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.
Everyone's in love with frozen yoghurt, and Leeds is about to get more of it.
Over the past year, the UK has become a little bit obsessed with frozen yoghurt - and Leeds is no exception.
We've had Kefiyo open in Headingley which met to queues round the block for weeks, as well as the UK's leading froyo brand Frurt open up in Kirkstall.
And now, there's a newbie on the block.
Images: Supplied
Introducing 'Yo-Go', your newest frozen yoghurt bar that will be opening up in Leeds' Hyde Park.
We don't know much about Yo-Go yet, but we do know it's female owned and is sporting some pretty cute branding.
The space is currently undergoing renovation, with the owner posting that she received the keys just a couple of days ago.
The window vinyls are up, and people are already getting very excited about the opening as they flock to the comments of Yo-Go's first Instagram post.
Announcing the news of their opening, Yo-Go wrote: "GUYS!! WE’VE GOT THE KEYS. And apparently they don’t come with a finished shop… rude.
"While we get to work, we need your input. Toppings, flavours, very specific requests, we’re taking notes. Drop them below and I’ll try my best to make it happen x"
Comments included requests for 'unlimited toppings' as well as warm sauces, cookie dough, marshmallow and honeycomb.
Sounds pretty delicious if you ask us, but for now, it looks like there's still some work to be done before the shop is ready to welcome its first customers.
We don't know of an opening date just yet, but we'll keep you updated as and when we do.
Inside the new all-day American diner that has just opened at Leeds Bradford Airport
Clementine Hall
A brand-new American-style diner serving smash burgers, hot dogs and thick milkshakes has opened at Leeds Bradford Airport.
We all know the holiday really starts as soon as you get to the airport, and Leeds Bradford Airport has a brand-new American diner to kick start it in style.
Welcome to Monty’s American Diner, the all-day dining destination bringing a taste of the USA to Yorkshire.
Located in the airport's departure lounge, this new spot is designed to give passengers somewhere to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a proper meal before jetting off.
And just like your classic American diner, there’s plenty on the menu to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Early flight? Breakfast is available until 11am with options including fluffy waffles, French toast bites, chicken and waffles drenched in maple syrup as well as traditional cooked breakfasts and American-style bagels.
Those travelling later in the day can tuck into smash burgers, chicken wings, loaded hot dogs, gooey mac and cheese and even a BBQ platter complete with ribs, corn and wings.
There’s also a menu specifically designed for the little ones, featuring waffles, beans on toast and scrambled eggs on toast, alongside burgers, chicken tenders and mac and cheese throughout the day.
And if you fancy a drink before take-off, because it wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a tipple, Monty’s has that covered too.
There's freshly poured pints on offer as well as cocktails, or you can have the proper American experience with a 'hard shake' - their classic thick milkshakes but made boozy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been decked out in style, so much so that you'll forget you're in Yorkshire and think you've popped into a diner on Route 66.
Classic booth seating, red neon signs, hanging globe lights, all complete with a retro jukebox which you can even pop a song on.
Open all-day long, from the first flight til the last, next time you're jetting off make sure to make Monty's part of your holiday routine.
You can find out more about Monty's at Leeds Bradford Airport here.
Sophie Smith -
24th January 2022 
