What better way to celebrate Valentine's than dining in a luxury setting with unlimited Japanese cuisine, fizz and sushi.
Valentine's Day is on the horizon and however you're deciding to celebrate the special occasion, we have the perfect event for you.
Whether you're spending the day with that special someone, cheers'ing to love with your best mates or just after some well-deserved self love, the only way to do it is with lots of delicious food and drink, right?
Well luckily for you, SAKKU Leeds is hosting a special Valentine's dining experience where you can indulge on all of their delicious Japanese-inspired offerings in a sophisticated, beautiful setting.
SAKKU are known for their delicious sushi. /Image: The Hoot Leeds
SAKKU Leeds is known for their impeccable, all-you-can-eat dining concept where guests can tuck into as much food as they want in the given time frame.
And this Valentine's is no exception, in fact if you pick SAKKU as your romantic haunt of choice then you'll also receive a free glass of bubbles on arrival as well as a special sharing dessert to top the night off, what a winner.
So how does it work? Well, it really is simple. Once seated under the magnificent cherry blossom trees at the restaurant, you'll be greeted with an electronic tablet which you can order all your food and drink from. You don't even have to move from your seat or talk to anyone else other than your loved one if you don't want to.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz at SAKKU. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Why not kick off the meal with a steaming cup of miso soup and a sharing bowl of edamame beans, generously sprinkled with flakey sea salt - both of which go perfectly with the crisp glass of fizz you'll be handed on arrival.
Of course, SAKKU are famous for their sushi and the selection up for grabs on their Valentine's menu certainly does not disappoint. Choose from a selection of classic Nigiri and Sashimi as well as a number of rolls including Hosomaki, Gunkan, Uramaki and Futomaki rolls - all expertly made with perfectly seasoned sushi rice and topped with only the freshest ingredients.
Keep it simple with salmon and tuna or push the boat out with octopus, eel and flying fish roe. If you're not the biggest fan of raw fish then do not worry as there's also a huge array of vegetarian sushi which is equally as delicious.
There’s a dish for everyone at SAKKU. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
And it doesn't just stop there, to go alongside your sushi why not order some crispy gyoza dumplings and a portion of pillowy, delicious bao buns before making your way towards the Japanese grill section of the menu.
We're talking absolutely mouthwatering skewers of Yakitori chicken, chilli king prawns, Sakku spicy mussels and more, all cooked on a specialist Japanese grill.
Other menu highlights include Crispy Squid dunked in Japanese mayo, Chicken and Seafood Yakisoba Udon and everyone's favourite, Chicken Katsu Curry served on a bed of steaming white rice.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There really is something for everyone to enjoy at SAKKU, and if you're envious of what your partner is devouring opposite you then you can simply order it in a flash via your tablet. Or you can reach over and pinch a bite, we're not judging.
The offer is running from Monday 13 - Wednesday 15 February 2023, lunch service is just £36.95 per person and dinner £48.95.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your loved one and head on down to SAKKU to celebrate Valentine's 2023.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at SAKKU's website.
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Clementine Hall -
6th February 2023 
