Happy Hour: the best time of the day to grab a pint in the sunshine, bask in the warmth knowing a hard day of graft has come to an end and there's nothing left to do but sip away the post-working hours.
Far from a generic Happy Hour menu, Pastel has reimagined the hours between 4pm - 7pm four days a week to bring us some of the most exciting cocktails in the city- and all for just £5.
Goodtime Grog is your all-round crowd-pleaser and perfect for those days where the sunshine is warming up the pastel pink booths on the first floor of this hidden-retreat. Get those holiday vibes going with Havana Spiced Rum, almond syrup, fresh lime and apple juice for a sweet and tangy sensation- packed with moreish flavour.
Channeling summertime in a glass, the Big Blue is a Beefeater gin cocktail with blue curacao, fresh lime and boozy mango soda- the perfect party-starter that matches the gorgeous hues inside the bar.
Those looking for a sweet blend that sips down easily, the Cherryade cocktail with Absolut vanilla vodka, cherry and lemonade is the ideal serve everyday of the week.
Cherryade cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Bandarra and tonic is a house-favourite and for good reason. We were first introduced to Bandarra (similar to an Aperol) at a Pastel cocktail masterclass and haven't looked back since. This bartender's choice of tipple is a sophisticated blend that comes in two flavours: Rojo and Al Fresco flavour before being served over ice with artisan skinny London tonic and grapefruit.
Available 4 - 7pm every Tuesday - Friday, these cocktails come at just a fiver each, making them some of the best-value drinks in the city- the gorgeous pastel interior and welcoming staff are just a bonus that'll keep you inside this Kirkgate hidden-gem all night long.
Cocktails with a view. / Image: Pastel
If you're not one for fancy cocktails, you'll probably surprise yourself with newfound favourites- but there's still bottles of Becks for £3.50 available during happy hour and shots of Jamesons for £2.50 aplenty.
Of course, there's still all of the usual Pastel favourites during these hours too. We're talking about the iconic pancetta and Haribo drinks that Pastel has become synonymous with, as well as wine available by the bottle, frothy and fizzy concoctions aplenty.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If that's not enough, every Monday you can grab a classic cocktail for a fiver as part of Pastel's Monday Club. The idea is that every single week, the Monday Club drink is announced on Instagram each week and you can then plan all your post-work drinks accordingly. Previous drinks have included the likes of a Clover, Batanga and Tommy's Margaritas.
We really can't think of a better spot to hang out after hours in a sun-soaked venue- especially without spending more than a fiver.
So, see you in there next week?
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / Pastel
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 -
20th May 2022 
