Eggnog and cinnamon. Mulled everything. Baileys and Buck's Fizz.
Nothing quite says Christmas like a few drinks with those that mean the most to you. Not to mention, this occasion brings out the best flavours of wine, spirits and hot chocolate.
Christmas cocktails this year are set to top any other year previously. At least in our opinion anyway.
Given the cancellation of last Christmas, it seems that the hospitality industry are determined to give us two years worth of yuletide spirit in one and nobody is complaining.
If you're looking for a glass of something naughty or nice, search no more. We've found the best in Leeds for you to choose from.
A bit of Chambord is an essential to Christmas and this festive cocktail has mixed it into the perfect sweet treat. The White Forest Gateau is a concoction of Ketel One vodka, Briottett Maraschino and Chambord with Giffard chocolate cookie syrup, cranberry juice and topped with white chocolate foam.
Not only does this delicious drink resemble a reverse santa hat that even Father Christmas might be tempted by, but it only makes up one of four delicious dessert-inspired cocktails on offer at The Alchemist.
East 59th have partnered with Beluga to create a divine Winter Tales Menu, our favourite of which is the Snow Star Martini. Reimagining the staple cocktail, the sweet drink is made up of Beluga Noble Vodka, silky white cacao and vanilla with pineapple, passion and rose gold glitter.
Grab a glass and take a sip on the newly-designed alpine terrace, complete with all the luxe-winter decor you need to keep cosy and warm, whilst remaining an Instagram-worthy bar.
El Bandarra Vermouth mixed with Portobello Road Sloeberry and Blackcurrant gin and topped with a citrus slice for an olfactory Christmas feast for the senses. Available from the Boar Lane venue, this tasty drink is one of five festive favourites you need to try before 2022.
All Bar One teamed up with Hotel Chocolat to bring a quartet of chocolate-infused cocktails that taste just like December 25th. The Mint Royale is that post-Christmas dinner taste that replaces the After Eights and grandma's polo mints with a refreshing taste of Hotel Chocolat Mint Chocolate Velvetised™ Cream, Ketel One vodka, salted caramel syrup and oat milk.
Topped with a milk chocolate shard, chocolate flakes and a mint leaf garnish, this one is the only way to end a night of drinking in Leeds. If you like the taste as much as All Bar One you can even learn how to make your own at their cocktail masterclasses too.
Feature image- The Botanist
Christmas
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Leeds with hundreds of jobs available
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Sophie Smith -
30th November 2021 
