The year of the tiger is almost, but not quite, upon us- but that doesn't mean we can't start the celebrations early.
Celebrating the history of the Lunar New Year and the meaning behind the traditions, modern Chinese restaurant, Tattu have decided to serve up an incredible cocktail that represents one of the most recognisable traditions in China.
Known as the 'Tattu Red Envelope Gift Cocktail, the sparkling orange-red concoction is topped with a creamy foam and torched to give it that toasted marshmallow finish. On the top of the decadent drink is a macaroon with a tiger stamped on top, representing the new year that we will fall into, the Year of the Tiger.
Then, on the side, a red envelope represents the Hong Bao envelope that has become a tradition for those celebrating the Lunar New Year to offer each other. Guests are invited to open the envelopes in search of a golden ticket that has a voucher inside.
Tattu said: "In China, Hong Bao envelopes are given to loved ones on New Year to bestow happiness and good blessings"
"Attached to your Water Tiger cocktail is a miniature red envelope, with the chance to find a golden ticket and win a Tattu gift voucher of up to £100". Will the Year Of The Tiger be your lucky year?"
As one of four Tattu locations in the UK, Tattu Leeds hosts a range of cuisine that are inspired by the quote 'it's all in the detail'. On the food menu, you'll find specials like the Char Sui Monkfish with a delicious honey glaze, served with morning glory, caramel orange and pickled cucumber, which is due to land on their menu soon.
There's also an incredible Chinese New Year dessert on offer: the 'Year of the Tiger Dessert'
A chocolate semi freddo base, topped with fluffy marshmallow, all encased within a tempered tiger print chocolate.
Tattu describe is as "A dessert that is rich and sweet, while the fluffy marshmallow balances these flavours and gives it a smooth lightness to the dish" and we're obsessed with that tiger print encasing.
The venue was closed last weekend as it was used to film the latest Marvel TV series, Secret Invasion.
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 -
27th January 2022 
