It's big, it's beautiful and it's called Blank Street.
If you've been on the internet in the past year or so, then there's no doubt you'll have stumbled across Blank Street.
The aesthetically gorgeous coffee shop has taken the world by storm, having made its way over to the UK and popping up in all major cities over the past few years.
Well on Saturday it was Leeds' turn as the mint green paradise opened its biggest store EVER on Albion Street.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And, of course, it's just as beautiful as you'd expect.
Inside you'll find two floors of sleek seating, marble counters and eye-catching Blank Street merchandise lining the walls.
As you enter on the ground floor you'll find the main counter where the skilled baristas pour and shake your chosen drink right in front of your eyes as if it were a magic show.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Upstairs you'll feel as though you've entered an edgy New York cocktail bar, but really its Blank Street's dedicated matcha bar.
The Grade-II listed building makes for a beautiful space, complete with ornate features and the highest of ceilings for you to gaze at whilst sipping on your viral drink of choice.
Since opening on Saturday there's of course been queues out the door, and we can't see that stopping any time soon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Ignacio Llado, Co-Founder at Blank Street commented “We’re thrilled to be expanding across the country into a new region, and even more excited to open what is truly our most beautiful store yet. Spanning two floors in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings, it will be the most immersive Blank Street experience to date.
"The response to our northern launches has been incredible, and Leeds has been asking for us to come for many months now - so it felt like the natural next step! At Blank Street, we believe in adding a spark to the everyday, and we can’t wait to share that spirit with the people of Leeds this winter.”
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 -
25th November 2025 
