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 Leeds pizza takeaway has received a glowing review from popular review duo.
Edges Pizza opened up their first permanent spot in Leeds back in June this year, after making a name for themselves slinging out pizzas at multiple pop-ups across the city.
Owners Grace and Edge from Harrogate opened Edges Pizza two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their pizzas are a love letter to the class New York slice, think thin and crispy rather than chewy and floppy. But above all else, think absolutely delicious.
And now, they've caught the attention of a major review page, with Bite Twice Food Reviews (a page with almost 300k followers) paying Edges a visit.
The food review duo of Gerry del Guercio and Paul Delany popped up in Holbeck beneath the arches to get their hands on a pizza, and the outcome is brilliant.
In the video, Bite Twice said that the pizza is 'f**cking exceptional' and up there with 'one of the best pizzas in the UK'.
Before even taking a bite, they said: "On aesthetic, I don't think anywhere in the UK is doing pizza like this".
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Then after the first bite, they go on to say: "There are very few pizzas in the UK that create this, I’m a little bit blown away".
As Londoners themselves, they go on to say that Edges is 'easily hitting with the best that we’ve got down south'.
And if that's not high praise enough, they sign off the video saying: "Leeds has got an absolute gem. I give this a stamp so hard my foot went through the pizza. Edges. Don Level."
The 42-year-old Kirkgate Market stall serving freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 a pop
Clementine Hall
Tucked away in Leeds Kirkgate Market you'll find a wonderful seafood stall selling freshly shucked oysters for £1.90 each.
It's places like these that remind us why we love Leeds so much.
Established in 1880, Hayes Seafood is widely regarded as the oldest trader within the historic Kirkgate Market.
For the past 42 years, it has been run by Cliff and Michelle, the loveliest couple who welcome every customer with open arms.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu here is small but perfectly formed, focusing on fresh, ready-to-eat seafood that you can enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise at most.
Delivered fresh every morning, there's pre-cracked crab shells, brown and white crab meat, cockles, crawfish tails - all perfectly prepared for you to eat at their bar or high tables opposite.
But, it's the oysters that you'll see people queueing for. And rightly so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Everything here is prepared to order right in front of you, and for no extra fee. You can choose from two types of oysters: super salty Lindisfarne oysters or the slightly sweeter English Loch Fyne.
We recommend having a couple of each, pulling up a stool right by the counter and getting stuck in. If you ask Cliff nicely, he might tell you a bit about the history of the place - but you may have to order a couple more oysters for that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You're left to dress them yourself, whether you prefer dash of fiery tabasco or a few pickled shallots. But to be honest, they're delicious just as they come.
This spot is a real piece of Leeds history, and the queues at lunchtime as well as the repeat regular customers proves just how special it is.
All it's missing is a champagne stall next to it...now wouldn't that be perfect?
Georgina Pellant -
26th July 2023 
