Get ready, because Leeds city centre is about to get an exciting new addition.
Introducing Nyla's, a stunning new cocktail bar that will be opening on Saturday 24 October.
With a whopping £160,000 invested into transforming the space, Nyla's isn't just a bar but an experience that'll have you going back for more time and time again.
The interior really sets it apart from the rest, with a striking feature tree at the heart of it as well as a beautiful wall mural created by Leeds-based artist Jamie Ridgeway.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Boasting an urban-chic aesthetic, the walls feature a stylish mix of exposed brick and raw concrete, adding to the venue’s contemporary and trendy vibe.
So what's on the menu at Nyla's? The brand new menu blends innovation and indulgence ready to take you from afternoon to evening.
Cocktail lovers can enjoy classics like the "Cosmopolitan," a chic mix of citrus vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime, or the bold "Espresso Martini," combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso for a smooth, sophisticated sip.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Paying homage to the local brewing scene, Nyla’s will proudly offer draught beers from nearby favourites like Kirkstall Brewery.
And if you're feeling peckish, the kitchen will be preparing delicious dishes to keep you satisfied.
The food menu includes “Salt & Pepper Squid” served with garlic mayo and lime, “Buttermilk Chicken Strips” paired with BBQ sauce and pickled slaw as well as “Nyla’s Club Sandwich” featuring sourdough, chicken, egg, and bacon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking to kick it up a notch, why not try the“8oz Fillet Steak” with chips and house peppercorn sauce or the fresh “Creamy Lobster Roll” on brioche with fries.
Alicia Varley, formerly of Turtle Bay and Dirty Martini, leads the charge as Nyla’s General Manager, Alicia shares her excitement: “Nyla’s is set to be a game-changer for the Leeds bar scene. We’ve combined stunning design with a standout menu and top-notch entertainment to create something truly special.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome the community to this unique space.”
Nyla's will be opening their doors from midday on Saturday 24 October with a weekend-long party, expect DJs spinning the decks and providing the ultimate party atmosphere until late.
To find out more about Nyla's, take a look at their Instagram page.
A beloved Sheffield bookshop is back but this time, there's booze.
You may remember back in January when Novel sadly had to close its doors due to circumstances beyond the team’s control.
Since opening in Crookes in 2024, co-owner Katie and the team had experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment, eventually leading to the decision to close the much-loved bookshop and bar indefinitely.
It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a business that had quickly become a much-loved part of the Crookes community.
Images: The Sheff
At the time, it felt like it might be the end of Novel but thankfully, it wasn't. Because Novel is back - but not quite as you might remember it.
Introducing Proof, your new bookshop/cafe/wine/beer bar.
It's basically everything we love in this world rolled into one, and we're big fans of it along with the rest of Crookes.
Of course the book selection is just as brilliant as it was at Novel, with shelves stacked with some of the hottest books around, all hand-picked by Kate, so you know you’re in safe hands when it comes to the reading recommendations.
Images: The Sheff
Great coffee is on hand courtesy of Cloud so you can settle in for a brew and a browse, but if that won't quite cut it they've also got a selection of natural wines and beer on offer. Genuinely, what more could you want?
Just grab a brew, pick up a book and settle in for a while. Is this one of the coolest new openings to hit Crookes? We reckon so.
They're open Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 10:30pm, so make sure you swing by and welcome Proof back to Crookes.
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?
Clementine Hall -
2nd October 2024 
