If you're tired of festive hot drinks this winter, this Yorkshire cafe's amazing invention will make you fall back in love with hot chocolates all over again.
Winter calls for hot chocolates warming the air between gloved hands as you make clouds as you exhale, walking along the high street, waiting for the snow to fall.
There really isn't a wintry experience like it. The hot chocolate has become a British classic, but this year it's had an incredible makeover courtesy of a brilliant little cafe that's just under an hour away from Leeds.
Pom's Kitchen in Sheffield has reimagined the classic hot chocolate, adding on a cookie dough top that holds a layer of marshmallow encasing a vanilla flavoured hot drink.
Even better, the cookie dough is made from vegan products - so no matter what your dietary preferences, you can warm up and take a guilt-free bite of this delicious treat.
For those looking for a snack and a hot drink in one, this is going to be your new favourite - we promise.
The combination of sweet flavours, both hot and cold, will get you through any cold day in Yorkshire. We're thinking of ordering some for a winter walk, or even just the train home from Sheffield (any and all excuses are welcome).
The hot chocolates were introduced at the cafe earlier this year, but Pom's Kitchen has released varying flavours based on the seasons. During the lead up to Halloween, the company provided customers with a cookie monster version, complete with blue cookie dough and googly eyes.
The hot chocolates are a staple on Pom's Kitchen menu, but the Australian-inspired cafe specialises in all things colourful and sweet.
Think rainbow bagels, neon hot dogs and freakshakes with just about anything your sweet tooth could desire on top.
If you're lucky, you'll catch the likes of maple spiced stroopwafel lattes, topped with a whole gooey caramel stroopwafel on the menu, but the everchanging eclectic combination of hot and cold drinks means that you'll always find something new at Pom's Kitchen.
To add to their plentiful menu, the cafe also sell stocking filler presents like candles and chocolate as well as full-sized hampers filled with cute, personal gifts for the people you love, all based around their favourite food, drink or colours.
For more information or to grab a cookie dough hot chocolate for yourself, visit Pom's Kitchen on Sharrowvale Road, Sheffield.
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)
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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.”
Sophie Smith -
15th December 2021 
