There's few cocktails that are able to bring back a nostalgic childhood memory without it raising a few eyebrows, and concerns- but if you want a drink that will transport you back to that spot where you'd have your brekkie before school, this Leeds bar have nailed it.
Sandinista's marketing draws many parallels to the Coco Pops original. / Image: Sandinista
The Sandinista has only been open a mere six months but their exciting menu of nostalgic cocktails is sure to make the bar a long-time watering hole on the corner of Belgrave Street.
Nestled between The Watermark Bar and Tepanyaki, past Belgrave, you'll find the brains behind Blind Tyger and Smokestack offering out no less than a Coco Pops inspired cocktail.
Known as the 'Smack, Craic & POP!', the very grown up drink was inspired by a White Russian and consists of Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey and Nixta Corn Liqueur and then oat milk is mixed with cacao to create that chocolate milk that we all know and love.
The 'Smack, Craic & POP!' cocktail. / Image: Sandinista
Elsewhere on the menu, you can find reminders of your schooldays when you'd drink enough Slush Puppies until you had brain freeze- but this time, there's far more than just juice in it.
Choose from either the Mango Margarita, a Olmeca Los Altos blanco tequila concoction with lime juice and mango purée or a frozen Raspberry Daiquiri made from Havana Club 3 year rum, lime juice and raspberry purée.
There's also zombies on the menu that came from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Kingston 62 White, Appleton Signature Rum, Doorlys 5-year, Wray & Nephew, Falernum, red wine grenadine, pineapple, orange juice and mixed citrus cordial in a sugar-topped glass.
If all those nostalgic drinks aren't filling enough, Sandinista has got some real good looking burgers from Punk Food Project available that add even more colour to the menu.
Think tasty meaty patties sandwiched between rainbow swirled bagel burger buns, some even topped with a little paper umbrellas.
Rainbow Sandinista burgers from Punk Food. / Image: Sandinista
The popular bar spot is serving all those who love a bit of Punk Food as well as “those of you who come alive with liquid spirit, craft beer and late night rock n roll, indie and hip-hop” and sounds ideal for a place to let off a bit of steam and taste some grown up versions of our childhood treats.
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sophie Smith -
24th January 2022 
