Meanwood is about to get a new neighbourhood cocktail bar, as cocktail aficionados Number 8 plan their move into the area.
Previously located over in Manchester at the independent urban village Hatch, Number 8 has made quite a name for itself across the Pennines with its fun takes on classics, all made using premium ingredients.
They made quite a name for themselves there over the course of two years, serving up some interesting and tasty concoctions such as their 'Mangoes to Salford', made with Salford Rum gold spiced, mango purée, freshly squeezed lime and a dash of maple syrup.
They also served a popular selection of classics, including bloody marys and espresso martinis - which we are sure will also make a reemergence here in Leeds.
No 8 at its former home at Hatch / Image: Number 8
The cocktail bar left the Bruntwood food and drink development last year during the pandemic, along with all the other independent drink traders- some of whom were actually evicted from their shipping container units, only to be replaced with lookalike bars.
It was certainly a tough time for lots of independent small hospitality businesses last year, but now it seems that things are on the up. They're definitely looking good for the guys behind Number 8, who've secured the former Hungry Bear unit on Stonegate road.
Number 8's new home in Meanwood, in the former Hungry Bear site / Image: Number 8
Currently, the site's a work in progress but there already seems to be quite a lot of excitement with plenty of followers already commenting asking when the new bar will be open.
In the meantime, the team has been sharing pictures of the renovation work to give followers some behind the scenes insights as to what to expect from the new bar when it's finished.
Currently, there's lots of exposed brick on display and some large sash windows to let in plenty of light.
A classic espresso martini created by the team at Number 8 / Image: Number 8
Sharing the news on their Instagram, the team said:
"WE’RE RELOCATING!
"After months of searching for the perfect spot, Number 8 has a permanent new residence in the vibrant suburb of Meanwood, Leeds.
"Our affable staff (and handsome bar dog, Frank) can’t wait to recommence serving up tasty cocktails, great music & good times… with a few new tricks up our sleeve 🍴.
Resident pooch Frank, who was often to been seen hanging out in the old bar / Image: Number 8
"We look forward to welcoming new faces and old (for anyone venturing over the Pennines)…
"Updates to follow…Watch this space
"Meanwood, we can’t wait to call you home!"
We for one are certainly very excited to see them open over here, we're sure they'll make a great addition to the Leeds food and drink scene.
To keep up with more updates from the team ahead of their launch in Meanwood, follow them on Instagram here.
Get ready to take the plunge Leeds, as a community-led sauna and ice bath concept is on its way.
Hidden behind a railway arch in Saxton Gardens, Kontrast is gearing up to bring its popular sauna and ice bath concept to the city.
Following the huge success of its Manchester site, Kontrast Leeds will combine saunas, ice baths and a cafe designed to bring wellness into everyday life.
The Leeds space will feature two traditional saunas, one infrared saunas and four ice baths each varying in temperature between 3 and 13 degrees.
Images: Supplied
Plunge pools can be enjoyed solo or shared, depending on what guests choose, giving people the opportunity to shape each session around exactly what they need that day.
To suit different moods and preferences, Kontrast Leeds will include both a social sauna and a silent sauna, giving guests the option to come for conversation or reflection.
Single sessions will cost just £12 for 45 minutes, with 90-minute sessions from £20.
Image: Supplied
Known for making sauna and ice feel more accessible, welcoming and community-driven, Kontrast has grown beyond regular sessions to become a base for recurring events. These include their live ambient DJ set event, Unwind, which celebrates local talent, and their weekly run club, both of which the team hopes to bring to Leeds as part of building a similar sense of community in the city.
The Leeds site builds on everything the team has learned from Kontrast in Manchester.
Alongside the core sauna, Ice, cafe offering, the new site will include improved facilities, more spacious sauna provision and additional ice baths meaning more room for people to get involved.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
