Eats

A new Yorkshire-born Tequila brand is coming to Leeds

The trio of tequilas will be stocked in some of the north’s best bars, including The Alchemist, Chaophraya, Tabula Rasa, and Selfridges.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 5th May 2022

Dakota, The Alchemist, Chaophraya, Tabula Rasa, and Selfridges will all stock the Yorskhire start-up spirit from May onwards.

We truly are home to some of the world's best start-ups- Marks & Spencer's being just one. We thought that the only thing left for God’s Own County is yet to be associated with is tequila- but a Leeds-based start-up is looking to change that.

Yorkshire-born brand HACIEN Tequila is launching this month in Leeds and we can't wait to see its name added to the long list of thriving Leeds' businesses.

Debuting its trio of premium crafted tequilas at Dakota in Leeds this May, HACIEN is designed for the more discerning modern drinker- with their Pineapple Blanco hotly tipped to be the drink of summer 2022.

Image: Supplied

If you know your spirits, you'll know that this is going to be a firm contender in our city. Made using 100% blue agave, HACIEN is supposedly naturally sweeter and smoother than your average tequila and we've heard that this is what makes it versatile tipple that can be sipped and savoured, or mixed into a cocktail or refreshing T&T (tequila and tonic).

The range will initially comprise three variants, including HACIEN’s signature Pineapple Blanco, which infuses sweet and aromatic pineapple with 100% agave tequila for a smooth and fruity finish.

The brand hopes to replicate some of the success tequila has enjoyed over in the USA, where it is enjoyed much in the same way gin and vodka are consumed in the UK.

Founded by entrepreneurs Seb Francis and Jordan Myers, and Business Development Manager Ashley Mitchell- the trio has over 30 years of business experience between them to bring to the table.

Image: Supplied

After securing a £500,000 investment, including backing from Halo Top Co-Founder Doug Bouton, the trio completed numerous trips to Mexico visiting a range of distilleries in search of the perfect partner to help make HACIEN a reality.

The trio of tequilas will be stocked in some of the north’s best bars and high-end retail outlets from May onwards, including The Alchemist, Chaophraya, Tabula Rasa, and Selfridges.

HACIEN will also be available online exclusively from Master of Malt from May with prices ranging from £47 to £95.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Seb commented:

''The last two years spent creating HACIEN have not been without their challenges, however, it's also been incredibly rewarding and is something I've wanted to do for a long time. We wanted to create a tequila range that not only looks as good as it tastes but one that was versatile enough to change perceptions of the spirit itself.''

''I know so many people in the UK that had a negative first experience with tequila, often because it was a lousy brand that they drank too much of at uni, and have never been back. HACIEN is made with 100% blue agave, making it much smoother and more complex than the average bottle you'd pick up in the supermarket.''

Eats

Iconic Leeds venue The Reliance to be brought back to life under new name ‘The Smithfield’

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.

The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.

Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.

The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.

Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.

Images: Supplied

Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.

“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.

The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.

“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”

We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.

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Featured image - Supplied

Eats

Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.

Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.

Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.

Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.

Images: The Manc Group

Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.

So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.

Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."

They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.

It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.

We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.

Read more:

Featured image - The Manc Group

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