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.''
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Sophie Smith -
5th May 2022 
