A bubble gun, creamy cocktails in pastel pink hues and some of the city's friendliest bartenders: this is an experience not to be missed.
Newly-opened cocktail bar Pastel has quickly made a name for itself serving up unique cocktails- and now you and your friends can learn how to make their signature drinks for yourself.
Learn how to make raspberry and regular mojitos, an alternative version of an Aperol Spritz and Pastel's signature Pastel fizz in a one-hour cocktail masterclass at this dreamy pastel-coloured haven in Kirkgate.
Having only been open one month, Pastel have taken Leeds by storm and is quickly becoming one of our favourite places to grab a drink. Their cocktails are unique and innovate, whilst their decor transports us to the tropics in an instant.
The masterminds behind Pastel are now offering a 'Cocktail Making Experience' so you can get in on the action. For just £30 a head, enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and learn how to make a classic cocktail of your choice followed by their iconic Pastel Fizz and Goodtime Spritz.
The package is available to book for a minimum of four people, with a maximum capacity of eight per sitting, and can take place on any day of the week before 6.00pm.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Here at the Hoot, we sampled the experience and created our own versions of Pastel's signature drinks- and can confirm that the experience is not one to be missed.
There were giggles aplenty as we learn about the importance of 'slapping' mint (it brings out the flavour) and the fascinated history of the bartender's favourite spirit: Bandarra Al Fresco.
Not only are the staff super friendly and fun, the drinks are delicious and unlike any we have tried before.
Their signature Pastel Fizz particularly was an absolute showstopper; a delectable concoction of Bacardi Raspberry, raspberry liqueur, fresh lime juice with cream, egg white, soda, all topped with ‘Pastel Dust’ that gives it a frothy appearance.
The Goodtime Spritz is the perfect drink for a summer's day and definitely lives up to its name. Similar to an Aperol spritz, the tall drink consists of Bandarra Al Fresco, Grapefruit Bitters, Artisan Yuzu Tonic and Prosecco.
This one is even served up with a side of bubbles courtesy of a nifty handheld bubble machine, this is usually done by the bartender but upon request, you might get to have a go yourself- it's a lot of fun.
The Pastel Fizz cocktail. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for something a bit different to do than just your average night out, then this experience is the one for you.
We can guarantee you'll come for the class but stay for the fantastic service, delicious drinks and good vibes.
To find out more, visit the Pastel website or give the cocktail bar a ring on 0113 2439 548.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
News
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Clementine Hall -
15th April 2022 
