Rob Wilson

A lot of attention is lavished on Leeds' craft-beer scene, but we like it swanky here too. Weird, but swanky. Take look at some of the quirkiest cocktails available in Leeds. Marmalade MartiniFirst off the mark, we have this fruity number from Toast Bar, which mixes up orange marmalade with vodka, lemon and sugar syrup. It might contain something you'd usually find at the breakfast table, but we wouldn’t recommend starting your day with this concoction. We won't judge you if you do, though! The Cape of Good HopeStaying with the breakfast theme, how do you like your eggs in the morning? How about frothed up in a mix of gin, rosemary and pear puree? With egg whites and pear, surely this is a healthy offering? This appetising cocktail can be found alongside a number of other special little quirky cocktails at The Maven Bar. The French ConnectionIf you get your day started with a cuppa, perhaps it's best to wait until midday to sample this tea-inflected punch. This jazzy cocktail is shaken up with Chambord, Martini Rosso, a small measure of absinthe and grenadine, then smoothly mixed with a healthy measure of Earl Grey tea. We’ve all heard of Irish coffee, but how about this Anglo-French tea served at the recent Leeds addition 314 In Progress. Rum n' GingerFor any parents out there, here’s one that you can share with your kids. Well, you can share one of the ingredients at least, as the Rum n’ Ginger cocktail served up at Mojo Bar includes a refreshing mix of homemade sherbet. Th

February is a month to remember and celebrate LGBT history. We've come a long way recently with the legalisation of same-sex marriage, but this month examines the journey we've taken to get here. Let's not forget that it wasn't until 1999 that it became illegal to discriminate against an individual for being LGBT, and not until 2001 when the age of consent was lowered. We've got a vibrant and diverse LGBT community in Leeds, so here's a few events happening that you might want to get involved in. Leeds First FridayThe city is home to one of the UK's biggest regular Trans social nights, with Leeds First Friday next taking place on February 6. This event attracts quite a crowd, with Leeds' gay scene taking over the bar of the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Lower Briggate. New members to the group are always welcome and you can always contact them in advance so you don't feel like you're attending alone.Bisexual discussion groupGo along for a chat with the Leeds Bisexuals group and the Leeds Beckett LGBTQ student group. Full details are still to be confirmed, but you can contact Emily for more information at leedsbigroup@gmail.com. Lesbian SocialThe Lesbian Social are throwing a traffic light party in Blayds Bar's function room on Saturday February 14. This group currently has over 500 members in their meet-up group and host regular women-only events. Whether you're single or attached, searching for love or otherwise, get yourself along to party with the girls and choose your colour. If