A new pub dedicated to non-alcoholic booze is set to open in Leeds this summer, bringing a huge variety of different low-ABV drinks with it.
Called Functional Drinks Club, the new watering hole and drinks shop in Otley will serve non-alcoholic craft beers, lagers, ales, ciders, and sparkling wine when it opens next month.
It will also pour Kombucha (a fermented low-ABV tea drink) and nootropic serotonin-boosting mood drinks made using natural ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and guarana.
Founded by Kevin Gillespie, the new opening in Otley plans to run Leeds' first zero-waste kombucha service - offering a takeaway service where kombucha lovers can bring their own containers, fill up and take home as much of the good stuff as they like.
It will sell all of its drinks to take away, as well as provide a welcoming space for people to sit and drink inside.
Working alongside some of the UK's top kombucha brewers, the new non-alcoholic bar and shop will be rotating kegs of the fermented drink much like regular boozers do their craft beers.
Elsewhere, drinkers can enjoy a wide variety of non-alcoholic and nootropic craft beers, lagers and ales, as well as non-alcoholic wines, ciders and CBD drinks.
With an opening day set for 5 August, those wanting to head over and check out the concept for themselves can register for a ticket online to get a free kombucha on the day and 10% off everything in-store.
An Eventbrite listing for the launch reads: "Hi, We can't wait to open our new non-alcoholic drinks shop in Otley and see you there on launch day.
"This ticket will get you a free glass of Kombucha to try, and 10% off everything in-store that day.
"You'll be able to get your hands on the following at the shop:
Kombucha
Non-alcoholic Craft beers, lagers & ales
Nootropic Craft beers, lagers & ales
CBD Drinks
Non-alcoholic wines
"You'll also be able to find out about our Zero waste Kombucha service where you can refill your bottles on a weekly basis from our "Kombucha on Tap" station.
"If you fancy sitting in and having a few drinks, you can do that as well.
A new cocktail bar is coming to Leeds city centre.
If you know a thing or two about cocktails, or just drinks in general, then you're going to be very excited about this news.
The very talented team behind Roland's on Call Lane and The Domino Club, just to name a few, are setting their sites on a brand-new venture.
Introducing Paper Plane, an intimate new cocktail bar that will be taking over the old Casa site in the city's beautiful Grand Arcade.
Paper Plane will be inspired by the glamour of 1970s air travel and will be a vinyl-only listening bar, serving a world-inspired cocktail menu alongside a carefully curated whisky collection.
The space will be lovely and intimate, with around just 40 covers, designed to transport guests somewhere completely different from the minute they step foot through the door.
And what a location too, joining a whole host of fantastic independents in the arcade such as Alfonso's Deli, Stuzzi and Sonder.
For now, we don't know many more details about the project, but we already know it's going to be exceptional cas anything these guys do turns to gold.
Not only has Roland's been consistently one of the busiest bars on Call Lane since they opened back in 2014, but The Domino Club was recently crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Now that is some accolade worth shouting about.
We'll keep you updated with Paper Plane's progress, but Roland's have stated that the site is hoping to open this coming autumn. So we really don't have long to wait.
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
Clementine Hall
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2023 
