We thought the dream job didn't exist - but then we heard that there's a company looking for prosecco lovers in Leeds to taste test their newest bottles.
Yorkshire wine company House of Townend is on the hunt for people to sample different bottles of sparkling wine and prosecco and give their honest feedback.
You'll be paid in prosecco, being given as many as 6 different bottles to try a fortnight. It's the ideal job for a wine enthusiast, ideally, one who knows their cuvee from their brut.
The House of Townend has some gorgeous bottles - and they're in need of a taste tester / Image: House of Townend
Naturally, the winery is looking for someone who's passionate about wine and understands the rhetoric that goes with wine tasting.
The lucky candidate will be selected by the House of Townend to start on a one-month contract, with a view to moving onto something more long-term after that initial period.
The company is asking for applicants to have "endurance, commitment, and an exquisite palate."
You'll be paid in wine and expected to feed back on 6 bottles every fortnight / Image: House of Townend
You'll be expected to feedback every fortnight on the bottles you've tasted, which means trying at least six bottles every couple of weeks. There are no rules about not enlisting help, though!
Working directly with the innovation and customer service team, it's hoped that the successful applicant will also be able to advise on new product selection for sparkling wine and help the winery to make some improvements on its existing products.
The winning applicant will be expected to suggest areas of improvement / Image: House of Townend.
The winning applicant will rate taste, texture, and length, as well as suggesting areas for improvement.
You will get to sample a range of the company's best prosecco and sparkling wines, reporting on the primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas.
The role, which officially starts in September, is for strictly over 18's only and is paid in prosecco.
The application deadline is August 30. To apply, click here.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
13th August 2021 
