Caribbean food and fruity cocktails are always a winning combination, and Turtle Bay perfectly fuses the two in their new restaurant on Albion Street. Opening on the 15th December (and what better way to celebrate Christmas than happy hour everyday?), the style of the chain is lively, loud and vibrant, with each restaurant bespoke for its city. Seating 150 people, the former O’Neill clothing store is set to embody the spirit of celebration, bringing Caribbean flavour to the centre of Leeds.

Food is at the heart of the Turtle Bay experience, and it’s a relaxed and laidback place where messy fingers are more than appropriate. Their fiery menu features glazed chicken wings and ribs from the jerk pit BBQ, and for more authentic Caribbean cuisine the one pots provide a unique union of flavours. The lighter lunch dishes, such as the zesty shrimp and mango wrap, make it a destination to take a break from festive shopping as well as a sociable night out venue. With over 40 rums being blended behind the bar and 2-4-1 offers until 7pm and starting again at 10pm, you can enjoy their extensive menu of cocktails without feeling too guilty about stretching your overdraft.

What really makes Turtle Bay stand out from the crowd is the energetic staff; the product of a rigorous interview process, which includes limbo dancing, passion oozes from the team and they embody the feel-good factor ethos of the chain. The lively and atmospheric music finalises the goal of an enjoyable environment to eat and drink in, and I for one can’t wait to indulge in a Marley mojito post exam season.

Emma Bowden