A slice of Sicily is now available for brekkie, dinner and tea in Headingley.
POCO opened a second site in Headingley at the start of this year, and their selection of authentic Italian treats are proving to be a huge success with customers.
First opened in 2018 on Kirkstall Road by the team behind popular Italian kitchen Culto in Meanwood, POCO has been serving up different flavoured arancini, as well as dishes like focaccine, fried Sicilian calzone and Pizza Al Taglio and made become a Leeds foodie staple in the process.
Image: POCO Sicilian
Now open on Headingley's Otley Road (near The Box and the arndale), POCO is continuing to bring a slice of Italy to the streets of Leeds.
The flavours here are imaginative, but authentic. Think spicy Calabrian 'Nduja sausage with roast peppers and mozzarella, pear and gorgonzola or even ham and potatoes (and by potatoes, we mean mini fries) across huge oblong slices of pizza; with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to compliment the seemingly never-ending selection.
There's a fresh vegetarian and meat flavoured option every single day on offer- fillings like beef bolognese are found between layers of rice and breadcrumbs before being deep fried and served as the perfect lunchtime snack.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Then there's the deep dish lasagna with four juicy layers of meat or aubergine, topped with rich tomato sauce and fine parmesan shavings; chicken wings served in half dozens; huge portions of roasted potatoes and colourful vegetables- and all these are just the savoury options.
The dessert cabinet is just as full, and stacked with tasty sweet desserts.
Expect regular and gluten-free cannelloni in irresistible flavours like salted caramel and pistachio, as well as morning goods like Nutella and vanilla stuffed croissants.
Oven-baked bombolones are a standout favourite here, and it's not difficult to see why. Topped with fruit, cream and icing sugar, these are perfectly paired with thick Italian hot chocolate- the recipe is thick and creamy that you might need a spoon to eat this, rather than drink it too.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If sugary drinks aren't going to persuade you, their coffee will.
Priced from £1.50 for an espresso and £2.30 for a coffee, this is some of the best value coffee in Headingley- and the profits don't go to a mass corporation, it supports the local high street.
POCO has been inundated with orders since opening and is particularly busy during the weekends, so make sure to pop down early on before the Otley runners make the most of the checkpoint and deplete the stock on a Saturday.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This seems to be the second of (what we're hoping will be) many stores across the city- the team have big plans for what's to come next and we can't wait to see whether more stores will pop up in our surrounding neighbourhoods soon.
You can see what all the fuss is for yourself Monday -Thursday at 11am - 9pm, or at the later closing time of 10pm during the rest of the week.
Feature Image- POCO
Eats
Award-wining Leeds sandwich shop Silver’s Deli to open neighbourhood bakehouse
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Inside the modern Japanese grill coming to Leeds from the team behind Fern Modern Sushi
Clementine Hall
We've been very excited about this one.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with the freshest fish on offer.
And now, she's turning her attention to her second venture - Tori Nori.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tori Nori is a modern Japanese grill and bar inspired by the bustling izakayas of Tokyo.
Everything is centred around the fiery robata grill where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
All designed to share, this is a place to hang out with friends, enjoy some delicious food and maybe sink a few Japanese-inspired cocktails whilst you're at it.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Located on Vicar Lane, the space has had a whole refurb and it's looking fantastic. Complete with perfectly moody lighting, plush banquette seating and beautiful Japanese-inspired wallpaper.
The menu features an entire yakitori menu, from cheesy chicken thighs and pork belly to grilled king prawn and Japanese A5 wagyu all grilled over charcoal.
There's also Fern's signature sushi on the menu, as well as big plates to share such as teryaki half chickens and miso lamb chops.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You just know that everything Fern touches turns to gold but don't just take our word for it, get yourself to Tori Nori and try it out for yourselves.
Tori Nori will officially open its doors on Friday 10 April. Find out more and book your table here.
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2022 
