Boojum, home of the most gigantic burritos in Leeds, will be giving away 500 free meals next week - but only if England can bring it home this weekend.
That's right, your possibility of free lunch is very much riding on the success of England against Ireland in the UEFA Nations League game this weekend.
But Irish-born takeaway Boojum is so confident in their home nation's victory, they're willing to bet 500 burritos on it.
They've laid down the gauntlet of a huge giveaway should England somehow come out on top - and that's suddenly me more interested in football than I've ever been before.
Boojum, which opened in Leeds in April, has listed all the things that Ireland is better at than England in a spoof video on Instagram, including Eurovision, the Craic, cups of tea, fried breakfasts, a good pint and now football.
They wrote in the post: "We're officially backing the boys in green when Ireland face England in Dublin this Saturday.
"We're confident we'll be bagging the bragging rights post-match and - to show just how confident we are - we'll put our money where our mouth is and offer up 500 FREE burritos in Leeds on the off chance England take the win!"
Boojum in Leeds will give away 500 free burritos if England beat Ireland this weekend. Credit: The Hoot LeedsBoojum in Leeds is famed for its 'size of your head' burritos. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Boojum head of marketing, Paul McCullagh, said: “The Irish love a good punt and a bit of craic. What better way to add even more excitement to this highly anticipated game than to bet 500 burritos on it!
"It’s been almost a decade since the two teams met in Dublin, so it will be great to have the bragging rights in the bag once Ireland do the business.
"Of course, it’s all just a bit of fun. We’re located on both sides of the Irish Sea and absolutely love Leeds, the people and our new store on Merrion St., with big plans to open more GB stores in the coming months."
Republic of Ireland are set to host England at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium for the first time since a goalless draw in a friendly in June 2015. It will also be the first game the England team have played since their Euro final defeat and the first in its post-Gareth Southgate era.
Boojum will give away 500 burritos in Leeds from 11.30am on Wednesday 11 September if England win on Saturday.
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.
Daisy Jackson -
6th September 2024 
