Time to 'spice up your life' with a one-of-a-kind bottomless experience.
The remnants of the 90s music scene is a unique combination of pop anthems and cheesy hits that we just can't quite shake.
They're the tunes you love to sing along to, no matter how many times they're played on a night out and whether they symbolise nights out from your younger days or are nostalgic songs from your throwback playlists: we all have a soft spot for 90s tunes.
Taking it back thirty years over May bank holiday weekend, much-loved New York style bar Manahatta is transforming its three Leeds-based bars into the ultimate 90s night out.
Image: Manahatta UK
Introducing a one-off bottomless brunch to the menu, Manahatta is set to host a boozy experience that'll bring the likes of the Spice Girls, Barbie and TLC back to the DJ deck.
Fancy dress is optional but encouraged: think scrunchies, crimped hair and sporadic neon and acid wash designs are likely to make an appearance on Greek Street, Merrion Street and in Headingley during this bottomless 90s party- the only rule Manahatta impose is 'No Scrubs'.
For an evening of non-stop hits and bottomless drinks is bound to work up an appetite, so Manahatta has included a few select favourites from their new New York-style menu.
Discerning Leeds foodies will notice the return of the huge Empire State Chicken stack.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The lunch and dinnertime option comes as a towered stack of crisp coated chicken, waffles, American cheese, purple slaw and maple syrup, with a serving of barbecue sauce or thick gravy to pour over the stack and fries. Thick, juicy and tender- this is the ultimate chicken dinner inspired by the USA.
The rest of the upgraded options (which cost an additional £5) are light, summer-inspired options that are bursting with zesty flavour- perfect for a pit stop between dance moves.
The halloumi fajitas here are just as colourful as the decor and packed with flavour: create your own combinations using sizzling slices of halloumi, toasted wraps and a whole host of toppings like tomato salsa, guac and bright salads.
To wash all this down with, Manahatta has a vast selection of cocktails included in their bottomless brunch offering.
There's free-flowing fizz in the form of Prosecco and four different types of spritz. In addition to your usual Aperol Spritz, brunchers can opt to clink glasses of Wild Berry, Orchard Apple or Orange Blush, mixing and matching throughout the ninety minute sitting.
Although Manahatta regularly offers a bottomless brunch experience day and evening, this nineties night will be a one-off themed version held exclusively over May Bank Holiday weekend.
Manahatta Headingley, Merrion St in Leeds and York will all host the 90s bottomless on Friday 29 April 2022 at 19.30pm, whilst those visiting the nearby city of Harrogate will have to wait until Sunday 1 May at 16.30pm to pair their old crimpers and capri pants with cocktails and Coors.
Tickets cost from £30.95, but are extremely limited, so booking is heavily advised. For more information, including how to book your tickets, visit the Manahatta website.
Feature Image- Manahatta UK
Eats
‘The pub that refused to die’ – reborn Leeds pub receives glowing national review by Jay Rayner
Food critic Jay Rayner headed to Leeds for his latest restaurant review for The Financial Times, with his sights set on one of the city's newest pubs - The Highland Laddie.
Having only opened in May last year, The Highland Laddie has practically received a stream of praise ever since.
From the team behind the beloved Empire Cafe, it's a pub unlike any you'll find in the city.
Charming interiors and cosy fires matched with stellar food that rivals that of any restaurant in the city, it's no surprise that The Good Food Guide rated the Laddie has the Best Pub in Britain for 2025.
And now Jay Rayner, one of the country's most rated critics, has jumped on the Laddie-loving bandwagon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review is glowing in every aspect, stating that "The Laddie, as it’s now being called, answers all those miserable questions about whether a pub is actually a restaurant in disguise, by making them feel irrelevant."
After making himself comfortable, Rayner continues to order a myriad of delicious things off the menu.
"Some of the food is purely comforting", he remarks before claiming "the must-have is the lyrically described “Sliced ham from the fire, dinner roll, butter & mustard”.
"It starts with the delivery of a laminated mustard menu. There’s Colman’s or Taylors English, Grey Poupon wholegrain and five types of Dijon, among others. More restaurants should have mustard menus. We are pointed at the Händlmaier Sweet Bavarian, a jar of which is delivered to the table.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"It eases the cheek-pink slices of still warm, thick-cut salty ham on their way as I fold them into the sweet springy block of bread with its butter-brushed crust. It is a dish ripped gently from the pages of The Darling Buds of May and made heavenly reality."
High praise indeed from Mr Rayner who finds joy in his experience til the very end, "At the end, the bill comes with a couple of Fruit Salad sweets, a ’70s classic.
"It’s a shameless clapback to an imaginary back-in-the-day, for nothing then was ever as good as this. But let’s not quibble with wonky nostalgia. Let’s just celebrate a present which has found space for the Highland Laddie amid the high-rise clutter."
Beloved Leeds brunch spot Olive & Rye announces major expansion plans
Daisy Jackson
A much-loved Leeds cafe and brunch favourite has announced a major expansion, with bags more seating both inside and out.
Independent cafe Olive & Rye has announced that it's expanding into the unit next door in the beautiful Queens Arcade.
The local brunch spot has already started work on the neighbouring unit and is set to be back up and running in just a few weeks.
It's great news for the arcade, which is already home to businesses like Pop Boutique and Art & Soul, as well as Olive & Rye's sister business, the authentic little Thai cafe, Olive & Thai.
The cafe has a seasonal menu, so there's always a new special to try, as well as a core menu of classic brunch favourites like homemade granola, eggs on sourdough, and pancakes.
They're also famed for their huge full breakfasts, which feature items like crispy pork belly, homemade beans, black pudding, and hash browns.
Announcing the news yesterday, Olive & Rye said: "It’s finally official !!!
"We’re expanding into the unit next door. We so excited for a bigger dining area and kitchen. That means we will have more inside and outside spots for brunch
"We will be closed on February 3rd & 4th for construction, but back up and running on the 5th."
Sophie Smith -
14th April 2022 
