Attempting Dry January but you're tired of the lousy options of the alcohol free world? Look no further than Otley’s exclusive watering hole.
Introducing The Functional Drinks Club, a beverage distributor that made its mark mid-2023 as the new kid on the block. They have a largest range in North Yorkshire of luscious non-alcoholic products that are set to leave your mouth-watering such as: kombucha, non-alcoholic beers, ales, lagers, ciders, botanical spirits and more.
The shop's mission is to offer delicious alcoholic beverages that not only tantalise the taste buds but also have nutritional value. The Functional Drinks Club has open arms for all who wish to come in the doors, they welcome people who in its essence just wish to have a better lifestyle.
The 'bar' explains that it shares the struggle of finding supermarkets options, so they provide more choice for those wishing for an alcohol free experience.
Founder Kevin Gillespie, aims to create a safe space that people can come to and speak to an expert in the non-alcoholic business to make their crossover seamless to the non-alcoholic world.
“Too many people go through life on autopilot, and before you know it you're 70 years old wondering why you didn't do the things you wanted to do. I was in danger of being that person, and if you're looking at yourself thinking the same, then do something about it.”
The Functional Drinks Club provide Kombucha tasting classes to provide people with different ways to improve gut health and fully embody the ‘New Year, New Me’. During this class you taste eight different Kombuchas and you can take home two to get you started on your Kombucha journey.
The owners have also partnered up with Shadow Brewing to put together a Dry January event on the 27 January 6pm-10pm. It is a taste-testing extravaganza for their new range of non-alcoholic beers. You can even bring your own bottle and take it to go!
There is a wide range of drinks to buy on the night from the Mash Gang, Clean Break Brewing and Harrogate Brewing. The fan favourite is set to be Blue Blood, a tasty blend of pale ale and Earl Grey tea: a harmonious infusion for both tea and spirit lovers.
It's a must-try event for the news year that is welcome to all ages and people, even those who wish to purchase alcoholic drinks on the night as well.
“We're not "either or" type of people, we're more John Lennon, and imagine all the people living in harmony.”
So come down to The Functional Drinks Club located on Manor Square in Otley on Fridays from 10am - 5pm, Saturdays from 9.30am - 5pm and the last Sunday of the month between 10am-1pm.
For more information visit here.
Feature Image - The Functional Drinks Club via Facebook
News
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
The Hoot -
19th January 2024 
