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.
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Clementine Hall -
6th February 2023 
