Asda's first spectacular stand-alone 'George' store has officially opened its doors at Crown Point in Leeds.
And who better than Spicy Girls icon and Leeds native, Mel B, to headline the event.
The supermarket giant recently announced the trial of the new George store, which it hopes to replace its current Asda Living stores across the UK.
The grand opening proved a huge success with music and entertainment throughout the day, as well as a high-energy cyclone challenge pop-up offering customers the chance to win thousands of pounds worth of George vouchers.
To mark the launch, Asda donated £2,000 to Women’s Aid Leeds, a charity Mel B actively supports as a patron along with an additional £1,000 worth of homeware to help provide essentials to women and families in need.
Speaking at the event, Mel B, said: “I’m really pleased to partner with George at Asda. They have made a significant donation to Leeds Women’s Aid Refuge - both financial and practical - and as patron of National Women’s Aid that is so important to me.
“I’m incredibly proud of my home city and for me it’s all about coming together as a community and I hope this association with George and Asda will continue.“
George Chief Commercial Officer - Non-food and Retail, Liz Evans, said: “This new concept store represents an exciting step forward for the George brand and we’re incredibly proud to launch it in Leeds first, the home of Asda.
“We’re confident customers will love the expanded collections, inspiring collaborations, and convenient shopping experience the store offers. We were also thrilled to welcome Mel B, a true Leeds icon, to help us celebrate the opening, and equally proud to support Leeds Women’s Aid and the vital work it does to support women and families in the city.”
Leeds Women’s Aid CEO, Nik Peasgood, added: "Mel B is a wonderful patron of National Women’s Aid and a truly passionate advocate for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. As a proud Leeds lass, she’s been a fantastic supporter of our work, and we’re incredibly grateful to her and to Asda for its amazing generosity."
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 -
13th May 2025 
