There's a restaurant and bar in Leeds offering bottomless Japanese afternoon teas and we're absolutely smitten.
Putting an Asian twist on the classic English afternoon pastime, the contemporary rooftop restaurant in Victoria Gate elevates the typical cucumber sandwiches and scone offering - switching in sushi, gyoza and delicate sandos in their place.
Issho - meaning 'together' in Japanese - is a gorgeous spot in which to come together and lose a few hours wining and dining in the city, whilst sampling some of the best delicacies Leeds has to offer.
The outdoor terrace at Issho
Offering ninety minutes of free-flowing prosecco alongside its Japanese-style afternoon tea, swanky Leeds restaurant Issho's offer is up there with some of the best bottomless deals we've seen in the city.
For £47.50, you'll enjoy unlimited prosecco as you tuck into a host of delicate Japanese finger-food treats. The selection here is split into three: spanning sushi, savoury and sweet, and also includes a selection of fine Japanese and English teas.
There's a whole host of yummy delicacies included, with the sushi section boasting the likes of tuna tataki with wasabi cream, vegetable maki, salmon and avocado maki, and tuna and salmon nigiri - all served with soy for dipping and pickled ginger on the side.
Savoury and sweet treats on the Afternoon Tea menu
In the savoury section, meanwhile, think seasonal vegetable gyozas, prawn toast with black sesame seeds, and a selection of delicate Japanese crustless sandos with fillings like chicken katsu and tamago (egg).
For your sweet treat, finish on a high with Issho's selection of caramel purin (the Japanese name for creme caramel), matcha cheesecake, yuzu and raspberry tart and miso and chocolate brownies.
As for teas, alongside a classic selection of traditional favourites like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, there's also the choice of some special Japanese teas including sencha (loose leaf green tea), hojicha (roasted green tea) and konacha (a sushi drinking tea with a bitter taste designed to enhance the flavour of fishiness left in the mouth by your food).
The bottomless Japanese afternoon tea is served in Issho bar on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 pm - 2:45 pm. To find out more and book your table, head over to Issho's website here.
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UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues issued due to wildfire risk
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
News
A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Georgina Pellant -
2nd September 2021 
