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.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
