Koben Smokehouse specialises in Texan-style slow-cooked meats, while Thiccc Sauce pops up on telly and in restaurants all the time thanks to its delicious, flavour-packed sauces.
Cubanos will be the first thing to catch your eye at Alfonso's - these incredible sandwiches are made with slow-smoked mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and Thiccc sauce, before being pressed and toasted.
Alfonso's is set to open a permanent Cuban bodega in Leeds city centre. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Alfonso's new spot will also have cold cuts, smoked meats, hot coffee, and - in the spirit of a proper New York City bodega - newspapers and lottery tickets.
At the time of their launch at The Junction, owner Luca said: "Why Cuban sandwiches? Our close friends in Miami, originally from Cuba & the Dominican passed us down their authentic Cubano recipe which includes mojo pork, smoked daily low & slow over applewood wood chips at our HQ in Holbeck on top of smoked ham, Swiss cheese, Thiccc sauce honey mustard, pickles & Cuban bread."
More details on this new Alfonso's opening are expected soon, with a launch pencilled in for late april.
As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.Â
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.Â
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.Â
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The AdelphiÂ
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’sÂ
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.Â
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR
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Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
Eats
A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is set to open in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley very soon.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok girlies, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.m
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and although we don't have a confirmed opening date we've got a feeling they'll be 'scooping' very soon.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.Â
Daisy Jackson -
4th March 2025 
