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.
The family of the young man who was killed in tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have now paid tribute to him.
The man has been named as William Chapman.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday 10 October, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
Today, Wednesday 14 October, Chapman's family have paid a touching tribute to the 'warm and engaging young man' via police.
It reads: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back.
"Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication.
"It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The tribute continues: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this.
"The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their utmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did.
"In the meantime, please do not approach the family, their addresses, or scrape any further social media from William’s or his family’s accounts.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park shared on Sunday 11 October that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Sheffield is getting its very own National Beer Museum
Clementine Hall
Plans have been announced for a new museum dedicated to Sheffield's brewing and pub history.
Now we all love a good pint, especially here in Sheffield, so what if we told you that soon there'll be an entire museum dedicated to the sweet nectar?
The museum will be dedicated to the city's long brewing history but ahead of its opening, Sheffield Beer Museum CIC is launching a public consultation.
They're asking the city's drinkers, brewers, publicans and residents what the museum should be, which stories it should tell, and where it belongs.
In case you didn't know, Sheffield has one of the richest beer heritages in the country, from the Victorian brewing boom through the real ale revival to today's independent scene.
Image: The Sheff
So it's safe to say that we deserve a home for its story.
"There is more to beer than drinking, and Sheffield's thriving independent scene is a proud example of that," said George Brown, director of Sheffield Beer Museum.
"It's why we're asking the city first. Before we decide anything, we want to hear what people here want to see."
The consultation period will run to the end of the year, and it's all kicking off at this year's Steel City Beer & Cider Festival.
The team will be at the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival at Kelham Island Museum from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October 2026, where visitors can meet the team, have their say and find out more.
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
