Kirstall road restaurant Viva Cuba is branching out nationwide - launching a range of sauces and other cooking ingredients with some big national supermarket chains.
It's already famous with locals for its Spanish-inspired Cuban tapas menu, now its sauces are taking on big name brands like Peri Peri and Reggae Reggae on supermarket shelves across the country.
Owner and head chef Seb McGowan has gone nationwide with his Mojo Red and Green sauces, which are made using a special, closely-guarded recipe belonging to his mother-in-law.
What began as a side hustle in 2018 quickly ramped up during lockdown, becoming a full-blown £100k business and selling over 10,000 bottles a month.
“While we’ve been forced to close the restaurant because of the pandemic, the positive has been that we’ve been able to drive the Mojo brand forward,” said Seb.
Already stocked at Morrisons and Ocado, they've now been picked up by Co-Op too - meaning next time you pop in for a shop you'll spy the familiar packaging sitting on the shelves.
On top of the sauces, the pair have developed a whole new range of mayos, sauces, rubs and complementary foods due to be released in coming months under the Mojo brand.
"The ultimate goal is to become the next big sauce success story, like Peri Peri or Reggae Reggae,” said James.
The Mojo Red and Mojo Green sauces have sat on restaurant tables for nearly 20 years - but now fans can pick them up in their local supermarket, too.
Mojo Red is a sweet and smoky sauce, whilst Mojo Green draws more on garlic and the flavours of fresh herbs.
The award-winning low sugar, low salt, low carb, low fat, vegetarian and vegan-friendly products have gained a cult following in the sauces and condiments aisle, offering a high quality, low-cost alternative to traditional sauces like ketchup and mayo.
Eats
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
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 -
14th June 2021 
