While the turkey may be the main event on Christmas Day, nothing completes a hearty Christmas dinner quite like the bits on the side, and arguably the best of the best, when it comes to accompaniments, has to be pigs in blankets.
These little sausages wrapped in bacon may have been a staple of festive feasting for decades, but they seem to have shot up in popularity even more so than ever in recent years.
In the weeks leading up to the big day, it’s not uncommon to see pigs in blankets of all shapes and sizes adorning the shelves of every UK supermarket, as well as restaurant menus featuring them aplenty, and unconventional takes on the snack – such as pigs in blankets sushi, toasted sandwiches, and so much more – popping up in every direction.
Image: Aldi
But, in a bid to capitalise on their popularity in a completely new way, you may remember that Aldi launched the UK’s first-ever pigs in blankets restaurant down in London last year.
After becoming a smash-hit success, Aldi has announced that the viral restaurant will be reopening in Shoreditch again this Friday (29 November), and on top of that, the retailer has also announced that it’ll be launching a pigs in blankets delivery service for a limited time only too.
While Leeds residents will sadly not be able to get the meaty treats delivered to their doorsteps, they will be able to apply to win dozens of free pigs in blankets instead.
Aldi unveiled its full Christmas food range for 2024 a couple of months back / Credit: Aldi UK
Starting from this week (25 November), shoppers nationwide will be in with a chance of trying the supermarket’s best pigs in blankets range yet – including the ‘Specially Selected Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets’, and the ‘Ultimate Footlong Vegan Pig in Blanket’ – for completely free of charge by entering the festive giveaway.
All you need to do is send an email over to aldiPIBgiveaway@clarioncomms.co.uk with your name, age, and address, and you could be one of the hundreds given a £5 voucher to get your hands on up to 30 pigs in blankets at your local Aldi store.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Emily Sergeant -
28th November 2024 
