A delve into some of the quirkiest places to grab a drink in Yorkshire.
Inside the Kip & Nook Race Room bar. Image: Chris Parkinson
Kip and Nook
WHERE: Manfield
QUIRK FACTOR: Glamping and classic cars
Brand new for summer 2024, Kip and Nook, a glamping spot in North Yorkshire, is bringing something completely different. The Race Room is filled with classic cars to ogle at while sipping your cocktails, and there’s a car simulator to play on, too.
Where did the idea for the Race Room come from?
Where did the idea come from? Owner Ben Rennison grew up around cars with his dad Mark, a rallycross British champion, hence his own rally racing and interest in cars.
‘The workshop had always been a big feature on site, and everyone adored the interior, so once we added the co-working space and yoga studio upstairs, we needed a place to store the car collection. The race room now serves as an admirable storage room as well as an extra function room.
Was it always the plan to incorporate a quirky drinks offering ?
We’ve always wanted drinks in the workshop and thanks to our team we managed to craft a cocktail menu with some classics as well as what we call the Kip and Nook creations. These are exclusive to our bar – we’ve even had some recipe inspiration from guests that have stayed.
Where did the idea for the G&T and Cocktail Van come from?
Ever since we opened the workshop, we had the van inside as part of the interior but as an idea we decided to do the inside up and put adjustable windows in so we could serve drinks out of it. Once we got a bigger bar, we thought it was best to utilise the amazing views and the outdoor space, so we then made it into our summer/ events G&T and drinks van. It’s especially nice for events outside and we can have a cocktail hour when the weather is nice.
What quirky elements do you like the best?
The workshop – it’s just a great versatile space where guests can come and go and use the facilities as they please. As for the race room, the most favoured area would have to be Alf’s own workshop, the owner’s little brother who takes part in enduro biking. He has his workshop where you can see all his bikes and tools through a big window, this shows that not everything is just for looks and there are areas that are in use and gives it more character than usual. And, of course, the vast car and truck collection is a cherished part of the race room. This collection has been built over many years and, unlike anywhere I’ve seen before, they’re displayed on the ground floor and a second level floor all around the room. Facebook Kip and Nook
Hyde Park Social Club
WHERE: Leeds
QUIRK FACTOR: A former petrol station
It doesn’t get much more quirky than sitting in a disused petrol station forecourt for your Friday night beverage. But, despite it sounding less than salubrious, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vibes at Hyde Park Social Club. The former fuel stop is packed full to the brim with creativity, parties and, of course, good drink. Founder Jack Simpson tells us more.
Where did the idea for Hyde Park Social Club come from?
I’ve worked in music and the arts in Leeds since I was really young and I’ve travelled and lived in other cities, and just visited a lot of different places – a magazine shop in a bar in Tokyo, a venue that just did talks and more cerebral stuff in Brooklyn, a bar that felt so laid back that you couldn’t work out if it was actually a business in Berlin, the list goes on. The inspiration from these and other places just accumulated and came out when we started to do stuff in the space at Hyde Park Social Club. It was just going to be coffee and beer, but then we had DJs, exhibitions and a seance, and it just started to develop its own momentum.
What quirky elements do you like best?I like how things are in flux. We don’t have a big plan that’s costed and rolled out. Someone comes in to hide from the rain and ends up running a flower shop here, jazzers hang out so we do a record of Leeds jazz, dog bowls and deck chairs just appear! There’s a nice energy and everything seems to flow from that.
What can people expect from you this summer?
We have lots of one-off shows that should be great. There’s a lot going on, and always also a chilled space for writers.
Drink of the season?
Personally, it’s a hot coffee in the morning, and then an Aperol or Radler later on.
Birch Hall Inn
WHERE: Beck Hole
QUIRK FACTOR: The tiniest pub in Yorkshire
When it comes to something a little bit different, the smallest pub in Yorkshire ticks all the boxes. You’ll find the tiny Birch Hall Inn in Beck Hole near Whitby, and it’s an ancient pub with a whole lot of soul. The quirkiness of the place comes mostly from its petite size, but also in the way in which it is simply run. It’s a little like stepping back in time, so you won’t find any wifi here and it’s cash only, too. It’s also been named as one of the best pubs in the country by National Geographic. Birch Hall Inn Beckhole – Facebook
Thor Summer Residency
WHERE: Leeds
QUIRK FACTOR: A pop-up in a tipi
Tipis are often associated with the twinkly festive season, but Thor’s Summer Residency is opening its first one in Leeds this summer and it’s set to be a unique place to head to for a tipple. The tipi bar will transform the City Square into a lively venue and will combine cocktails with outdoor games, easels and ice cream. Expect live bands and plenty of action, and instead of festive fairy lights, think tropical plants, foliage and greenery in abundance. thorstipi.com
Kirsktall Brewery at The Tetley
WHERE: Leeds
QUIRK FACTOR: A landmark building
Kirkstall Brewery at The Tetley is a unique place to enjoy a pint or two. Just opened, the drinks establishment is aiming to renew the building’s status as a landmark of Yorkshire beer culture. The Tetley is the former brewing headquarters of Tetley’s Brewery, built in the quirky Art Deco style of the 1930’s. In the 1980s, Tetley’s Brewery became the largest producer of cask ale in the world, and the site has remained an icon of Leeds beer history, even after its closure in 2011. Today, you can enjoy a drink there again thanks to Kirkstall Brewery and the sensitive restoration makes for a unique experience. kirkstallbrewery.com
Public
WHERE: Sheffield
QUIRK FACTOR: A former public toilet
You wouldn’t think the site of a former public toilet could become something so cool, let alone something that you would want to eat or drink at, but Public in Sheffield is changing people’s opinions. The table service cocktail bar celebrates all things local and Yorkshire, and has been described as “a Wes Anderson train carriage crowbarred in to an old bog”. It’s achingly cool, an Instagrammers dream and a tiny haven of wonderful drinks. publicpublic.co.uk
Opposite Cafe
WHERE: Chapel Allerton
QUIRK FACTOR: A side of coffee with your cocktail?
If you ever find yourself unable to choose between a hit of the strong stuff in the form of caffeine or a hit of the strong stuff from your favourite liquor, then you should definitely put Opposite Cafe in Chapel Allerton on your hit list for this summer. Setting itself apart from your usual bars and pubs, the independent coffee shop has announced that is set to transform into a cocktail bar by night as part of a summer pop-up with Leeds-based Blank Canvas Drinks. Of course, you can expect some espresso martinis on the menu made with Opposite Cafe’s very own espresso. Facebook Opposite Cafe
The Brain Jar Bar
WHERE: Hull
QUIRK FACTOR: Drinks created by a cocktail champion
Regardless of the fact you could be served by a world champion competing cocktail creator, The Brain Jar Bar is about as quirky as it comes when it comes to both the space to enjoy your drinks and the cocktail offerings, too. The space is full of artist collaborations and you can expect some wild and scientifically put together cocktail concoctions. theoldliquorstore.co.uk
The Old Liquor store
WHERE: York
QUIRK FACTOR: Champagne and oysters in a listed former factory
The Old Liquor Store, which opened last summer in the historic Grade 2 listed former Terry’s Chocolate Factory, has expanded with the addition of a 40-cover outdoor terrace. The new south-facing Joseph Perrier Champagne terrace and oyster bar is adjacent to the restaurant in a tranquil courtyard garden area which benefits from views of the iconic 135ft clock tower. A special champagne cream tea consisting of freshly baked scones, jam and cream served with a glass of champagne for two people at £19.95. Theoldliquorstore.co.uk
