Eats

The independent Leeds cafe speaking up after massive coffee chain opens opposite

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th September 2026

An independent bakery and coffee shop in Leeds has spoken out after a huge chain opened its doors opposite her cafe.

Savannah Roqaa, owner of The Savvy Baker, has said that she's on a mission to overtake the sales of Blank Street, the massive matcha chain that opened just metres away within weeks of her new site.

She said that while her brand is best-known for its baked goods, they also specialise in high-quality matcha - something Sav says wasn't in good supply in Leeds at the time she opened.

And now she's publicly spoken out about her mission to tempt people away from the big chain and into her independent business.

In a video shared online, Sav has been inviting customers leaving Blank Street to swap their matcha for one of hers, free of charge.

She then remakes the white chocolate matcha herself, but using quality Callebaut white chocolate, melting real chocolate into the drink.

The customer in the video says: "You can tell, it's way sweeter and like actually white chocolate tasting. And the matcha is greener, which is better."

Sav from The Savvy Baker has spoken of her mission to overtake Blank Street
Sav from The Savvy Baker has spoken of her mission to overtake Blank Street
Matcha from The Savvy Baker in Leeds
Matcha from The Savvy Baker in Leeds

Sav said: "So when we signed the lease on literally the biggest risk ever, which is this huge shop in Leeds city centre, we had absolutely no idea that Blank Street were opening their biggest store in the entire world across the road.

"They are a global brand that is obviously very very popular, and we just wanted to try and at least match their sales."

She said that she's heard Blank Street sells 5,000 drinks every single week and is hoping to increase sales at The Savvy Baker enough to match.

Sav said: "Last week we sold 890 drinks. We've converted one, so that is 4,109 more people to convert...

"But we have a lot more tricks up our sleeve, so follow along to see if we can do it. And we would massively appreciate any support that you can give us."

Read more: All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

Inside the new Italian bottega bringing a taste of Italy to Ilkley

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Fabrizia Wagstaff-Pignanelli outside Rizia's Bottega in Ilkley

A new family-run Italian deli and coffee house has opened in Ben Rhydding, bringing a little taste of Italy to the outskirts of Ilkley.

Rizia's Bottega, on Bolling Road, officially opened at the end of August following a soft launch, serving authentic schiacciata sandwiches, colourful salads, and light Sicilian breakfasts.

The new neighbourhood spot comes from the team behind Ilkley favourite Emporio Italia and has been created as somewhere locals can pop in for their morning coffee, sit down for a bite to eat, or pick up some high-quality Italian treats to enjoy at home.

The idea for the bottega was inspired by founder Fabrizia Wagstaff-Pignanelli's own childhood memories of Italy and the role her local bottega played in everyday life.

She said: "The idea for Rizia's Bottega was brought to life whilst me and my family were watching our family videos and sharing memories of how we would spend our days in our local bottega in San Giovanni.

Inside Rizia's Bottega
Inside Rizia's Bottega
The menu at Rizia’s Bottega
The menu at Rizia’s Bottega
Rizia’s Bottega is now open in Ben Rhydding
Rizia’s Bottega is now open in Ben Rhydding
Credit: The Hoot Leeds

"The Bottega was the heart of our little town, where you would pop in for a quick coffee but unknowingly spend hours catching up with old friends and leave with freshly baked bread, pasta and all the weekly essentials."

That sense of community is central to Rizia's Bottega, which aims to recreate the friendliness and relaxed pace of a traditional Italian neighbourhood shop.

Rather than simply being a deli or coffee shop, the idea is to create a space where people can meet friends, enjoy good food and coffee, and take their time.

Schiacciata sandwiches
Schiacciata sandwiches
Breakfast and coffee
Breakfast and coffee
Credit: The Hoot Leeds

Fabrizia said: "Rizia's Bottega is a reflection of the values that have shaped me growing up in the world of hospitality and what I have been taught in the many years I have worked in my family's restaurant.

"Furthermore the ideals ingrained in me through my Italian upbringing, such as the art of experiencing life at a slower pace, the importance of community and making sure everyone is well fed."

Inside, visitors can expect a deli-style offering packed with Italian products and ingredients, alongside freshly prepared food and bakes.

There are sandwiches and other bites to eat, including a spicy La Calabrese sandwich with both spicy and fennel sausage, plus sweet Romano peppers and nduja lemon butter.

Italian provisions at Rizia's Bottega
Italian provisions at Rizia's Bottega
Italian provisions at Rizia's Bottega
Italian provisions at Rizia's Bottega. Credit: The Hoot Leeds

Other fillings you'll find on the menu include burratta and black pepper porchetta, avocado and olive tapenade, and mortadella with pistachio cream.

The shelves are also stocked with Italian provisions and goodies to take home, from olives and oils to pasta and cookbooks.

The family hopes the bottega will become a familiar part of life in the local community, reflecting the welcoming atmosphere they remember from Italy.

"You can think of the Bottega as your neighbourhood space to meet up with friends, enjoy a great coffee, share a bite to eat or pop in to pick up some high-quality Italian provisions," Fabrizia said.

Rizia's Bottega is now open on Bolling Road in Ben Rhydding, offering a relaxed slice of Italian life just outside Ilkley.

It's open Tuesday to Friday, 7.45am–4pm; Saturday, 8.30am–4pm; and Sunday, 10am–2pm.

Read more: The independent Leeds cafe speaking up after massive coffee chain opens opposite

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

Eats

First look inside Bruncho Leeds, the viral brunch spot serving Yorkshire puddings for breakfast

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last. 

Bruncho has opened on The Headrow this week, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre. 

Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C. 

We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.

Bruncho has taken over the old Foley’s site, letting the unit’s huge arched windows and beautiful dark wooden floors do the talking. 

The team have added in plenty of plants, seagrass lampshades, and colourful pieces of art to liven the place up. 

But it’s really the menu where the colour kicks in with gusto - starting with the raspberry blue matcha made with 100% pure blue spirulina powder.

Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire pudding
Turkish eggs in a Yorkshire pudding
Pistachio and Kinder French toast
Pistachio and Kinder French toast
Fresh pastries
Fresh pastries
Bruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds site
Bruncho has transformed the old Foley's Leeds site
The huge windows at Bruncho Leeds
The huge windows at Bruncho Leeds
New York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf
New York-style breakfast rolls with croissant loaf

There’s also the pistachio and Kinder French toast, topped with loads of pistachios, fresh berries, and an upside-down ice cream cone. 

If you prefer a savoury brunch, their New York-style breakfast rolls served in a croissant bun are worth your attention. 

And new for Leeds is Bruncho’s new Turkish eggs offering, served inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. Obviously. 

As for the counter, you’ll find all manner of creative pastries and bakes, like a Malteser cube pastry and Black Forest cruffin. 

Bruncho Leeds is open now at 159 The Headrow.

Read more: A new Turkish-inspired street food spot serving homemade shawarma is coming to Leeds city centre

Featured image: The Hoot Leeds

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