If you're looking to jazz up your usual dry January order, then look no further than Botivo.
We absolutely get it, when you're out and about enjoying drinks with friends but opting to stay dry, the usual sparkling water or soda lime can get a little bit boring after a while.
And this is where Botivo steps in, a groundbreaking non-alcoholic aperitivo that promises a good time.
Created by a bunch of people who love socialising, eating and drinking, Botivo has been crafted with love and will ensure you don't feel like you're missing out on any of the fun.
But what really is Botivo you ask?
This non-alcoholic botanical aperitivo boasts notes of bright orange zest, fresh rosemary and thyme and is finished with bittersweet notes of gentian, wormwood leaf and organic wildflower honey.
It's adored by negroni lovers and is best served with ice, soda and a wedge of orange. The perfect refreshing drink to kickstart your evening.
Made with real ingredients, no flavourings and low intervention techniques, it's got a good conscious and trust us when we say, it tastes really good too.
We've rounded up ten spots in Leeds where you can bag yourself a really great tipple of Botivo so you can try it out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
So, without further ado...
Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Ln, Headingley, LS16 5LX
Image: Bottle Chop
This wonderful natural wine bar in Far Headingley will rustle you up a refreshing Botivo and soda which can be enjoyed alongside one of their fabulous cheese and charcuterie boards.
Boasting a chilled out, laid back atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a Botivo or two.
Bundobust
6 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
An absolute Leeds staple, this Indian street food spot serve up creative dishes absolutely bursting with flavour.
Some of which may have a cheeky bit of spice with them, in which case a glass of Botivo is the perfect remedy to cool down with. We recommend the Bundo Chaat, Okra fries and any of their seasonal specials.
Bavette
4-6 Town St, Horsforth, LS18 4RJ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This neighbourhood bistro has been scooping up the awards since they opened last year, and it's absolutely no surprise as to why.
Sandy and Clement are an absolute dream team serving up French bistro classics alongside a brilliant drink selection, so of course you'll find Botivo on their menu served perfectly.
Farrands
18 Swinegate, LS1 4AG
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This independent bar located in the heart of the city centre is the perfect spot to visit if you've just hopped off the train and looking to kick start your evening.
Great people, great music and of course, great drinks.
Roland's
39 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for a cosy date night spot, then this is it.
Located on Call Lane, Roland's is the perfect spot to get comfy in one of their burgundy leather booths and chat the night away. Their Botivo cocktail is crisp and served in a beautiful glass, what more could you want?
Galleria
Armley Rd, LS12 2DR
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Just a short drive out of Leeds city centre is Galleria, the city's newest all-day hangout offers everything from brunch and wood fired pizzas to coffee and cocktails.
So any time of day you fancy a Botivo, Galleria can provide this and so much more.
Latitude
Unit 31, 46 The Calls, LS2 7EY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute Leeds gem doesn't just stock a cracking selection of alcoholic wine and spirits, but they also a fantastic range of non-alcoholic options too.
Stop by here for a perfect serve of Botivo and whilst you're at it, grab a bottle to take home with you too.
Jakes Bar
29 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking to push the boat out and enjoy something a little different than your Botivo with soda, then head to Jakes Bar on Call Lane.
They'll whip you up a non-alcoholic cocktail good enough for the gram, and you'll be dancing the night away on their dance floor in no time at all.
Number 8
10-14 Stonegate Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This cosy neighbourhood cocktail bar is a fantastic spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy a drink or two.
Mixing Botivo with pineapple and almond soda, this is the drink to add a little sunshine to a dry and gloomy January.
Of course there's plenty of other spots in the city that stock Botivo, but there was just a few of our favourites to wet the whistle.
To find out more about Botivo, visit their website.
Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
Eats
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
The 80-year-old Wakefield butchers that won Jane McDonald’s heart
Declan Kelly
When Wakefield's queen of the cruise ships recommends a pork pie in Yorkshire, you listen.
TV presenter, singer and national treasure Jane McDonald has never hidden her love for her hometown. While her career has taken her around the world, from luxury ocean liners to sold-out theatre tours, Wakefield has always remained close to her heart. And among the many things she proudly champions from her hometown, one local institution receives more praise than most: Allums Butchers.
In fact, Jane has often joked that one of the reasons she still lives in Yorkshire is because of their famous pork pies. Most recently, Jane was once again singing their praises during her album launch at HMV when we interviewed her. She has also recently spoken fondly about the butcher's legendary pies on Alan Carr's podcast.Â
Hearing her enthusiasm sparked our curiosity, so we decided to make the trip to Wakefield and discover for ourselves what makes these pork pies so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located on Brook Street, Allums Butchers is more than just a place to pick up your Sunday roast. It's a business woven into the fabric of Wakefield's history, with a story stretching back more than 80 years.
The journey began in 1945 when Albert Allum started trading from Wakefield Market.
At a time when local communities depended on independent traders, Albert Allum built a reputation for quality produce, expert craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Those values helped establish a loyal customer base and laid the foundations for a business that would stand the test of time.
More than eight decades later, the same principles continue to guide the company.
Today, Allums remains proudly family-owned and is run by third-generation butcher Jonathan Allum. While much has changed since Albert's early days on the market stall, the commitment to quality remains exactly the same. The business has grown into one of Yorkshire's most respected independent butchers, yet it continues to place traditional butchery, carefully sourced produce and customer service at the heart of everything it does.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Speaking to us about his relationship with Jane McDonald, Jonathan shared memories that stretch back decades. The pair first met as teenagers when Jane would visit the market alongside her mother. Like many local families, they regularly stopped by the Allum stall and, more often than not, left with one of the butcher's famous pork pies.
Jonathan remembers chatting with Jane as she collected her order.
"I'd often say, 'See you next week,'" he recalled. "And every so often she'd reply, 'No, you won't - I’m off cruising.'"
Jane has gone on to become one of Britain's most recognisable entertainers, known by millions for her television programmes and her successful career at sea and most recently her iconic Mighty Hoopla performance . Yet despite the fame, she never forgot her Wakefield roots. To this day, she remains one of Allums' most loyal supporters and regularly speaks about the business with genuine affection.
Allums' pork pies have become something of a Yorkshire institution in their own right. Handmade using a traditional recipe that has been refined over generations, each pie is crafted using seasoned pork, rich savoury jelly and a perfectly baked hot-water crust pastry. There are no modern gimmicks, just a commitment to making a classic product exceptionally well.
Naturally, we couldn't leave without trying the pork pies ourselves.
Sometimes the best food stories aren't about reinvention or chasing the latest trend. They're about preserving traditions, maintaining standards and doing one thing exceptionally well for generations.
More than 80 years after Albert Allum first opened for business in Wakefield Market, Allums Butchers continues to embody exactly that philosophy. And after finally experiencing their famous pork pies for ourselves, we can confidently say that Jane McDonald might just be right.
Clementine Hall -
8th January 2025 
