A bird's-eye view of Leeds, Sheffield, and Yorkshire
X
Eats
This Leeds craft beer store stock over 900 varieties after transforming corner shop
The Singh family once stocked three types of lager, along with newspapers and groceries, but their former corner store now stocks a haven of craft beers.
Transforming a former post office and off-licence into a craft beer specialists store with over 900 varieties availablehas put the Singh family business, Raynville Superstore, on the map in Leeds.
A single grumbling customer's comment was all it took for the Singh's family-run corner shop to transform from a traditional corner store to a craft beer specialist recognised across the UK.
Originally a post office, the store was transformed into a bog-standard corner store in 2008: think your standard off-licence with limited groceries, newspapers and Carling, Carlsberg and Stella as the only lager options.
The Singh family have owned Raynville Superstore building for over 50 years, passing the line of work down through generations.
It was Johnny Singh, whose grew up watching his parents working the store that decided to make a switch after a customer complained there were 'no decent beers'.
The business are always keen for feedback and this was an opportunity to dabble in something "more interesting" than the standard stock shipped into the store.
Since making the investment into craft beers in 2013, the Singh family have now depleted their other stock so that they can focus entirely on selling their speciality alcohol.
The store operates through online orders that can then be collected from the Armley store. / Image: Tom Joy
The store now has over 900 varieties available and compete in a completely new market but it is their online store is what has made them a success across the UK.
Customers recognise Raynville Superstore as a leader in providing high-quality stock for reasonably low prices and has led to deliveries across the country: from Aberdeen to Brighton.
During the first wave of the pandemic, the store switched to online-only orders and although customers can now collect their goods in person, the same method of ordering online has stayed.
The company believe that this is a more beneficial way for the company to run. Their success meant that customers were queuing for 10-15 minutes to pay upon their visit, so ordering in advance has helped to reduce wait times.
Staying local is still important to Raynville Superstore and the Singh family will happily collect beers for the 'older regulars' when they knock on the window.
It' not just customers that the family are attracting; Kirkstall Brewery, Northern Monk and North Brewing Company are all important to the craft beer store. The Singh's believe in supporting local breweries and value independent businesses that allow them to store such an eclectic variety of lagers.
We’ve been waiting for this one and trust us, it’s just as good as we’d hoped.
If you’re a fan of a cheeky margarita, a taco and a bit of a boogie then this is the spot for you - and let’s be honest, who isn’t.
Introducing Salon Madre, made famous over in Manchester and now with another spot in Liverpool, think late nights fuelled by margaritas, cosy dates over tacos and lively game nights.
The new Leeds site is located on Wellington Street, perfect for those wrapping up work over on Wellington Place and looking to blow off some steam.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is huge, with floor to ceiling windows letting loads of light in during the day and plenty of red neon lights setting the vibe for the evening.
There's about 20 different variations of margaritas and tequilas on the menu, as well as fresh Mexican beers on tap if you're not ready for a shot just yet.
But it's not just about the drink, the food menu is top notch too.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's tacos and quesadillas all made with hand-pressed tortillas, twice-cooked chicken wings in a range of flavours from Mexican cola to Yucatan buffalo, and of course there's stacked nachos which are perfect for snacking on between sips of margarita.
If you're feeling competitive then they've got six pool tables as well as darts, and Lucha Libre on the big screens if you'd rather watch the play happen than play yourself.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Salon Madre will have DJs on in the evening and on a Friday and Saturday they'll even be open til 1am.
Welcome Salon Madre, we can't wait for this to become our new late-night party destination. You can take a look at their menu here.
Inside Leeds’ newest Italian cafe and gelateria that’s inspired by the streets of Puglia
Clementine Hall
A slice of Puglia has landed in Pudsey and people are already flocking to the scene.
It's rare in the UK (let alone Leeds) that you find a real, authentic gelateria like you'd find on a cobbled corner in Italy.
But luckily for us, an Italian-inspired cafe serving up just that and more has opened over in Pudsey.
Meet Pino, a beautiful spot created by Fabio who has drawn inspiration from his hometown of Puglia - a region on the southern coast with a vast coastline.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Named after his father Giuseppe, at Pino you'll find proper punchy Italian coffee, pastries and homemade pizza which they'll warm up for you fresh. But what we're really interested in is the gelato.
Yes it may not be what you're craving during this time of year, but we're in no doubt that come summer there will be queues out the door full of punters looking to grab a scoop.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fabio makes it fresh in the kitchen every single day in a variety of flavours, and you can have it in a cone, tub, takeaway tub or even via affogato. We can't think of a better afternoon pick me up.
The space is light, airy and inviting, and the service has that perfect Italian charm that you'd expect.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's a really honest spot that comes from humble beginnings, and it's exactly the type of place that we need to be supporting right now.
You can find Pino on Robin Lane in Pudsey, and you'll probably see us there. Take a look at their socials here.
Sophie Smith -
21st October 2021 
