Both Veganuary first timers missing missing the crispy tender taste of fried chicken and along time vegan that haven't found a plant-based fake chicken that's quite like the original are in for a treat this Veganuary.
Partnering up with London-based vegan specialists Temple of Seitan, Yard & Coop have added three new additions to their chicken menu that are said to taste just like the meaty originals.
According to Yard & Coop Leeds, "Temple of Seitan specialise in vegan fried chicken -best we’ve ever tasted - and we’re so excited to be able to bring them up North for the month and put our Coop twist on it."
So what's on the menu this Veganuary?
THe AbraKEBABra and Karen's Doing Veganuary Burger. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
There's the AbraKEBABra, a grilled and shaved Temple of Seitan with sweet pickled cabbage, diced tomato, minted yoghurt, chilli sauce, pickle chilli and crisp fries wrapped in a pitta served. All Veganuary dishes are served with portion of our fries, just in case you've still got room.
Then there's the hilariously named Karen's Doing Veganuary. Think Temple of Seitan tenders filled with crispy bacon, street slaw, lettuce, tomato, BBQ sauce and vegan mayo. Yard & Coop reckon that times are changing and so is Karen, meaning she'd embrace Temple of Seitan tenders in a heartbeat- we'll take their word for it.
There's also a Massive Vegan Cock Burger on offer- a 12" plant-based version of the original Yard & Coope Massive Cock dish. Standing at 30cm tall, piled high with Double stacked with Temple of Seitan tenders, 2 hash browns, salt and pepper cauli flower andstreet slaw.
We're not done just yet, if those toppings weren't enough, there's vegan bacon, cheese slices,lashings of chilli and mint yoghurt, chopped iceberg, sliced tomato, gherkins, red onion topped with a seitan wing all stacked on top. All crammed within a vegan brioche bun with loads of fries- what more could you possibly want from a vegan chicken burger?
The restaurant can be found on Merrion Street. / Image: Yard & Coop Leeds
The collaborative menu will only be available until the 6th of February, so make sure to book your seat in the coop to avoid disappointment. For more information, including how to book, visit the Yard & Coop website.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
7th January 2022 
