It’s a Viking-inspired pop-up bar and it’s taking over Victoria Gardens for the festive season – get ready for drinks at Thor’s Tipi Bar.

It’s back! Thor’s Tipi Bar returns to Victoria Gardens from Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 31st December 2019, which means you’ve got loads of time to stop by for a festive drink in the Viking’s den. And we’re not just talking about booze – they’ve got a special hot chocolate station for designated drivers and kids, so everyone can get in on the action.

Thor’s Tipi started life in York, but it made its way over to Leeds after the German Market got shot of its famous Frankfurter Scheune, giving us a new place to party the night away, albeit in a slightly more chilled out setting. Their distinctive connected tipis are made by PapaKåta and they’re filled with rustic charm – so while it may not be oompah bands and steins, it certainly has a cosy winter feel to it. Think open firepits, fairy lights and holly.

“The bar is black and emblazoned with Thor’s wings,” Co-founder, Maria Farrugia, told us. “It’s just special. Low lighting, candles, you can come in and soak up our festive atmosphere while taking in the hustle and bustle around you. Our seating is quite relaxed. It’s not a restaurant, it’s a snug – it’s somewhere you can cosy up, warm yourself up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine and just enjoy the fact that it’s Christmas.”

So, what will you be filling your belly with? Well, they’ve got all the classic Christmas tipples. Mulled wine is the order of the day – their classic one is flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a shot of cherry liqueur or you can try one of their other festive drinks like Spiced Orange, Caramel Apple Cider or Thor’s Hot Toddy. But that’s just the beginning. You can get a host of cocktails, an extensive selection of wine and all your favourite spirits and mixers.

Fancy beer? Thor’s Tipi Bar has got plenty for you to choose from. Lager lovers can go for Kozel or Peroni, but if you prefer craft beer, why not try Ainsty Ales’ Viking Vixen or Thor’s Pale Ale, their very own special brew? There’s also Guinness, three kinds of Kopparberg cider and a range of European beers.

And then there’s the hot chocolate station. It comes with whipped cream and marshmallows, and you can add syrups like salted caramel, clementine, gingerbread, roasted hazelnut and mint chocolate. Want to give it a little more punch? You can get a spiked version with one of their shots of salted caramel vodka or Bailey’s.

The food comes courtesy of The Mussel Pot once again. This year, they’ve got a brand new menu of winter warmers for you to tuck into. They have a trio of Posh Dogs, like the Yankee which comes wrapped in smoked bacon and covered with BBQ sauce. Prefer chips? Go for their Dirty Fries, topped with bacon, cheese, gravy or guacamole.

“Returning to Leeds for the fourth year means a lot to us and so we have worked hard to bring an exciting new menu,” Maria told us. “Friends, families and even dogs are welcome under the twinkling canvas. With our new menu, our friendly team and the roaring log fire, we truly are Christmas in a cup!”

You don’t have to book, but they do get busy, so it’s best to arrive early. That said, if you’re coming with a group of 10 or more, you can reserve a private area – get in there quick though, they’ll get booked out super fast.

Thor’s Tipi Bar will take over Victoria Gardens (outside Leeds Art Gallery) from Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 31st December 2019. Free entry.