O’Neill’s is marking a milestone birthday, and is dishing out thousands of free drinks to anyone celebrating the same.
The UK’s favourite Irish-themed pub is turning 30 years old this year.
And so, in a bid to properly celebrate its legacy of pouring pints for the good people of Leeds and beyond for three whole decades this week, O’Neill’s has announced that it’ll be marking its 30th birthday by giving away more than 10,000 complimentary drinks to anyone born in 1994, and therefore also turning the big three-oh this year.
But, there is a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
Image: O'Neill's
This is quite a kind catch though, as to claim a free tipple, it really is as simple as being born in 1994, but the only exception is that this one-off offer is just available for one weekend, which means you’ll need to head on down to your nearest O’Neill’s from this Friday (7 June) until Sunday 9 June to make the most of it.
For anyone turning 30 this year, O’Neill’s will serve you up one of its best-loved cocktails, the Dublin Mule, which’ll usually set you back around £8, for completely free of charge.
To get your hands on the complimentary cocktail, you’ll just need to show a QR code to the bartender at your local O’Neill’s during the 30th birthday weekender, provide your ID as a proof of your age, and then the Dublin Mule is all yours to start sipping on
Images: Unsplash
“We are proud to be the nation’s favourite Irish bar,” commented Ian Priest, who is the Operations Director at O’Neill’s, ahead of this weekend’s birthday celebrations.
“If there’s one thing the Irish know how to do better than anyone, it’s party. So, to toast to the legendary 90s and celebrate our milestone birthday with the British nation, we are rolling out our biggest giveaway yet. They say the best things in life are free, and that includes celebrating our 30th birthday with us in true Irish style.”
Each O’Neill’s pub is set to “put its own spin on what it means to party like its 1994” this weekend.
You can also expect a lineup of live music and DJs blasting out tunes that’ll take you back to the nineties across the three days.
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Emily Sergeant -
7th June 2024 
