There's over 1000 varieties of gin to choose from.
If Christmas time reminds us of nothing else, it's the fond memory of pulling out the Guiness World Record books. Many of us would scour the pages for wacky talents and find the 'world's longest fingernails' or obscure hobbies like the 'largest collection of spoons'.
For cocktail bar and gin shop owner, Shelley Green, it was the gin record that she was interested in. After her son received a Guinness World Records book for his birthday, the mum attempted to beat the records and now houses 1,026 varieties of gin.
The Evil Eye Gin Shop and Cocktail Bar holds a Guinness World Record. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
This has made Evil Eye Lounge in York the location with the most varieties of gin commercially available in the world, and has set the record for others to beat since February 2018.
Behind the gin shop is the Evil Eye cocktail bar, a speakeasy frequented by A-list celebrities and is said to be Johnny Depp's favourite watering hole. It is this shop-bar combination that has won over a range of clientele for many years, but this quirky hangout space will be seeing some major changes in 2022.
The cocktail bar has a range of quirky drinks available. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
Due to closure of the gin shop in January for maintenance, the gin shop is clearing out its collection- and offering 30% all the gin that's left in store.
The owners have stated on Instagram:
"That’s right! Big changes are coming in January and with gin becoming old hat, we’re having a clear out and you lot get to benefit!
"All the gin left in our World Record holding gin shop (excluding our own Evil Gin range) is on sale as of Black Friday (26/11/21) and will be until we close for maintenance in January.
"30% off every gin we have left (excluding our own Evil Gin range) and just in time for Christmas shopping.
"No new stock will be coming in, so it’s literally what we have left on our shelves.
"See you over the coming weeks!"
Popular and rare gins are all available. / Image: Evil Eye Bar
They have since stated that the gin shop will be open everyday to make way for their giant clearance sale. The website shows mostly sold out stock, or states that stock needs checking to update the actual amount available.
To find out what gin is left from the world's largest collection, you'll have to head in store to Evil Eye in York. Whatever the future holds for this record holder's store, it's expected to continue to be home of the 'bizarre, weird and wonderful'.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Clementine Hall
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Sophie Smith -
21st December 2021 
