Libations Rums have announced a plan to revolutionised the distillery scene in Leeds and build the first rum production house in the city.
The company were overwhelmed by local support after launching the idea onto a crowdfunding platform and received 96% of donations needed towards their £150,000 budget in just twenty four hours.
There have now been almost £160,000 worth of investment, but with 27 days left to get involved, this figure could increase before the build begins.
Co-founders Chloe Potter and Rory Armstrong plan to make Yorkshire a firm industry contender by introducing the alcohol production house in Leeds.
This exciting development will be one of the first rum houses in the North of England, as few distilleries are dedicated to the popular spirit at present.
The plans for a dedicated production house comes after twenty months of careful planning.
The co-founders sold out of their first batch of 250 bottles in under 100 hours in December 2019 but plans to expand will only a quicker pace to Libations Rum so that they can keep up with demand.
In the run up to Christmas 2020, Libations Rum was sold in Victoria Gate. / Image: Libations Rum
So far, the company have become national listings in Harvey Nichols, Amazon and Master of Malt, as well as willing a Gold Award at the World Rum Awards 2021.
Their original concept to bring more transparency to spirits is a clear winner with the public and so this ethos will be carried through to the Leeds-based distillery.
Additional features of the production house will include a warm room, allowing the periodical release of aged varieties: an unrivalled market that will be one of the first in the UK.
The building of the distillery will begin in early 2022 and Libations Rum hope to be fully operational by March or April in the same year.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2021 
