Botanical themed bar, The Botanist, have released a new cocktail menu inspired by the lifecycle of plants.
With summer on the horizon, we are all on the lookout for that perfect tipple to enjoy as we relax into those dreamy long summer evenings. And luckily for us, The Botanist's new cocktail menu is everything we'd hoped for and more.
Known for their innovative and imaginative creations, the venue has delved deeper into the art of botany for their most recent range. Think weird and wonderful ingredients mixed together to make curious cocktails and perfect pairings.
The new menu is split into three different sections to allow the customer to sample the full lifecycle of a plant.
First up we have the 'Roots and Shoots' cocktails; herby, aromatic and infused with the flavourings found in leaves and roots.
For this we sampled the Passionfruit and Basil, made with Amaretto, Drambuie, yuzu liqueur and muddled together with passionfruit syrup, orange juice and basil leaves. A refreshing tall drink with a herby hit of basil which balanced the sharp citrus flavours perfectly.
Image: The Botanist
Next are the 'Flowers', a range of light and refreshing cocktails which are perfect for a hot summer's day. The Poppy and Berry punch was just as beautiful as it was delicious, served with an edible flower and radiating a romantic, crimson hue. Made with Beefeater pink gin, poppy liqueur and fresh raspberries, we could definitely see ourselves drinking a few of these to cool off in the sun.
Last but certainly not least are the 'Fruits', a list of concoctions that are zesty, vibrant and celebrating the freshest fruits of the season.
We went with the bartender's recommended Hawaiian Rum Punch which is made with spiced and dark rum, passionfruit syrup, pineapple liqueur and pineapple juice. One sip of this and you'll be transported to a tropical beach and you'll definitely be back for more.
Image: The Botanist
All this and we only just scratched the surface. There's a huge selection of exciting drinks to try including a massive non-alcoholic range which still boasts incredible flavours so that you won't feel like you're missing out.
Kelly Harrison, Head of Bars at The Botanist commented "Our non-alcoholic offering has been designed and created to showcase all the flavours of the liquid without any alcohol. Rather than creating great cocktails and subsequently trying to remove the alcohol and maintain the flavour profile, which can be a big challenge, we start with a strong recipe for an alcohol-free drink then find the perfect alcohol to enhance the existing flavours."
Image: The Botanist
With a fantastic outdoor area as well as a beautiful interior covered with potted plants and twinkling lights, The Botanist on Boar Lane is the place to be this summer for a delicious drink or two.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Clementine Hall -
1st June 2022 
