VK, the popular British brand of alcopops, has tasked the UK with creating their newest flavour and we think it's safe to say you lot fit into one of two camps: absolute tastemakers or meniacal super villains.
One of the nation's most iconic beverages, alcoholic or otherwise — one which immediately drums up those memories of house parties and those first nights out — we've got a lot of love for VK and can't wait to try what they come up with next.
That being said, as part of the latest campaign, the OG alcopop dynasty is looking to spice up their selection and decided that asking us Brits to come up with the best, most unique and frankly questionable combinations possible was the best idea. Hmm...
Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of weird entries — A LOT. Here are just a few of them.
Ok, whoever said anchovies, you should be declared an enemy of the state. (Credit: VK)From steak bakes and sausage rolls to pineapple pizza and just garlic, the nation has declared a list of both delicious and some downright delusional flavours they would like to see immortalised in a bottle of VK, with a whopping 4,637 flavours submitted by more than 5,000 fans.
However, it was all ridiculous; there were plenty of fittingly throwback flavour suggestions too, including candy floss, bubblegum and the good old Cherry Bakewell. You can sign us up for all of these, please.
While all of these would undoubtedly make for a tasty something to sip on this summer, they didn’t quite make the top four. The people have spoken and the final four battling it out to win are as follows:
Apple and Blackcurrant - it’s giving legend, classic, 'can’t believe we didn’t think of it'.
Pineapple and Coconut - it’s giving extraverted, summer holiday, pina colada etc.
Peach and Lychee - it’s giving bougie, pink, living your best life and 'I've done a bit of travelling'.
Lemon and Lime - it’s giving zesty, tried and tested, lust for life, authentically yourself.
To be honest, we'd be buzzing with absolutely any of these as the winner of the newest VK flavour competition but whoever emerges victorious is entirely up to you.These would all slot in very well with the already nostalgic lineup.Daniella Mulvey, Senior Brand Manager at VK, said: "The response to the voting has been brilliant, with some fantastic flavour suggestions – and other, more questionable ones that aren’t suitable for print! It’s definitely brought some laughs to the VK offices.
"We can’t wait to see which flavour our fans select as the new addition to the VK Flavour Vault. For your chance to decide which drink you have in your hand while dancing at the club or when catching up with your mates at the pub, make sure to get your vote in!"
Fans can vote for their fave flave right up until Friday, 15 March and the winner will join the likes of OG Blue, Orange and Passionfruit, as well as Tropical Fruits on shelves in the VK lineup.
To make things even more exciting, one lucky entrant will be selected to win a weekend city break for them and three mates along with tickets to the exclusive flavour reveal party. As if you needed any more reason to take part. Pick your winner HERE. Terms and conditions apply — see more info on the VK website.
Featured Images — Supplied
Eats
The popular Manchester brunch spot serving all things viral is coming to Leeds
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Where to find the best sandwiches in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Leeds.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties and fluffy focaccias, if you’re a sandwich lover in Leeds then you’re well catered for.
Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Leeds and beyond.
Loosen your belts a little, folks.
Cheesy Living Co.
The Corn Exchange, Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're working in the city and fancy something special for your lunch, then popping into The Corn Exchange to pay a visit to the legends at Cheesy Living Co. is just the thing.
Their fluffy focaccia is baked fresh every day and packed with their delicious cheeses, cured meats, local chutneys and topped with tangy pickles to take the edge of. Have in or takeaway, it's completely up to you.
Alfonso's
Grand Arcade
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new on the sandwich scene, Alfonso's Deli in the Grand Arcade is serving up ultimate toasted Cuban sandwiches as well as stacked subs. They're also dishing out unreal breakfast bagels which are the perfect hangover cure if you've had a couple the night before.
Silver's Deli
268 Stanningley Rd, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a big fat hoagie as long as your arm? Then get yourself to Bramley as soon as possible.
The moment Silver's touched down on the Leeds food scene it's truly been the talk of the town ever since, with people flocking from far and wide to queue for their ridiculously delicious subs.
Stacked breakfast buns good enough to cure any hangover and New York-style hoagies all made using the very best, quality ingredients.
Here Comes The Bun
77 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you think you can’t love The Swine Bistro and the team behind it anymore, they relaunch their sandwich hatch, Here Comes The Bun.
Open on Fridays and Sunday, you can pre-order and get your mitts on a different sandwich every single week. Chef Paul is pulling out all the stops, think lamb merguez with harissa mayo, chicken fried steak and the ultimate brekkie buns all on homemade potato rolls
Granny G's
36 Wellington Street, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If fully-loaded subs get you going, then Granny G's inside Green Room is the one to beat.
Choose from shrimp po’boys, spicy deli meats, and our personal favourite - the OG chicken parm (which is 100% worth the mess).
Things In Bread
15 Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Things In Bread is now a proper Leeds classic, and their concept is perfectly simple. Classic sandwiches which you might find in your average meal deal but elevated to the next level.
The bread is specially created to make the best ever sandwich, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly square and baked fresh on the daily.
With a cracking selection of seasonal specials, you'll constantly be coming back for more to have a taste of what's new.
La Grassa
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Stuzzi comes La Grassa, located inside Amity Brew Co. inside Sunny Bank Mills they're serving up everything Italian American. Expected sandwiches bigger than your for arm which pair perfectly with a pint or two.
Brød Sandwich Bar
31 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod sandwich bar is an institution. This family-run independent sandwich shop has been serving us hungry lot for 20 years now, filling our lunch hour with the tastiest, freshest sarnies that you can get your hands on.
Fully customisable with a HUGE range of ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and all at really affordable prices too.
Friends of Ham
4 - 8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Friends of Ham don't just serve up banging charcuterie boards, but they're really good at serving unreal toasties too.
The sourdough is perfectly buttery and jam packed with layers of meat and salty, melted cheese. And of course served with a pile of pickles on the side for good measure.
Eat Your Greens
42 New York Street, LS2 7DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's no denying we love this special spot that champion the very best local produce in everything they do, but their sandwiches are also seriously something to shout about.
Grab to go or savour every mouthful in their light drenched space. The flavours rotate with the season but if you have chance to sample the pork mince sandwich with black pudding, house smoked bacon and bunt apple ketchup then it'll be the best decision you have ever made.
Morty's Focacceria
White Cloth Hall
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds' newest food hall you'll find Morty's, a dough haven serving up Sicilian style slices and of course, sarnies.
These bad boys are made with freshly-made panuozzo bread that is baked on-site every single day, filled with two big stacks of fried mortadella and topped with melted provolone, mustard mayo, pickles and a drizzle of garlic oil.
You'll need a nap after, but it'll be worth it.
Shokupan
27 Wellington Street, LS1 4EA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem on Wellington Street are serving up delicious, Japanese katso sandos that you'll want to fit into your weekly routine.
Husband and wife team, Alan and Alison, took inspiration from trips around the world to bring Leeds a menu of delicious Japanese-inspired sandos on Shokupan- a Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour.
Get a side of the crispy karaage chicken on the side too, you won't regret it.
Livett's Coffee Shop
6 St. Peters Square, LS98AH
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're round that side of town, then grabbing a sarnie from Livett's is a no brainer.
There’s a flavour combo for everyone to get their chops around, from fresh Caprese, Falafel and Houmous, and a packed out Italian Deli sub. But keep your eyes pealed because these flavours are always changing. All served on a satisfyingly soft demi baguette from the best of the best, Balzersen Bakery, and made fresh daily, you already know these bad boys will blow your bog standard meal deal out of the water.
Danny Jones -
6th March 2024 
