A bubble gun, creamy cocktails in pastel pink hues and some of the city's friendliest bartenders: this is an experience not to be missed.
Newly-opened cocktail bar Pastel has quickly made a name for itself serving up unique cocktails- and now you and your friends can learn how to make their signature drinks for yourself.
Learn how to make raspberry and regular mojitos, an alternative version of an Aperol Spritz and Pastel's signature Pastel fizz in a one-hour cocktail masterclass at this dreamy pastel-coloured haven in Kirkgate.
Having only been open one month, Pastel have taken Leeds by storm and is quickly becoming one of our favourite places to grab a drink. Their cocktails are unique and innovate, whilst their decor transports us to the tropics in an instant.
The masterminds behind Pastel are now offering a 'Cocktail Making Experience' so you can get in on the action. For just £30 a head, enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and learn how to make a classic cocktail of your choice followed by their iconic Pastel Fizz and Goodtime Spritz.
The package is available to book for a minimum of four people, with a maximum capacity of eight per sitting, and can take place on any day of the week before 6.00pm.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Here at the Hoot, we sampled the experience and created our own versions of Pastel's signature drinks- and can confirm that the experience is not one to be missed.
There were giggles aplenty as we learn about the importance of 'slapping' mint (it brings out the flavour) and the fascinated history of the bartender's favourite spirit: Bandarra Al Fresco.
Not only are the staff super friendly and fun, the drinks are delicious and unlike any we have tried before.
Their signature Pastel Fizz particularly was an absolute showstopper; a delectable concoction of Bacardi Raspberry, raspberry liqueur, fresh lime juice with cream, egg white, soda, all topped with ‘Pastel Dust’ that gives it a frothy appearance.
The Goodtime Spritz is the perfect drink for a summer's day and definitely lives up to its name. Similar to an Aperol spritz, the tall drink consists of Bandarra Al Fresco, Grapefruit Bitters, Artisan Yuzu Tonic and Prosecco.
This one is even served up with a side of bubbles courtesy of a nifty handheld bubble machine, this is usually done by the bartender but upon request, you might get to have a go yourself- it's a lot of fun.
The Pastel Fizz cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for something a bit different to do than just your average night out, then this experience is the one for you.
We can guarantee you'll come for the class but stay for the fantastic service, delicious drinks and good vibes.
To find out more, visit the Pastel website or give the cocktail bar a ring on 0113 2439 548.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
News
A huge pumpkin festival with over 300,000 pumpkins is returning to Leeds this autumn
With up to 300,000 to choose from, the Farmer Copley's Pumpkin Festival is the ultimate pumpkin picking spot in Leeds.
Look, we know it's still August...but we can't help but get a little bit excited.
And it's safe to say that Farmer Copleys really do know a thing or two about growing pumpkins.
Every year, this family-run farm transform into one of the UK's biggest pumpkin festivals to offer the cosiest day out for all the family to enjoy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This year, there will be more than 300,000 pumpkins across over 40 different varieties, ranging from traditional orange pumpkins to beautiful white, green and striped varieties.
As well as choosing the perfect pumpkin to take home, the fields provide an excellent backdrop for autumn photographs, with photo opportunities and installations located throughout the festival.
One of this year’s biggest additions will be a brand-new Land Rover photo installation, bringing together one of Farmer Copleys’ own vintage Land Rovers with a new Land Rover kindly loaned to the farm for the festival.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also new for this year, in the first weekend of the festival, the farm will be hosting a Pumpkin Pilates event where ticket holders can enjoy early morning Pilates session within the pumpkin fields.
And like always, visitors can enjoy tractor rides through the pumpkin fields, live shows and entertainment, archery, vintage fairground rides, Witches’ Storytime and magical performances, Velcro the Scarecrow and other family characters, as well as the festival’s popular daily fancy dress competitions.
Farmer Copleys Owner Rob Copley said: “Pumpkin Festival is such a special time of year for us and something the whole team works towards for months. We grow hundreds of thousands of pumpkins here on the farm, but we’ve always wanted the festival to be about much more than simply choosing a pumpkin.
“For 2026 we’ve invested in new installations, upgraded areas of the festival and added more live music. We’re particularly excited about the new Land Rover feature, bringing together one of our vintage vehicles with a brand-new Land Rover. We think it’s going to make a brilliant addition to the festival and another great place for families to capture their visit.”
The Farmer Copley's Pumpkin Festival will run from Saturday 26 September until Sunday 1 November, and you can buy your tickets here.
Historic Leeds watermill to reopen as a canal-side pub, cafe and museum
Clementine Hall
One of the best-preserved mills in Britain has been taken over by four new owners.
And they've got big plans for the place.
Will Habergham, Terry George, Michael Rothwell and Kirk Allen have taken ownership of Thwaite Mills - a Grade II listed site at Stourton, Leeds, that will start to undergo a full restoration this week, more than two years after the mill closed to the public in April 2024.
The work is expected to take around 12 months and will be carried out alongside volunteers from Friends of Thwaite Mills, the supporters' group the new owners are relaunching as part of the project.
Image: Supplied
No reopening date has been set yet, but early plans include reopening the mill as a working museum, a pub and cafe with canal-side seating, and fully landscaped grounds free for walkers, runners and dog walkers to use.
Not only that, but a programme of free family events is planned and the owners are exploring the return of the craft fairs and car boot sales that the site was once known for.
"Thwaite Mills was saved by its community once before, and it'll be brought back by its community now," said Will Habergham, director of Thwaite Mills.
"We're not going to disappear for a year and come back with a ribbon to cut. We want people watching it happen, turning up, and telling us what they want this place to be."
Built between 1823 and 1825, Thwaite Mills worked first as a flax mill and later produced whiting and paint, operating commercially until 1975, when a broken weir threatened its future. Local volunteers stepped in to save it the following year, and it opened as a museum in 1990, welcoming visitors until it closed in April 2024.
And now, Thwaite Mills is set to enter a brand-new era and you can follow the restoration journey here.
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2022 
