Legendary biscuit makers, McVitie's, have launched the first non-fruity flavour of Jaffa Cakes in the story which answers the question, what do you get when you cross an old school cola bottle sweet with the classic jaffa?
That's not the start of a joke, by the way... you literally just get cola bottle-flavoured Jaffa Cakes, and as bizarre (brilliant) as that creation may sound to you, McVitie's has actually made it a reality, with the new hybrid sweet treat now available on supermarket shelves across the UK.
We've had cherry-flavoured jaffa cakes, lemon and lime-flavoured ones; raspberry, blackcurrant, and even passionfruit-flavoured, as well as a number of different chocolate variations including the limited-edition White Chocolate Jaffa Cakes.
There was even a jaffa cake-doughnut crossover amusingly named, 'Jonuts', but now the popular snack brand has decided to venture away from what they know and landed on cola-flavoured Jaffa Cakes.
McVitite's officially released new cola bottle-flavour Jaffa Cakes (Credit: vallgall via Flickr/ZapSweets)
Safe to say this one has split opinion...
As reported by The Manc, Cola Bottle Jaffa Cakes are now available in both biscuit (or cake) and cake bar format, and they've already been spotted on the shelves at Asda.
McVitie's parent company, Pladis, said it decided on the new flavour as its next creation because there's a "huge appetite" among the next generation of snacking shoppers for "something genuinely new and different". Cola flavour has been around for yonks but never mind, we'll let them off.
Adam Woolf, Marketing Director for McVitie’s at Pladis UK&I, added: "As the original cake in the biscuit aisle, we know a thing or two about doing something different, so as well as catering to shopper demand, our latest launch is the perfect embodiment of the playful and out-of-the-ordinary essence that's Jaffa Cakes' heartland."
The new snack food creation has hit supermarket shelves across the UK (Credit: McVitie's & Pladis UK & IRE)
He said the new special creation is inspired by the "enduring popularity" of both jaffa cakes and cola bottle sweets and has been made for those who've "got the bottle to branch out" and give "bold new flavour combinations a try".
Not being funny but cola bottles are just as much a classic as Jaffa Cakes in our books, but we're still intending to buy up every box we see - though not everyone is in agreement.
The OG jaffa cakes are said to be a store-cupboard essential for more than seven million households nationwide, but if the immediate fan reactions are anything to go by, it's not looking like the new Cola Bottle Jaffa Cakes will be quite the same.
Posts on social media by several new snack food sharing and reviewing accounts - including a popular one by @another_snack_reviewer - have proved that fans are divided.
Some of the comments read: "I’ve been calling out for this flavour for years" and "Bit weird, but I feel like they need to be tried", right through to the total opposite of: "No, no, no. Just no. My beautiful Jaffa cakes cannot be ruined with this atrocity.'
Even a quick ask around The Manc Group offices produced a mixed response - with comments ranging from: "I'm on board", to "That sounds vile" and "Mixing cola and sponge just doesn’t sit right with me."
So, what's your take then?
Also, please can we bring back to 'Jaffanut'? They were next level.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Danny Jones -
14th June 2024 
