Aldi is gearing up to launch a new range of beers, and needs a beer lover to try them outand review them.
Undoubtedly a sought-after role for anyone that loves sipping on an ice cold beer in the sunshine, Aldi has announced that it’s once again on the lookout for an ‘Official Beer Tester’ who’ll be tasked with taste-testing a new range of beers set to hit shop shelves in a couple of months time.
The supermarket retailer‘s newest recruit will be given four pale ales, three IPAs, two beers, four ciders, one stout, and one lager to “taste and review”.
Oh, and did we mention they’ll be sent for free? Not a penny out of pocket.
Image: Aldi UK
With applications now open to anyone who’s keen, the unique job will require applicants to have “a love of lager, passion for ale, and hop-timistic attitude”, as they’ll be asked for feedback on the whole range of drinks sent to them to with the aim of helping guide Aldi bosses with making some key decisions for the next range.
27-year-old Emma Budd from Milton Keynes was the lucky person chosen to become Aldi’s first-ever ‘Official Beer Taster’ last year after impressing judges so much with her application.
Aldi UK’s Managing Director of Buying, Julie Ashfield, said the feedback Emma provided was “influential” in guiding what beers the retailer stocked on its shelves this year, especially when it came to the flavours – which is why they’re “looking forward” to seeing what applicants bring to the table this time around.
“For beer lovers, it’s the ultimate opportunity,” Julie admitted.
Image: Aldi UK
“We’re always looking to innovate and excite when it comes to our beer range, [and love] experimenting with flavours such as coffee, caramel and watermelon.”
Fancy it then?
To be in with a chance of landing the role, all budding beer tasters need to do is send an email explaining why they think they should be chosen for the role, as well as reveal what their favourite Aldi beer is and describe why.
Entries are open until Monday 21 August, and the winner will be selected by Friday 25 August – with samples to follow for review.
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate
Clementine Hall
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Emily Sergeant -
25th July 2023 
