The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
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 -
21st May 2026 
