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
Jacob Elordi says the sexiest thing about Yorkshire is ‘rocks and sheep’
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Sophie Smith -
7th February 2022 
