Nestled in the Corn Exchange you will find Bruschetta - a delightful coffee shop and eatery serving up the most innovative brunch dishes in the city.
The Corn Exchange on Call Lane is home to some brilliant independent cafes and boutiques which showcase the creativity and fantastic community spirit of Leeds. Cosy coffee shop and cafe ‘Bruschetta’ is no exception.
Nestled in the magnificence of the Corn Exchange’s gothic interior, the atmosphere is light and airy, making it the perfect spot for a brunch with friends or mid-week meeting.
French and Algerian roots run through their menu at Bruschetta, so you'd be challenged to find anything like it in the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their new summer menu is jam-packed with affordable plates that are perfect for any time of day and the cake cabinet is filled with delicious sweet treats from local bakeries.
Complete with speciality coffee and freshly squeezed juices - Bruschetta do it all and they do it well.
All of the dishes are made with local ingredients and you can really tell. We started with two freshly pressed juices from their daily juice menu - the Turmeric, Orange and Carrot juice was a definite highlight, it was perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavours and was exceptionally fresh.
The juices can also be served as a takeaway making it the perfect healthy breakfast on-the-go (obviously alongside one of their delicious croissants), but of course we do recommend you enjoy it whilst taking in the breathtaking views of the Corn Exchange.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Of course the coffee was exceptional but Bruschetta are known for their wonderful caffeinated offering.
The beans are sourced and roasted from a local company in Sheffield and are then left to breathe for 14 days before serving. The magic formula for the perfect cup of joe is then decided on each morning, depending on the specific conditions and climate on that day.
Now onto the food. We were told the Margherita Toastie was a firm menu favourite and we can easily see why - gooey cheddar cheese, fresh rocket, homemade margherita sauce and a balsamic glaze sandwiched between two brioche slices and grilled to perfection. We don't want to eat a normal cheese toastie ever again.
The La Rue Des Rosiers featured a toasted brioche bagel filled with delicious pastrami, gherkins and a glorious mustard and harissa aioli. Served with a seasonal side salad, this is the perfect lunch option.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And finally we tried The Breakfast Croissant - a glistening buttery croissant filled with homemade scrambled eggs, lime-infused smashed avocado and chilli flakes.
This was extremely tasty, the croissant was flakey and perfectly toasted and the zingy lime really cut through the richness of the pastry.
If you haven't been to Bruschetta then we urge you to do so, they're open seven days a week and do not take bookings.
To find out more, take a look at their social media page.
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.
Clementine Hall -
19th May 2023 
