Dine under snow-dusted cherry blossom trees and dazzling light murals at this show-stopping contemporary Chinese restaurant.
Tattu, located on East Parade, is a sophisticated restaurant and bar serving up modern Chinese cuisine and innovative cocktails in a beautifully elegant setting.
When we heard they were offering a special seasonal dining experience for the festive period named 'The Great Snow', we simply had to head down there to try it out for ourselves.
The Great Snow is intended to reflect the Chinese proverb ‘a fall of snow gives promise to a fruitful year’, the interior of the restaurant has been given a magical icy hue complete with sparkling light projections of the Northern Lights adorning the walls.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As soon as you walk through the grand entrance you are greeted with hanging cherry blossom trees coated in glittering snow and decorated with frosty icicles, within seconds our coats were taken and we were shown to our seats; we knew this was going to be a magical evening.
Known for their impressive cocktails, we started our night by sampling their new Aurora cocktail, crafted specially for the winter season to reflect a luminous night's sky.
A delicious concoction of Grey Goose vodka, white chocolate and sparkling cherry, complete with a dome of smoke which when released reveals an encapsulating, wintery nutmeg aroma.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Everything at Tattu is meant to be shared and enjoyed amongst friends and family, with the dishes arriving as and when they are ready.
We started with the Chicken Truffle Shumai and Lobster and Prawn Toast dumplings, both were absolutely sensational and packed so much flavour inside perfectly formed, small bites of deliciousness.
The truffle dumplings were a standout dish for us, each topped with a thin shaving of black truffle that was strong but certainly not overwhelming.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Next up was the Szechuan Rock Shrimp, lightly battered prawns sprinkled with sancho pepper which gave a warming, fragrant aroma that had us going back in immediately after the first bite.
Another standout dish was the Sticky Beef Short Ribs, recommended to us by our brilliant waiter Paulo who clearly knew what he was talking about, as these were absolutely divine. Cubes of succulent beef covered in a sticky soy glaze that fell apart effortlessly at the poke of a chopstick.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For our mains we opted for the Chinese Barbecue Chicken and the Shanghai Black Cod. Both were cooked to perfection and went amazingly alongside the XO Fried Rice with shrimp, chicken and pancetta.
Now for the desserts, these were just as much a show-stopping spectacle as they were a delicious end to the meal. Tattu's famous Cherry Blossom dessert has been reimagined for the festive period and wow, it did not disappoint.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Icy blue candyfloss is balanced on a delicate chocolate trunk, grounded in a light and airy chocolate, cherry mousse which is presented on a bed of dried ice that cascades over the table as you tuck in.
Another newbie to the menu is the Mount Heng Flambé, their innovative take on a Baked Alaska topped with Maraschino cherry, hazelnuts and coconut that is set alight at your table.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Both desserts looked almost too pretty to eat, but we of course tried our best and our tastebuds certainly thanked us for it, as did our eyes as we gazed at the piece of theatre taking place right in front of us.
Overall the experience was fantastic, the food delicious and the service impeccable. If you're looking to spend a special night with loved ones this Christmas then Tattu is the place to be, 'The Great Snow' offers an unmissable dining experience unlike any other.
To find out more and to book your table, take a look at the Tattu website.
After being 'missing' for decades, a long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to air on the BBC this month.
In what is already gearing up to be a memorable moment, the episode - which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16 September 1968, and was thought to have been lost forever before being recovered - will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer in a couple of weeks time to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100 years old.
The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! - which is a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts.
It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional, before being returned to the BBC.
Audiences tuning in to the episode can expect to see sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills - with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer.
📢 ‘Missing’ episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is coming to the BBC!
A long-lost episode first broadcast in 1968 will be shown on BBC Four and @BBCiPlayer on Thursday 14 May, to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100
It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
This 'lost' programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, has described the recovery of the episode as 'a lovely surprise', adding: "I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years."
Gary Morecambe, Eric's son, added: "I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12."
This long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm on on Thursday 14 May, and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from then.
Featured Image - BBC | Film is Fabulous!
News
The world’s smallest pub is opening in Leeds’ biggest beer garden this weekend
Clementine Hall
A teeny tiny micro-pub is coming to Leeds city centre this bank holiday weekend.
This weekend, from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, Rita’s in Leeds will host the arrival of a travelling micro-pub dubbed the World’s Smallest, beating out World Record holders, in their huge beer garden.
Licor 43's Tiny Taberna features a 2.15m x 1.5m space that has been drawing crowds across the UK for doing something very simple, very well: shrinking the pub experience down to its absolute smallest form and pairing it with one of the country’s most talked-about viral drinks trends.
You won't be able to get your average pint here though, this adorable little bar will only serve Rita’s Mini Beer, commonly known as the Baby Beer.
Image: Supplied
The Baby Beer is a shot made with Licor 43 and topped with a creamy layer to mimic the look of a perfectly poured pint. And trust us, it's just as delicious as it is cute.
Made with Licor 43, mixed with a velvety layer of cream liqueur, the flavour is indulgent with notes of vanilla, caramel and creamy sweetness.
Image: Supplied
You may have seen these drinks online too, with videos of the Baby Beer going viral across social media racking up millions of views.
Styled as a Spanish-inspired bar, the Tiny Taberna invites you to gather with mates, step inside and enjoy a Baby Beer in this immersive and fun space. Obviously, you'll have to take some great pics for the gram too.
Rita’s beer garden, already known as one of the city’s largest, will not only play host to the pint-sized pub, but will also be serving their usual cocktail menu throughout the weekend.
Image: Supplied
The Tiny Taberna will be at Rita’s Leeds for two days only, from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, serving Mini Beers from 7-9pm.
The best part? Those who purchase any beer this Bank Holiday weekend will be able to claim a free Mini Beer from the installation with a voucher. We'll see you there.