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
The charming French bistro that’s been a Leeds favourite for over 30 years
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city centre you’ll find a Leeds institution that has been serving diners since 1991.
You've probably walked past Sous Le Nez hundreds of times and not popped in.
But if we can convince you to do anything, it's to head down those unassuming stairs on Quebec Street and ask for a table.
Set in a cavernous basement, the space is full of nooks and crannies, and in a flash, you’ll be whisked away to the South of France with stellar service and white tablecloths to match.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their food is classic French cuisine done to an excellent standard.
We're talking indulgent French onion soup, rich pan-seared duck breast, juicy rump steak with silky peppercorn sauce and moule-frites served in a sauce good enough for drinking.
And if the food isn't enough to get you excited, then wait until you hear about the wine list.
Featuring over 300 wines, you'll find a tipple to suit every taste and every flavour on the menu.
As well as its a la carte menu, they offers it's menu du soir which is available until 6:45pm on weekdays and on a Saturday lunch time.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It includes three courses including half a bottle of excellent wine per person. I mean, you really can't get better value then that, can you?
More recently, renowned food critic Jay Rayner praised Sous Le Nez for its fabulous food and we couldn't agree more. And if it's good enough for Jay, then it's certainly good enough for us.
This is the sort of spot that is full of regulars no matter the time of day, whether they’re stopping by for a quick lunch or indulging in their evening menu - it’s no surprise they’ve been a firm Leeds favourite for over 30 years.
You can find out more about Sous Le Nez and book your table here.
One of Leeds’ most loved sushi restaurants has just opened a second location in the city
Clementine Hall
Because one Fern Modern Sushi wasn't enough, we've now got two.
And guess what? It's even better than the first.
Fern Modern Sushi located in the unassuming Central Arcade has become a firm foodie favourite after opening just a couple years ago.
Run by the wonderful Chef Fern, who you could say is somewhat of a local celebrity at this point, the restaurant is known for serving delicious sushi with the freshest fish possible and traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Full with hungry punters no matter the time of day, it's no surprise that Chef Fern has just opened Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 on Park Row.
This beautiful new space is serving up all the classic Fern dishes, from stacked donburi bowls and perfectly rolled sushi to miso glazed cod and hearty bowls of ramen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Different for this location, though, is their exclusive cocktail menu - so you can wine and dine to your heart's content.
The interior has also levelled up, complete with a huge open kitchen so you can pull up a chair and eat whilst watching the magic happen.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this isn't all that Chef Fern is up to, after opening Tori Nori on Vicar Lane a few months ago this will be her third restaurant in the city centre, and that is no easy feat.
She's even got another restaurant imminently opening in the Central Arcade which will be focused on traditional katsu dishes, and we wouldn't be at all surprised if she had something else lined up in the pipeline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fern Modern Sushi 2.0 officially opens on 19 November, but is open now for soft launch with limited bookings.
Sophie Smith -
20th May 2022 
