A menu full of Vimto-inspired dishes? It's certainly one to try out.
There's very few food combinations that we'd bat our eyelids at, given the bizarre combinations served up in Leeds.
We have combos like deep-fried pizzas, marmite on everything, pancake kebabs and that's before we've even started to look at the incredible foodie challenges like three courses of Yorkshire puds or a 2.5kg chippy tea.
Image: Trip Advisor
This said, our latest find might just be the wackiest yet.
The Vimto inspired menu from pub chain Hungry Horse takes the northern staple beverage and adds it into its bestselling burgers and sharers.
As a sharer for two people, there's a 2300 calorie extravaganza that's not for the faint-hearted. Turn up stomach-rumbling for a Full Coburg loaf drizzled with garlic glaze, filled with a whole Camembert and topped with Vimto onion chutney then baked to gooey perfection. Served with onion rings, carrot and cucumber sticks, plus extra Vimto chutney.
Hopefully, this has only just warmed up your appetite as there's a monster stack of Vimto-flavour on the main menu to get through.
The Berry Cheesy Vimto One burger is a whipping two beef burgers with bacon, baked Camembert, jalapenos, red onion, tomato, baby gem, mayo and Vimto onion BBQ chutney between two crisp rainbow-coloured buns. Served with onion rings, fries and a ketchup dipping pot, this is a huge burger that's dividing opinions across the nation.
Image: Greene King
A review from the Manchester Evening News said "Once I got stuck in and past the soggy bun, it actually tasted decent enough, if distinctly lacking in Vimto flavour".
Meanwhile Grimsby Live reported "It tasted amazing. The bun had a subtle Vimto flavour, as did the burger, which worked perfectly with the saltiness of the beef and the bacon."
If weird and wonderful food isn't on your agenda, there's still plenty of non-rainbow, non-Vimto flavours to choose from. Think chicken burgers, 28-day-aged-steaks and a Tikka Tower: grilled naan bread piled high with fries and cauliflower wings, smothered in tikka sauce and topped with mint yoghurt and fresh herbs.
To get your Hungry Horse fix in Leeds, you'll have to hop in the car or train to the suburbs. You can visit the Lawnswood Arms in Adel, Lord Gascoigne in Garforth, the Walnut Tree in Wakefield or Stanley Ferry in Stanley, just make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
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 -
2nd March 2022 
