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.
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.
Sophie Smith -
15th October 2021 
