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.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Grade-II listed city centre bar to open East Asian-inspired street food kitchen
Clementine Hall
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
