If you're looking to sip in style this weekend away from the masses, we've found the perfect hidden spot to get a few cheeky cocktails in.
Sequestered behind an 80's video rental shop front in Wakefield, this cocktail bar has one of the most understated entrances you can think of. No one's used a VHS player for at least a decade now, surely.
Make your way in through the secret door - just guess the film of the week to gain entry / Image: RBT VIdeo There's loads to choose from on the menu, from classic pornstars to more adventurous signatures / Image: RBT Video
As 80's as they come, the retro frontage conceals an unlikely secret sipping spot that you'd never know was there if we hadn't told you.
Found on Northgate in Wakefield, the RBT Video bar is accessed via a hidden door tucked amongst shelves filled with video tapes. All you need to do to gain access is guess the movie of the week (or go on their website and have a look, they update it regularly).
Inside the bar is just as retro as the video front that conceals it / Image: RBT Video
Once inside, you'll find the theme continues with a host of 80's-inspired cocktails with fun names like ‘Woo Woo Royale’ and ‘Hogan’s Hero'.
From a luminous green 'Japanese slipper' served in (you guessed it) a glass shoe; to more standard classics like pornstar and espresso martinis, the menu's pretty decent with some quirky options for those who want to push the boat out.
Some of the more kooky drinks include a pepperoni negroni / Image: RBT Video
Think bloody marys topped with black pudding and sausage, pepperoni negronis and neon gimlets (coloured with blue curacao for that ultimate 80s disco feel) - plus big fat slabs of oozy, New York-style pizza to help you soak up all that booze.
Decor-wise, there's plenty of retro neon lights to set the vibe with low lighting and a fun, party atmosphere.
The Japanese slipper comes served in an actual glass slipper / Image: RBT VideoThere's plenty of seating to choose from, be it in a booth or on a stool at the bar / Image: RBT Video
Opt to sit at the bar or tuck yourself into one of the comfy booths and soak up the atmosphere as. your sip on some of the finest cocktails Wakefield has to offer.
There's also a stage here, because not only is this a cool little cocktail bar they also host entertainment with live music acts and comedy performances taking place too.
Personally, the drinks themselves are enough to entice us - but there's so much more to be discovered here too.
To find out more head over to RBT VIdeo's Instagram and Facebook pages.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
26th August 2021 
