Leeds brewery Northern Monk has collaborated with Leeds metal band Blood Youth on its darkest black IPA ever ahead of an exclusive gig that takes place this week.
The contemporary metal four-piece will appear at the brewery on November 25 for an intimate homecoming show to coincide with the launch of their new album, Visions of Another Hell.
As part of the build-up to the show, they have worked alongside local brewers to create the darkest black IPA Northern Monk has ever released, which has been aptly named Visions of Another Ale.
Blood Youth has just released their new album, Visions of Another Hell. / Image: Blood Youth
Promising an IPA that manages to "find a little bit of lightness in the dark", the new beer combines de-husked Carafa Special III malt, Idaho 7 and Sabro hops, bringing tropical flavours of pineapple, young coconut and lime into the mix.
Additional pineapple, meanwhile, serves to amp up the hops; tropical notes - adding an extra hint of fruitiness to the new beer.
A Northern Monk representative said: "Northern Monk and Blood Youth were born at a similar time in a similar place.
"We made beer, Blood Youth made music… In 2021 our journeys have been given the opportunity to unite again.
"Building on a history of celebrating the best of the North’s rock and metal scene, we’re delighted to welcome them to the Patrons Projects series, taking the gold edition of our Northern sounds project.
Blood Youth will appear at the brewery for an intimate show on November 25 / Image: Stephen Craven via Geograph
"The resulting beer is a heavily hopped, tropical, Imperial Black IPA. A fitting tribute. Not just celebrating with a beer, we’re stoked to welcome the band to play at our home and original brewery on the 25th of November."
Blood Youth will play a small show to launch their new album at the Brewery on November 25, joined by DJs from Slam Dunk Festival who will also play a set on the night.
Tickets for the show are on sale now for £8. Entry to the gig is free for anyone who's pre-ordered a physical copy of Blood Youth's new album.
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.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd November 2021 
