Popeyes has officially opened its doors in Leeds City Centre, and it's safe to say that it's already gone down an absolute storm.
Located on Commercial Street, the new restaurant opened its doors at 11am bringing its signature New Orleans hospitality to the area with a live performance from Mardi Gras style band, The Brass Funkeys.
What a way to kickstart the day.
To commemorate the highly-anticipated launch day, customers had the chance to snap a photo in the new Popeyes bite booth and the first three people in the queue were given free Chicken Sandwiches for an entire year.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Over one hundred fans lined up, some from as early as 10:50pm the night before - now that is dedication.
Minjun Gwak, a student at The University of Leeds, was the very first customer through the doors, saying: “Popeyes is the best chicken ever! The Sandwich is world-famous for a reason, so I knew I had to be the first in line!”
Friends Kieran Gibbs and Jack Otobo who arrived at 11:30pm having meticulously planned for three days to secure their spot in the queue said: “We were trying to work out when to arrive to be the first, but Minjun and Joe beat us to it. Still, this is the best chicken we’ve ever had, and we’ve had a proper laugh!” said Gibbs.
Customers can now dive into the full Popeyes menu from the new restaurant, including fan-favourites like the Chicken Sandwich, Tenders, and Signature Chicken Wraps in Classic, Spicy, and BBQ.
And that's not all, starting tomorrow on Saturday 5 April, Popeyes will be serving up its breakfast menu featuring breakfast rolls, muffins, biscuits and cajun hash browns.
Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK Chief Executive Officer, said: “The response to our Leeds opening has been incredible, with fans lining up well in advance to experience our famous Louisiana chicken.
"With such a warm welcome from the people of Leeds, we’re looking forward to bringing our famous Louisiana flavours to even more key cities around the UK. We’ll be sharing news about upcoming locations very soon, so stay tuned!”.
The Top 50 gastropubs in the UK have been revealed, and it’s safe to say we’re well and truly spoilt here in Yorkshire.
This year’s prestigious Estrella Damn Gastropubs awards, also known as the ‘pub Oscars’, took place this week - and a whopping six Yorkshire pubs have made it onto the list.
Coming in at number 5 is The Star Inn (Harome, North Yorkshire), a critically acclaimed Michelin-star pub that has had a turbulent few years after burning down in 2020 and reopening only in late 2021.
This certainly hasn't stopped the pub winning numerous accolades since, and it's not hard to see why with when it's described as "the perfect country pub" by the prestigious awards.
Coming in just behind at number six is The Angel (Hetton, Skipton), praised for its "pub food reimagined in a cosy environment that looks out across stunning landscapes."
At number 12 is The Abbey Inn (Byland, North York Moors), the third venue from The Great British Menu' winner and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.
This spot also won Sustainable Pub of the Year for 2025, so it's safe to say its scooping up the accolades left, right and centre.
Coming in at number 30 is the one we're most excited about it has to be said, The Highland Laddie is our very own city centre pub that has taken the foodie world by storm since it opened back in May last year.
Having just received a glowing review from Jay Rayner and bagging the Good Food Guide's Best Pub in Britain for 2025, this is a spot we're very proud to have in our city.
The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, Yorkshire) has been placed at number 31 where guests can dine on "hearty and moreish dishes only, cooked from the heart."
And finally for our delicious county, at number 49 is The Shibden Mill Inn (Halifax, Yorkshire), which has held a spot on the list since 2020 and also snapped the title of Best Pub for Food at the 2022 Great British Pub Awards.
A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.
Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.
And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.
Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.
Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.
Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!
"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!
"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"
At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.
We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.
Clementine Hall -
4th April 2025 
