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.
Farmer Copleys, which is behind the popular Tulip Festival attraction, has spoken out after the tragic death of a dog who visited last weekend.
The family-run farm has decided to ban dogs (with the exception of service dogs) from its site, after a visitor reported that her beloved springer spaniel Bobby had died just hours after attending the Tulip Festival.
It's believed that Bobby had eaten a tulip bulb or flower, which can be deadly to dogs.
Farmer Copleys has now shared a statement about the incident, writing that the team are 'deeply saddened' by the animal's death.
They stressed that while the exact cause of his death remains unknown, they 'do not wish to take any further risks' and will no longer be permitting dogs at the Tulip Festival.
"The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors and their pets is something we take extremely seriously," Farmer Copleys wrote in a statement shared today.
Customers who are no longer able to attend since the change are welcome to get in touch with the farm directly to discuss a refund.
And assistance dogs are still welcome, but owners will need to sign a disclaimer before taking them into the Tulip Festival.
Farmer Copleys tulip festival is one of the most popular events in Yorkshire every springDogs will no longer be allowed at the Tulip Festival
Farmer Copleys wrote: "We are deeply saddened by the recent incident involving a visitor’s dog following a visit to our Tulip Festival, and our thoughts remain with the owner at this difficult time.
"We must stress while the exact cause of this incident remains unknown, many flowers and plants in outdoor environments can pose risks to dogs if ingested, particularly the bulb, and we do not wish to take any further risk.
"The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors and their pets is something we take extremely seriously. As a precautionary measure, we have made the difficult decision to no longer permit dogs at our Tulip Festival for the remainder of the season.
"In addition, this has further reinforced our decision to close the pick your own area for the remainder of the festival.
"We understand this may be disappointing for some visitors. Any customers who have booked and are now unable to attend due to this change are welcome to contact us regarding a refund at info@farmercopleys.co.uk.
"We are undertaking a full investigation and make a decision on 2027’s season in due course."
Posh bakery chain Gail’s is finally coming to Yorkshire
Daisy Jackson
Gail's has finally set its sights on Yorkshire for the first time, with a new bakery set to open this year.
It's one of the UK's most famous bakeries, launching in London in the early 1990s to supply restaurants, before opening its first retail site and cafe in Hampstead in 2005.
Gail's founders set out on a mission to bake bread as it used to be baked: by hand, using quality ingredients and time-worn artisanal methods.
While Gail's has expanded aggressively into the north, opening around a dozen bakeries in Greater Manchester and its surrounds, it hasn't made the journey across to Yorkshire just yet.
All that looks set to change, with job ads now listed for roles within a brand-new Yorkshire branch of Gail's.
Based on the job advert, Gail's is heading straight to the spa town of Harrogate - which is a fairly predictable move.
It looks like Gail's is heading for HarrogateGail's will make its Yorkshire debut
It had previously been reported that Gail's would be going to Knaresborough, but the job posting appears to hint that Harrogate will be the first Yorkshire location.
When it does open, you'll find loaf choices including classic white and brown sourdough, Gail’s ‘wasteless’ loaves (made using a specially-created recipe designed to incorporate unsold bread crumbs), alongside seeded varieties, baguettes and batons.
Must-tries include Gail’s famous cinnamon buns, still-warm cheese and ham croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and – given the weather we’re having this week – iced coffees, all day long preferably please.
But given the number of fantastic local bakeries all over Yorkshire, the question is, does anyone want Gail's?
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
