If there's one thing to look forward to as the year draws to a close, it's closing the day with a chilled evening in the bathtub and tucking into a cheese board.
For some unknown reason, the closer we get to Christmas, the more cheese that enters our fridge. It's the ultimate comfort food, an indulgent dairy snack, or main meal, if you're as obsessed as we are and it is the only accompaniment a night on the wine ever needs.
So when Iceland announced that they are introducing a cheese board made for the bath, you can bet we were all ears.
Imagine sinking into bubbly waters, lit only by candle light with one hand reaching for the cheddar and the other turning the pages of a book.
The Snacking Assistant created by the supermarket chain is the only way you will want to devour all of your favourite cheeses. The design behind the board wasn't just inspired by someone dreaming about the perfect way to relax, there's plenty of science behind the bathtub cheese board too.
The idea is that the steam from the bath will quickly bring the varieties of cheese to room temperature: this improves the texture and flavour as the fats loosen with heat- who knew?
The product was trialled by Love Island's Priya Gopaldas, who admitted “The product shoot took longer than it should, mostly because I couldn’t stop eating all the cheese on set."
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She also added that "Now that I’ve tried it, I can definitely say it’s the ultimate bath time accessory", confirming our suspicions about joining the 15% of Brits that already eat cheese in the bath.
The Cheese Board Bath Rack Set will soon be available on the Iceland website to purchase, costing £10 per set.
All that's left to do now is grab a cheese board and get the taps running.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
14th October 2021 
