Leeds' historic Kirkgate markets have launched into the future with a new sustainable delivery service.
You just know that if you're in Leeds and you need something- whether it's a hair grip or a lobster, you'll find it in the Kirkgate Market. But now, thanks to a new online delivery service, you don't even need to pop in to pick up your essentials.
Kirkgate Market has partnered with the online shopping platform Good Sixty, so that LS1-9, 13,16,17, and 28 postcodes can now shop online and have their market goodies delivered right to their doorstep.
Essentially, it's the same as ordering from any other website: you place an order with Good Sixty, then the market traders organise their individual packages before passing them on for delivery.
Buyers will receive local next-day delivery every Wednesday - Friday and, best of all, all orders only pay a single delivery fee despite shopping with multiple traders.
For many, this is a chance to bring their stalls to a wider market - and reach more customers ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period.
Panda Refills, a store participating in the Good Sixty delivery service told The Hoot that it was an "exciting opportunity" for the small business that still allows the store to stick to its sustainable values.
As a zero-waste store, Panda Refills will be using leftover packaging to parcel up their orders.
Other foodie favourites at Kirkgate are also getting involved.
Neil’s Greengrocers, Malcolm Michaels Butchers, Whitaker’s Farmhouse Eggs & Cheese, Ramsden’s Fishmongers, Firth & Payne and Bluebird Bakery as well as Brown’s Sweets and Adam & Eco are all available on the Good Sixty shopping platform.
The markets have been a favourite retail past time for Leeds since the 1800s. / Image: Chemical Engineer
Councillor Kayleigh Brooks, Leeds City Council deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said:
“We are excited to be partnering with Good Sixty to offer a delivery service for customers direct from our fantastic traders here at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
During the pandemic, shopping habits have changed with a huge increase in online shopping. Teaming up with Good Sixty brings Leeds Kirkgate Market traders’ top quality food straight to customers’ doorsteps, and supports our traders in having access to a wider customer base.
We look forward to the start of something great which will make it easier than ever before to shop local and support independent Leeds businesses.”
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
Clementine Hall
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."