughter that filled our dining room, and your loyalty. It has been our greatest honor to serve you.
"We will update you here as soon as we have more information. Please keep our team in your thoughts."
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2022 
