O’Neill’s is marking a milestone birthday, and is dishing out thousands of free drinks to anyone celebrating the same.
The UK’s favourite Irish-themed pub is turning 30 years old this year.
And so, in a bid to properly celebrate its legacy of pouring pints for the good people of Leeds and beyond for three whole decades this week, O’Neill’s has announced that it’ll be marking its 30th birthday by giving away more than 10,000 complimentary drinks to anyone born in 1994, and therefore also turning the big three-oh this year.
But, there is a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?
Image: O'Neill's
This is quite a kind catch though, as to claim a free tipple, it really is as simple as being born in 1994, but the only exception is that this one-off offer is just available for one weekend, which means you’ll need to head on down to your nearest O’Neill’s from this Friday (7 June) until Sunday 9 June to make the most of it.
For anyone turning 30 this year, O’Neill’s will serve you up one of its best-loved cocktails, the Dublin Mule, which’ll usually set you back around £8, for completely free of charge.
To get your hands on the complimentary cocktail, you’ll just need to show a QR code to the bartender at your local O’Neill’s during the 30th birthday weekender, provide your ID as a proof of your age, and then the Dublin Mule is all yours to start sipping on
Images: Unsplash
“We are proud to be the nation’s favourite Irish bar,” commented Ian Priest, who is the Operations Director at O’Neill’s, ahead of this weekend’s birthday celebrations.
“If there’s one thing the Irish know how to do better than anyone, it’s party. So, to toast to the legendary 90s and celebrate our milestone birthday with the British nation, we are rolling out our biggest giveaway yet. They say the best things in life are free, and that includes celebrating our 30th birthday with us in true Irish style.”
Each O’Neill’s pub is set to “put its own spin on what it means to party like its 1994” this weekend.
You can also expect a lineup of live music and DJs blasting out tunes that’ll take you back to the nineties across the three days.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
7th June 2024 
