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.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2023 
