A new flavoured water product is about to go to market - and it's really pushing the boundaries of what might be considered acceptable.
For those who say they 'don't like water,' there's long been companies making flavoured alternatives to try and tempt the dehydrated across to the other side. Now, though, a new style of flavoured water with a difference is about to launch in the UK.
With flavours like steak and kidney pudding, pork scratchings, prawn cocktail and lobster thermidor, they're definitely thinking outside the box.
The question is, is there actually a customer base for this? All is yet to be revealed, as the product isn't actually set to launch until later this month.
Created by Home Leisure Direct under the new brand name Snaqua, the product marks their first foray into the food and drink sector - and it's definitely a bold one.
Supposedly the world’s first savoury water, there is a total of twelve flavours to choose from: with further options including salt and malt vinegar., mature cheddar and pickled onion and Sichuan braised pork belly.
Offering a mix of classic British favourites and more 'gourmet' flavours, such as sourdough guacamole, if it wasn't August we might think this was an April fool.
On its website, Home Leisure Direct describes Snaqua as having "all of the tastiness of your favourite pub snacks, [with] none of the excess salt, sugar and saturated fats."
According to them, Snaqua is a "perfect, delicious way to stay hydrated."
"It’s a daring move, but not one without good reason.
"The idea for Snaqua was born out of a few long nights around the pool table, snacking endlessly on crisps and pork scratching. The HLD team realised we needed a way to stay energised for a competitive night of games without having to rely on those ever-enticing pub snacks.
"Of course, we’ll always love the taste of a steak & kidney pudding, but we needed something a tad healthier to turn to when we needed a boost.
"Then, one night, one fateful statement was uttered: 'I wish water tasted better.'
"It was then simply a matter of putting it all together. Combining a need to stay hydrated, a desire for flavourful but healthy treats, and our fanciful teammate Dave’s desire for better-tasting water, Snaqua was our brilliant solution."
We wouldn't blame you for being sceptical of this one - we certainly are. That said, we'll definitely be trying it when it's available to buy. How could we not?
The company is currently looking for stockists to take on its product. If you're interested, you can email them directly at wholesale@snaqua.biz to chat with one of their sales reps.
The Reliance, a much missed North Street site, is being brought back to life as The Smithfield.
The Smithfield is set to be a new social eatery and pub focused on seasonal, produce-led dining.
Set to open its doors to the people of Leeds in early April, The Smithfield will pay homage to the local area through both its produce and people.
The venue will focus on proper plates of seasonal ingredients, pairing a relaxed dining style with a strong sense of community. Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
Building on the legacy of North Street, The Smithfield is a collaborative project between Yorkshire brewery Crooked Brewing and chef James Donovan.
Images: Supplied
Steve Dawson, co-founder of Crooked Brewing, has long admired The Reliance and want to build on its established legacy.
“What The Reliance was doing was cutting edge for its time,” says Donovan. “We want to bring that same vision and energy into Leeds in 2026. Our aim is to pick up the culinary torch that The Reliance left behind and continue its legacy of great food in Leeds,” adds Dawson.
The Smithfield takes its name from Church Street’s historic connection to the Smithfield cattle market of the early 1800s, once located on what is now Lovell Park.
“We really want the people around us to feel that The Smithfield is their space,” says Dawson. “We want to give them a place at our table.”
We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we know, but we're very excited indeed.
Viral brunch cafe Acai and the Tribe is coming to Leeds city centre this spring
Clementine Hall
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
