Brand-new ‘Hot Milkshakes’ and loads of vegan options are just some of the items forming part of Costa’s 2024 winter menu.
The popular coffee shop is known and loved for its limited-edition menus every time a new season rolls around – and it looks like this year will be no different, as Costa has already decided to kick-off 2024 in style, just a few days into January, by announcing that a whole host of new and returning drinks and food options.
After waving goodbye to its much-loved festive favourites for another year, the new winter menu will be launching at Costa branches all across the UK from tomorrow (4 January).
And one of the stand-outs on the menu has to be the all-new ‘Hot Milkshakes’.
Image: Costa
Already being described by the chain as “groundbreaking” and “game-changing”, the indulgent range of new Hot Milkshakes are exactly what it says on the tin, and are designed to “tantalise your senses and provide an unforgettable experience”.
Available in three flavours – White Chocolate and Strawberry, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Chocolate Hazel – each Hot Milkshake is topped with Costa’s signature ‘Light Whip’, and depending on what flavour you’ve chosen, either a choice sprinkles, sweet caramel vermicelli, or chocolate brownie crumbs.
Another one of the highlights forming part of the company’s 2024 winter menu has to be the extensive lineup of new vegan food and sweet treat options.
With the first month of the year now also synonymous with Veganuary – which is an annual challenge to promote and educate about veganism by encouraging people to follow a vegan lifestyle for the month of January – Costa’s lineup of new vegan options are ideal for anyone looking to cut back on their animal product consumption.
Thanks to Costa’s new collaboration with popular plant-based foodies, BOSH!, customers will soon be able to tuck into the new Plant-Based Saucy Chicken Fajita Wrap, and the new Plant-Based Smokin’ BBQ Chicken Panini.
Not only that, but the popular Plant-Based Crackin’ Ham and Cheeze Toastie, and the Plant-Based Smashin’ Sausage Bap, will also be returning with new and improved recipes.
For vegans with a sweet tooth, there’ll also be the new Caramelised Biscuit Rocky Road, and the new Double Chocolate Cookie – which can even be served warm – to try out for size, on top of the beloved fan-favourite Chocolate and Pecan Slice, which is also making a comeback.
Image: Costa
For those who aren’t always looking for meat-free options though, Costa has also got you covered thanks to two new brunch options – the new Pork and Apple Sausage Roll, and the new Raisin and Almond Granola Pot.
A handful of customers’ favourite comfort food toasties are also returning for the colder months, including the Hog Roast Toastie, Heinz Beanz and Cheese Toastie, and Roast Chicken and Bacon Toastie.
The new and improved recipe Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake, and the all-new Banana Loaf Cake, and Orange and Raspberry Victoria Sponge are the three newbies to the sweet treats lineup, alongside a trio of returning muffins – Rolo Chocolate & Caramel Muffin, Blueberry Muffin, and Sicilian Lemon Muffin – and the cocoa indulgences of the Chocolate Cornflake Cake, and the Salted Caramel Brownie.
Costa’s new 2024 Winter Menu will be launching tomorrow (Thursday 4 November), and will be available at the chain’s over 14,500 branches all across the UK.
From Bombay to Leeds, Dishoom has opened in the city to resounding success.
Look, if you've been in town over the past week then you will have seen the snaking queues forming outside the city's hottest new restaurant - Dishoom.
This is one that's been in the pipeline for quite some time now, known amongst the UK for their all-day Bombay-inspired food and it seems the people of Leeds couldn't wait to tuck in.
But before we delve into the food, let's talk about the space.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows.
They've really thought of every little detail, eve down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off with a few Dishoom staples like the crunchy, salty okra fries and peppery chilli cheese toast was the perfect start to our meal.
But an absolute must order is the lamb chops, marinated overnight in raw papaya, yoghurt and spices before being blackened on the grill and finished with a thrilling Kashmiri chilli sauce. These will be on our order list every single time.
Elsewhere the charred masala prawns were juicy and perfectly aromatic, whilst smokey gunpowder potatoes served with a yoghurt dip were a perfect respite from the building spices.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
A really special dish which you can only get in Leeds is Malvani Lamb Curry, made using tender lamb leg nestled in a silken gravy of roasted coconut, cardamom, chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden laccha paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, this is as perfect as it gets.
Drinks wise we got their special Dishoom Margarita which is shaken with a tamarind spice as well as the New Permit Room Old Fashioned that uses date liqueur. Both a twist on a classic, and just as delicious as the next.
If the queue doesn't make you want to try out Dishoom then let this be your sign. A fantastic addition to the city, and we'll certainly be back for more.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from Japanese sando cafes to tiramisu pop-ups
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up this summer, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Misu
Trinity Shopping Centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It really does feel like the traditional Italian dessert has taken the world by storm as of late.
Everything from tiramisu cups and tiramisu coffees have been popping up all over our feed, and now tiramisu in drawer form is popping up in the city centre.
Misu Tiramisu is an independent business that began at Manchester's Christmas Markets and quickly became one of the most popular operators, all thanks to its miniature tiramisu ‘drawers’. They've now opened inside Trinity shopping centre for the summer, and we couldn't be happier.
Shokupan recently moved from their original site on Wellington Place to an even bigger spot on Central Road and my word, they’re serving up sandwiches and rice bowls like the absolute pros they’ve always been.
Whether it’s their new specials like the ‘Spamago’ sando (arguably the best new breakfast bite on the block), or katsu chori that combines South American-style chorizo with Japanese favourites all in one incredible package, they don’t miss.
One of Leeds city centre’s most historic buildings has been just transformed into one of the coolest new spaces we’ve come across.
Introducing Moods, a brand-new all-day cafe, bar and events space that combines laid-back midday vibes and chilled evenings with food from Michelin-trained chefs.
We know you've been waiting for this one, and finally Dishoom has opened its doors in the city centre.
Serving up Bombay recipes made with love in a beautiful interior complete with blush pink walls, huge arched windows and gold picture frames - this one is already a huge hit.
North Star Coffee
59 Great George Street, LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like their name, North Star Coffee has become a shining star in the Leeds coffee shop circle, and now they’re bringing the brand over to a bustling road of independents on Great George Street.
Expect your tried and trusted iced coffee, matcha and cold foam selections alongside their bakes, new hot brekkie sandwiches and their signature stardust hash browns.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd January 2024 
