Bottle Chop opened up on a small plot in Headingley just a few weeks ago, but the micro deli, bottle shop and bar has big plans to help the planet.
Believe it or not, your wine bottle is probably not as eco-friendly as you think it is- even if you put it into the recycling after it's been used.
Glass bottles are best reused. / Image: Bottle Chop
Officially, glass is one hundred percent recyclable and never loses any purity of quality when its reused, so this means that we can keep reusing and recycling for as long as we can. But what happens when it smashes on a roadside or behind the back of the bar? Those pieces that are left behind will usually end up in the black bin.
According to ISM, the average glass bottle will take approximately one million years to fully decompose, meaning we will never fully get rid of all the glass we use, or smash.
To counter the effects of single use glass on our planet, Bottle Chop, a new micro deli and bottle shop in Headingley have come up with a creative solution.
The selection of refillable booze. / Image: Bottle Chop
The company are selling their house wines and IPAs using reusable glass bottles. Customers purchase a glass bottle at £5 each and can refill it as many times as they like, all they need to do is return to the store once the bottle is empty.
With choices like Red Abruzzo, Rosso Montepulciano, a delicate purple red; White Sicilian Ciello Bianco Catarratto with pink grapefruit and White Touraine Guy Allion Sauvignon with elderflower, gooseberry and summer fruit available, there's sure to be a wine for every palette.
Beer drinkers can also choose from Deya IPA (6.5%) or Polly's Talus Pale Ale (5.6%) at £9.50 per litre to take away. All bottled drinks are available to sample in store as a schooner, glass or pint, as well as a 'sneaky taste' for those wanting to choose their drinks and get on with their afternoons.
You can grab a bottle in store. / Image: Bottle Chop
As Bottle Chop point out:
"This means less waste, less recycling, less going to the bottle bank with an embarrassing amount of bottles... I mean, you can’t do that in Sainsbo’s can ya?!"
If you want to get your own refillable wine and beer, or browse the extended collection of unusual drinks at Bottle Chop, visit them in their Headingley store, or any queries can be answered via Instagram.
"After years of late nights, strong cocktails, and incredible stories; The Maven will close its doors"
It's a sad day for the Leeds night life scene, as a beloved speakeasy bar has today announced that it will be closing its doors for good.
The Maven has been a firm favourite for many years with those looking to enjoy some experimental and expertly made cocktails.
Hidden behind an unassuming door at the top of Call Lane, it was a great spot to visit if you were looking for something that little bit special.
Announcing the news to their social media, The Maven said: "From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for being our guests over the years and promise that until then, we'll do our best to give you the best nights out on Call Lane."
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Clementine Hall
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
Sophie Smith -
21st December 2021 
