Hedonist Project unveils Trader Dan's Surf Shack
Among all the latest new food and drink openings, our head's been turned by The Hedonist Project's latest incarnation, Trader Dan's Surf Shack – a rum-based summer concept bar where the sun will be shining in spirit even if the streets of Leeds might not be up to it. We've got a sneak preview...
A concept bar that reinvents itself on a quarterly basis, The Hedonist Project was born from the desire of three Leeds bartenders wanting to do one better. As they put it: “Instead of a bar with a seasonal menu – let’s do a seasonal bar.”
After four successful three-month runs – the most recent being spring's botanical-based Old Tom's Gin Kitchen – they're now delving into their second year by going all-out summer, jumping from gin to rum with beach bar Trader Dan's Surf Shack.
Teaming up with Appleton Estate, Wray & Nephew, Gosling's Rum and surf brand Quiksilver, the gaff will pay tribute to California, Hawaii and other surf havens with a carefree holiday atmosphere, and a soundtrack of eclectic party tunes.
Booze-wise, things are looking suitably tiki, with punches, pimped-up classics, garish hues and flaming fruit, all bound together by everyone's favourite island spirit. We thought we'd give you a taster before the bar opens on 30 June...
Cocktails at Trader Dan's Surf Shack
[Bergeron's Blossom Punch]
[Black Magick]
[Peanut Butter Jelly Time]
[Purple Haze]
[Smoked Rosemary Punch]
And because you'll need something to soak up all that mighty overproof rum (Wray & Nephew, we're looking at you), there's also a selection of small plates to tide you over, packed with lots of sunshiney flavours:
Menu highlights at Trader Dan's:
[Crab Shack Cakes]
[Surf & Turf - king prawns and rump beef cooked in chilli butter]
[Salt Beef Croquettes]
[Tilapia Fish Curry]
[Hawaiian Buttermocci]
Trader Dan's Surf Shack opens later this month; in the meantime, check out our roundup of other new openings in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, including a new modern British fine-dining restaurant, several new cocktail bars and a fresh lease of life for an old favourite market.
The Hedonist Project
156 Briggate, Leeds
LS1 4BU