Experience the perfect pairing at Below Stairs' Martinis and Oysters event.
If you've ever ventured down to Below Stairs, a speakeasy on South Parade, you'll know this is an event not to be missed this month.
Since opening their Grade II listed bar back in 2017, brothers Jamie and Manachain Monaghan have converted far more than a converted office-to-bar to Leeds. Their storytelling abilities rely entirely on a first-class cocktail menu and wealth of hospitality experience to transport guests around the world, through tales of past and present- and it's well worth experiencing.
The well-loved bar has already had a whirlwind month to bring in the new year. So much so, Below Stairs has been officially recognised as one of the top 50 bars in the UK, placing a respectable 39th. Basking in its newfound fame, the bar remains hospitable and intimate but with added events to give us more opportunities to check out the award-winning bar.
This week, the bar is collaborating with Fords Gin is hosting a one-night-only event in the heart of Leeds to share the secret to the perfect Martini pairing with a select few.
On offer is both a sensory and culinary delight: expect both dry and dirty Fords Gin Martinis as well as freshly-shucked oysters aplenty, with expert staff on-hand to explain why the unlikely combination is so irresistible to connoisseurs of the foodie scene. Guests can expect one oyster per martini served all night long- or until the oysters run out.
There's far more than Martinis on offer, Below Stairs and Fords Gin have created a specially selected menu of cocktails to choose from.
The Rockefeller is butter-washed Fords Gin with dry vermouth, parsley chartreuse and a baked breadcrumb aroma: an unusual but sensational combination you're unlikely to have every experienced before.
The Petiance is perfect for those looking for a light boozy drink to quench their thirst, expect Fords Gin with Riesling, peach wine and lightly carbonated mineral water- it sounds like the ideal combination for a midweek tipple.
The Surf and Turf is serious about its flavours and every ingredient boasts a magnificent explosion to savour. Made up of Fords Gin with sage and chamomile vermouth, black truffles and candied sage: we're expecting lip-smacking goodness from this one.
The one-night-only event will be held at Below Stairs on Tuesday 8 February, 5 - 8pm, or until the oysters run out.
As you'd imagine, this highly-anticipated event is going to be of interest for near enough anyone in our city looking for the perfect post-work tipple, so we highly recommend booking a table in advance.
For more information, including how to book your place at the Fords Gin and Below Stairs' Martinis and Oysters event, visit the Below Stairs website.
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sophie Smith -
7th February 2022 
