These cocktails are the summertime treat you've been waiting for.
With temperatures reaching a respectable fourteen degrees and only two downpours this week, Leeds is slowly transitioning into the spring/summer season.
It might not quite be t-shirt weather, but we're getting there.
Bringing that warm summer, cocktails in sunshine feeling into March is Pastel, a brand-new cocktail bar in Kirkgate.
Having only been open for just one week, this dreamy bar is the perfect escape from the everyday that'll have you feeling like you're basking somewhere far warmer than Leeds.
Image: Pastel Leeds
Rattan chairs, pineapple tables and decorative features in pink, mint, cream and a teal green: this pastel paradise is going to be an Insta-worthy bar that brings that summer feel-good feeling to the everyday.
Located in the beating heart of Leeds metropolis, Kirkgate, Pastel is combining the euphoric feeling of day drinking with the playful romanticism of evening tipple.
The cocktail menu is small, but considered- and it's full of unique combinations we're yet to see anywhere else in the UK.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Pastel Fizz, for instance, is a delectable concoction of Bacardi Raspberry, raspberry liqueur, fresh lime juice with cream, egg white, soda and topped with ‘Pastel Dust’ that gives it a rather frothy appearance.
Even those still recovering from the night before will struggle to turn this refreshing cocktail down- it's creamy, refreshing and goes down far too easily.
The Curd Your Enthusiasm cocktail was also a standout favourite for The Hoot Leeds. Portobello Road Gin, fresh lemon juice with lemon Curd and topped with pancetta and a single Haribo Egg. Yes, eggs and meat on a cocktail: not for the faint-hearted, or vegetarians for that matter.
This one combines sweet, sour and salty into a short, crushed-ice cocktail: clashing flavours that definitely shouldn't be mixed together, but provide a tangy taste that we couldn't stop talking about all night long. Plus, the pancetta and egg makes a great snack to curb any midnight food cravings.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
True to its 'Cocktails and Good Times' slogan, the self-proclaimed Good Times cocktail lives up to its namesake- you'll really struggle to keep the giggles in after being served this one.
The combination of Bandarra Al Fresco, Grapefruit Bitters, Artisan Yuzu Tonic and Prosecco is a cherry red tall drink that comes with a side of bubbles from the bartender. Hilarious, unexpected and just plain fun: the bartender quite literally will blow bubbles from a machine your way when you order this one- magical.
If you're looking for an intimate Friday night spot to grab some cocktails and manifest your next trip overseas: this beautiful blue building in Kirkgate is the ideal spot to get in holiday-mode.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Eats
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
18th March 2022 
