Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Mojitos, 'spicy' wine, Prosecco, beer- need we say more?
It's fair to say that Leeds comes with plenty of bottomless brunch options. In fact, we've written almost 100 articles to date about all the bottomless options around- and if that doesn't blow your mind, we're still finding a good few new options to add to our list every single week.
This week, we discovered Basco's MMXX, a hidden-in-plain-sight cafe and bistro, serving up all sorts of boozy options every weekend. This place first appeared to be offering up something special in the height of lockdown 2020, but it's only in the last twelve weeks that the space has really come to life.
In the week, expect coffee, cocktails and plenty of wholesome food options. Focusing on eggs for every meal, as well as healthy specials like açai bowls and quinoa stuffed peppers- this is the sort of place we imagine sitting back for hours as the world goes by, and we slowly get through a stack of food that's as tasty as it looks.
During the weekend, there's a different reason to be visiting Basco's, and it has a lot to do with their free-flowing fizz. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday guests can expect a full 90 minutes of drinking as many glasses of Prosecco and strawberries and Mythos beer as possible.
Just just £4 extra, add cocktails to the menu and take on the classics like a refreshing Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Mojitos, or even try the house specials, the Basco's 'Spitz', Frozen Daiquiri or 'spicy' wine.
On the food menu, there's plenty of options too. Think brekkie options, with all the eggs included: there's poaches eggs with bacon and hollandaise sauce, Eggs Royale or smashed avo with eggs to choose from.
If you're not an egg-eater, there's the Triple Bacon and Chips to take on- which is pretty self explanatory or have your pitta three ways: with pork, chicken or veggies.
These options in particular sound like a great hangover cure, within a bottomless brunch to us and will surely help to line the stomach for even more boozy flavours- which definitely isn't a bad thing.
Although Basco's MMXX is fairly new to Leeds, they're committed to finding out what their customers love the most about food and drink.
"We want to know your name, your favourite drink, food and your favourite coffee and cake. Join us for speciality coffees, house-made cakes, freshly cooked food with great choices of vegetarian and vegan dishes, smoothies and luxury milkshakes, great choice of fine wines, beers and cocktails."
For more information, including how to book a bottomless brunch at Basco's, you'll have to head over to their Instagram page or visit the cafe-bistro at Albion Place in Leeds city centre between 10am and 6pm everyday.
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
20th January 2022 
