There's over 1000 varieties of gin to choose from.
If Christmas time reminds us of nothing else, it's the fond memory of pulling out the Guiness World Record books. Many of us would scour the pages for wacky talents and find the 'world's longest fingernails' or obscure hobbies like the 'largest collection of spoons'.
For cocktail bar and gin shop owner, Shelley Green, it was the gin record that she was interested in. After her son received a Guinness World Records book for his birthday, the mum attempted to beat the records and now houses 1,026 varieties of gin.
The Evil Eye Gin Shop and Cocktail Bar holds a Guinness World Record. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
This has made Evil Eye Lounge in York the location with the most varieties of gin commercially available in the world, and has set the record for others to beat since February 2018.
Behind the gin shop is the Evil Eye cocktail bar, a speakeasy frequented by A-list celebrities and is said to be Johnny Depp's favourite watering hole. It is this shop-bar combination that has won over a range of clientele for many years, but this quirky hangout space will be seeing some major changes in 2022.
The cocktail bar has a range of quirky drinks available. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
Due to closure of the gin shop in January for maintenance, the gin shop is clearing out its collection- and offering 30% all the gin that's left in store.
The owners have stated on Instagram:
"That’s right! Big changes are coming in January and with gin becoming old hat, we’re having a clear out and you lot get to benefit!
"All the gin left in our World Record holding gin shop (excluding our own Evil Gin range) is on sale as of Black Friday (26/11/21) and will be until we close for maintenance in January.
"30% off every gin we have left (excluding our own Evil Gin range) and just in time for Christmas shopping.
"No new stock will be coming in, so it’s literally what we have left on our shelves.
"See you over the coming weeks!"
Popular and rare gins are all available. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
They have since stated that the gin shop will be open everyday to make way for their giant clearance sale. The website shows mostly sold out stock, or states that stock needs checking to update the actual amount available.
To find out what gin is left from the world's largest collection, you'll have to head in store to Evil Eye in York. Whatever the future holds for this record holder's store, it's expected to continue to be home of the 'bizarre, weird and wonderful'.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Sophie Smith -
21st December 2021 
