Liquor Studio in Leeds is the ultimate way to find your new favourite drink: create your own gin and then take it home with you as part of their creator's experience.
The gin market feels a little saturated these days.
With just about every flavour under the sun available as an alcohol-infused delight, when you've tried all the variations you can think of there's only one thing left to do.
Create your own gin.
Using a massive range of botanical distillates under the guidance of experienced 'ginstructors', you can begin your own journey of DIY booze.
Brought to you from 2/3 of the The Hedonist bar, Liquor Studio is the place to let those creative juices flow and find the perfect flavours for you to enjoy.
Less home-brew, more luxury gin tasting, this experience guides you through the science of creating the perfect booze with a series of interactive and tasty experiments.
Mix and match gin flavours until you find your favourite at the masterclasses. / Image: Liquor Studio
That's right: you get to taste your way to the perfect recipe.
Once you have an idea of what makes a good gin recipe, let loose and channel your inner drinks critic in the Blending Room where you can mix and match to your heart's content to find the perfect flavour.
Once finalised, you'll received 50cl worth of your very own designed gin, complete with a personalised label.
Best of all, this needn't be a one-time-arrangement.
Once you've downed your debut bottle, the Liquor Studio will keep your recipe on their records so that you can reorder new bottles anytime you like without having to create another recipe, unless you want to that is.
Your finished bottle is your recipe to keep hidden or share with the world. / Image: Liquor Studio
Gin Creation Classes currently cost £79.95 per person or £149.99 per couple in attendance.
The price covers your 50cl bottle of homemade gin, along with a couple of G&Ts throughout the evening and the gintructors' time too.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Sophie Smith -
12th November 2021 
