The UK government's new scheme aims to tackle obesity by making it mandatory for large businesses to display the calorie information on their menus.
As of today, Wednesday 6 April 2022, all businesses with over 250 employees who sell food both pre-packed for immediate consumption and not, must label all their products or menus with the correct calorie information.
Image: Pho
The new initiative is part of the government's wider strategy to tackle obesity in the UK.
By placing the calorie information on all menus and packaging, the government are hoping that the general public will make more informed decisions when eating out and ordering takeaways.
The COVID-19 pandemic is said to have highlighted the impact that obesity can have on people’s health. On the government website, officials explain that nearly two thirds of adults in England are classed as overweight or obese according to the BMI scale in 2015, and statistics have stayed worryingly similar since.
In a report about the cost of obesity, the government state that: "the overall cost of obesity to wider society is estimated at £27 billion. The UK-wide NHS costs attributable to overweight and obesity are projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year".
It is thought that the calorie counting menus is an attempt to curb these statistics and lower levels of obesity and the financial impact it has on the health services.
Calorie information must be shown to the consumer on physical menus, online takeaway menus, food delivery menus and on the labels of pre-packaged foods.
The types of businesses targeted are restaurants, cafes, takeaways and specialist food shops such as delicatessens and bakeries.
The only companies exempt to the new regulations are those with under 250 employees, however the government are encouraging such smaller businesses to voluntarily adopt the practice of calorie labelling.
Whilst a menu without the calorie information can be provided to the customer upon request, the new menus with the nutritional information must be given to all customers by default.
The amount will be displayed next to a statement that ‘adults need around 2000 kcal a day’, to act as a reminder and to influence the consumer to make the healthier choice.
A much-loved independent restaurant in Leeds has announced it will be closing its doors.
Kuala Lumpur Cafe opened its doors in Headingley in 2019 by Bart and Hirman, who wanted to bring authentic Malaysian cooking to the city of Leeds.
Throughout the years, they'd built up a reputation for their beautiful curries and vibrant street food dishes, all of which were made using Hirman's family recipes.
So much so, that in 2024 they opened a kitchen inside White Cloth Hall in the city centre when the Grade II listed food hall first opened.
Their kitchen sadly closed a year later, but their Headingley restaurant remained open serving the students and locals with their famous beef rendang, nasi lemak and more.
Sadly, Kuala Lumpur Cafe have taken to social media to announce that they will be closing their doors for good as of this Saturday 17 October.
Their statement reads: "Thank you to all our customers and team that made Kuala Lumpur Cafe possible across the last few years. After a long consideration, we have decided that our last trading day will be Saturday 17 October.
"If you have a booking after this date, we'll be calling you over the next few days to try to move it to an earlier date before we close.
"It's been our pleasure to serve Malaysian food to the community. Best regards, KL Cafe."
Of course, in true Leeds fashion, local businesses and customers flocked to the comments to express their sadness and show their support.
One comment reads: "Such a shame. This was genuinely the best Malay food I had outside of Malaysia. Will be missed greatly", whilst another thanks the cafe for "all the delicious food over the years".
If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur Cafe one last time, then you have until this Saturday to do so. Go and wish them a proper farewell.
A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
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.
Clementine Hall -
6th April 2022 
