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
Here’s how you can get FREE Tony’s Chocolonely and Yorkshire Tea in Leeds next week
In honour of National Chocolate Week, two big brands are joining forces.
Fancy a freebie? Silly question, of course you do.
Tony’s Chocolonely and Yorkshire Tea have joined forces for National Chocolate Week to ask Brits to declare themselves a ‘Melt’...yes, really.
It comes after the brands discovering a new Gen Z dunking trend, with research finding that 80% of 18–24-year-olds say chocolate is their preferred tea-dunking treat.
To understand why the perculiar pairing has become so popular, the brands recruited Associate Professor of Psychobiology, Dr Lorenzo Stafford, to investigate what happens when tea and chocolate come together.
Associate Professor, Dr Lorenzo Stafford said: "It's fascinating to see how much thought Brits put into what makes a great dunk. Flavour, texture and temperature all shape how we experience food, and the combination of hot tea with melting chocolate creates a particularly enjoyable sensory experience.
"When it comes to dunking, tea and chocolate have great chemistry so it’s no surprise young people have embraced it."
If you want to try it out for yourself, then you can for free - but there is one catch.
From Monday 19 to Friday 23 October, anyone who walks into one of Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds and says ‘I'm a Melt’ will get a free mug of Yorkshire Tea and bar of Tony's Chocolonely.
Not only that, but the first 100 customers will also get a limited-edition ‘Melt’ cap.
Yorkshire Tea & Tony’s Chocolonely said of the partnership, “Brits love their tea and their chocolate and now the science shows why. This National Chocolate Week, we’re inviting everyone to give it a go, embrace their inner Melt and discover just how well chunky chocolate and a proper brew can work together.”
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes will NOT go ahead following ‘late offer’ over pay
Clementine Hall
This weekend's strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been cancelled.
Around 130 workers were set to walk out this weekend, Unite said, but this has been suspended to allow air traffic controllers to consider a new pay offer.
The Unite members planning on to go on strike were a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute had recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity which led to the decision to strike.
However, as of yesterday 15 October, the workers have been given new pay offers from the airport and the strikes will not take place to allow a ballot on the offers.
Air traffic controllers and hourly paid staff are being balloted separately on their respective offers.
Unite regional officer Neil Whitaker said: "After receiving offers from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have suspended this week’s strike action in good faith to allow members to vote on pay deals.”
In a statement, Leeds Bradford Airport said: "While the ballot process continues with certain members of our frontline colleagues, we remain hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved and that an agreement can be reached which works for everyone involved.
"Regardless of the outcome of this ballot, LBA has a robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend.
"Our focus remains on supporting a smooth and reliable experience for customers while maintaining safe and efficient airport operations."
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2022 
