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.
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because everything Silver's do is absolutely class.
The progress so far. Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as last month they announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named 'Silver's Bakehouse' serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
What exactly has not yet been revealed, with owner Chris keeping details tightly under wraps.
But what we do know is that every single thing will be made fresh, with love, in-house, at their new brand spanking new location in Farsley.
They've been keeping adoring fans updated on their socials with renovation updates, and it's already looking absolutely top tier.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is opening next Friday 22 May - just in time for the late May bank holiday weekend. We'll see you there.
Read more: A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Eats
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Sophie Smith -
24th January 2022 
