It's been 20 years since much-loved Thai restaurant Sukhothai opened its doors for the very first time.
To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the restaurant is throwing it back to 2002 and bringing back their original menu to celebrate.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets had just come out, Majestyk and Townhouse were the places to hang out at night and by day, shoppers stormed the Corn Exchange is search of edge one-off designs: 2002 really does feel like a lifetime ago.
There weren't many Thai restaurants around then either, the UK was yet to be introduced to the irresistible flavours of peanut pad thai or the delicious curries and spices.
There were very few Thai restaurants in the UK at that time, never mind Leeds, but one woman seized the opportunity to fill the gap and hasn’t looked back since.
Ban Kaewkraikhot opened her very first Sukhothai restaurant (named after the small-town north of Bangkok where she was raised) in Chapel Allerton in April 2002, bringing with her a lifetime passion for Thai cuisine which began at an early age with her mother’s cooking in rural Thailand.
In total, there's now three Sukhothai's across the country and the owners have since gone on to open an impressive six restaurants of their causal-dining brand Zaap Thai. Not to mention Ban and her dedicated team have won countless awards and survived a global pandemic- it’s been quite the journey.
Now, to celebrate two decades of trading, Sukhothai is reminiscing on their original 2002 menu and bringing back their first ever specials.
Lamb Shank Massamam. / Image: PGHL
Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, succulent lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a sizzling hot plate. The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.
Dishes making a comeback include the Gae Kiew Wan Gata Lon, succulent lamb stir-fried with green curry paste, sweet basil, lime leaves, green beans and chilli, served on a sizzling hot plate. The Som Tum Supparod Pla Tod consists of crispy haddock served with a spicy Som Tum salad and fruity pineapple.
Diners will be able to pair these nostalgic dishes with the current specials on the modern day menu for a true time-travelling experience through the senses.
‘’Leeds has been my home for over 20 years now, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved at Sukhothai since our humble beginnings back in 2002. Leeds is a fantastic city, full of warm and welcoming people, and one of the most diverse food scenes you’ll find in the world.’’
‘’I’m also lucky enough to call so many customers and team members my friends. I’ve been part of countless engagements, birthdays, graduations and seen children grow up into young adults.’’
‘’I’m eternally grateful to everyone that has supported me over the years and can’t wait to see our most loyal and longstanding customers enjoy our special birthday menu. Removing some of these classic specials from our menu wasn’t always an easy decision, but we always aim to evolve at Sukhothai, and our customers appreciate this.’’
Image: PGHL
‘’The Seafood Platter, in particular, will be welcomed back with open arms, I’ve had so many customers ask when it’s coming back. I look forward to seeing you all, to raise a glass to 20 years. Here’s to the next 20!’’
The menu will be available for 20 days from Tuesday 26 April - Sunday 15 May 2022.
Feature Image- PGHL
Leeds
The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.
You can boost your serotonin and cuddle with a litter of Dalmatian puppies in Leeds
Clementine Hall
A pooch therapy session is coming to Leeds where you can cuddle with a litter of adorable Dalmatian puppies.
If you're feeling down in the dumps and looking for a dopamine hit, then there's an event taking place in Leeds just for you.
Pooch Therapy offer a unique and heartwarming initiative dedicated to enhancing the lives of both puppies and humans through specially curated sessions.
Each event includes on hour of play and cuddles with the puppies and are designed to support the early socialisation of puppies while providing participants with a powerful boost to their mental wellbeing.
This Sunday 3 May, 13 Dalmatian puppies will be heading their way to The Woods in Chapel Allerton from 1-2pm for all your cuddling needs.
So get ready for cuddles, snuggles, wagging tails and plenty of spots.
Here's what Pooch Therapy say about the event: "These sessions aren’t just cute, they’re purposeful too. You’ll be helping the puppies through their final stages of socialisation before they head off to their forever homes, while giving yourself a moment to switch off, reset, and soak up some seriously wholesome energy.
"Participants in our sessions enjoy the scientifically backed benefits of animal-assisted therapy. Interacting with playful, affectionate puppies helps reduce stress, elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, and promote an overall sense of calm and happiness.
"Each public event is thoughtfully planned 2-7 weeks in advance to ensure a safe, enriching environment for both the puppies and participants. In addition, we run private events, from care homes, corporates to pop-stars dressing rooms, we deliver moments of joy, connection and wellbeing wherever we go."
Sophie Smith -
7th April 2022 
