A Leeds pub is offering a pint costing £18 to its 'trendy and cool' punters, and it's become one of the most sought-after drinks by 'bougie' drinkers.
Friends of Ham (FoH) boasts that it has some of the world’s “finest beers” served with a selection of charcuterie, cheese and wine.
The rustic pub opened in 2012 and has been popular with those who like fine drinks as well as locals, couples, and young professionals.
Assistant manager Andy McLaughlin is immensely proud of the bar which he says has a demographic of “young trendy people, cool people, like ourselves.”
“We like to call it bougie!" he told LeedsLive. "Well, we don’t really call it that.
“We like to think we put a lot of thought into our menu, both in food and drink.
"We have some of the finest beers that the country can produce and in fact Europe and the world at times.”
This is a point that is hard to argue with as Friends of Ham (FoH) stocks a beer which costs £18 a pint.
This is a “big sweet malty stout” all the way from Poland called Knight Moves Churro Biscuit Pastry Imperial Stout, brewed by Browar Stu Mostów.
“It’s unbelievable,” says Andy who loves the drink’s “really thick viscous oily” texture.
Andy admits it hasn’t been bought as a full pint very often, he’s only ever sold a full measure twice.
He said: “One was a stag do and the other was a man just having a tough day!”
The stout, like most of their beers, is generally sold in thirds of a pint at £6.
A selection of tasters, where you can get three different types of beers are available on a tray for £18.
The bar is a magnet for couples on first dates, making Andy feel like somewhat of a beer-pulling Cupid as couples return for their anniversaries.
He says: “We get a lot of couples in. We’re a cosy bar, a good date spot.”
There are beers on offer under more “competitive prices”, such as the popular Kirkstall Pale Ale at £4 a pint and FoH’s own house pale, brewed with local brewery Anthology, at £5.50.
The bar manager said food sales had taken a hit during the cost-of-living crisis, but drinks are still going strong.
He added: “So it turns out the British public will still drink whatever they want.”
The city-centre bar is very busy and second bar is Iikely as customers are often turned away when it fills up.
Ever since the pandemic, they’ve switched to becoming a seated bar so it’s no longer a “wrestling match to try and get a drink”.
The manager has also encouraged more people to come and visit.
He said: “Quality speaks for itself, so come in and try it and it’s not going to be for everyone. Certain beers won’t be for everyone’s tastes but that’s how it is.”
