Kirkstall Brewery has teamed up with Micheline-recognised Leeds restaurant Tharavadu to launch a new, exclusive beer.
Called Somarasam, or 'drink of the Gods', the light and refreshing 4% pilsner was created to complement the restaurant's rich South Asian cuisine.
It was created by Kirkstall's managing director X, who is a big fan of the restaurant, in collaboration with Theravadu's chefs.
Kirkstall Brewery CEO Steve Holt said: “We’re good friends with the restaurant and we’ve been providing them with Virtuous for a while, a session pale ale which works well with spicy food as it’s a hoppy, spicy beer.
“But a lot of people like the smoother, cleaner flavour that you get from a Pilsner-style beer, so we talked about making a Pilsner together.
“The brewery is 10-15 minutes walk from here, it seemed the obvious thing for the chefs to come down and work with us to make the beer.”
Theravadu has been recommended in Michelin's Restaurant Guide every year since it opened in 2014 and is a three-time Oliver Awards winner.
Here, diners can find South Indian curries and traditional Keralan street food, like their pappada vada - a deep fried 'donut-style' pappads dipped in rice batter.
It's also known for its delicious seafood platters. There is no tikka masala or jalfrezi on the menu here.
“Being recommended by the Michelin Guide says something about the food,” said Eshaan Kapoor, Kirkstall Brewery’s marketing manager.
“The collaboration was right for us as a brewery, working with locals is really important - it’s two Leeds brands coming together.
“We want to support local people, making sure that everything stays in Yorkshire. And Yorkshire people love that.”
The new beer is available to enjoy now exclusively at Theravadu. To find out more you can visit their website.
Feature image - Krisaskey
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Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
2nd June 2021 
