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.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
