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.
Forget what you know about sausages, because Piper's Sheffield is changing the game.
There's no denying that us Brits love a good sausage.
It's a porky staple that crops up in our diet in numerous forms: sausage and mash, sausage rolls, sausage sandwiches - their versatility is truly inspiring.
But there's one person who loves them more than most, and that's the lovely Nick from Piper's Artisan Sausage.
Images: The Sheff
Located in Crosspool, Piper's is a sort of butchers/deli that specialise in, well, sausages.
They have an ever-changing menu of bangers that are inspired by recipes and flavours from across the globe.
From a roasted butternut squash sausage and a Vietnamese Nem Muong to a pepperoni pizza-inspired sausage, you'll never want to eat a Cumberland ever again.
They even stock a selection of veggie sausages so no one has to miss out on the sausage party (sorry, I had to).
Images: The Sheff
You can buy the sausages raw to take home, perfect for barbecue season if you ask us.
But they also make their own sausage rolls, sandwiches, sauces and plenty more, all using ingredients prepared in-house.
Nick and Libby also smoke their own ham in the back and make their own lasagna which is basically famous at this point, if you're not feeling sausages that day.
So if you're looking to stock up for your next BBQ or after trying something different with your mash, all whilst supporting a local business, then Piper's is the spot for you.
They're stocking high quality products unlike anything you'll find in a supermarket, and we're very lucky to have them here in our city.
An award-winning Leeds restaurant is now serving sandwiches from a street-side hatch
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds' top restaurants has unveiled a brand-new concept brilliantly named 'Here Comes The Bun'.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is about as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
Back when they were located on North Street in the city centre, to survive during the dreaded lockdown they opened up a sandwich concept named 'Here Comes The Bun' (what a name by the way).
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The concept was simple, serving up delicious hot takeaway sandwiches all served in pillowy potato rolls made in-house.
And now the concept is back and better than ever, as Here Comes The Bun is now operating from a street-side hatch just moments away from their restaurant.
There's some core staple items as well as rotating specials meaning you'll be back week after week to find your favourite.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
On the core menu you'll find an absolutely stellar brekkie bun powerful enough to wipe out any hangover, and of course your classic fried chicken burger which is crispy, juicy and just downright perfect.
On our visit, the specials included a lamb merguez roll with a sausage patty, harissa mayo, chermoula and slaw as well as a chicken fried steak roll with country gravy.
Whatever the specials are, just know that they'll be absolutely class.
They're currently open every Friday and Sunday, and all you have to do is order via their website, turn up at the hatch, ring the bell and collect your buns. And as if by magic, you'll be treated to the best sandwich you've ever eaten.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
