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.
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd November 2021 
