One of Leeds' most popular steakhouse restaurants is set to launch the largest outdoor heated terrace in Oakwood next week.
Ahead of the further easing of national lockdown restrictions as part of the government's roadmap on 12th April, Chophaus - based in Roundhay Park - has announced it's "bouncing back with plans that are set to rock 2021" by unveiling a brand-new outdoor heated terrace, alongside some of its most ambitious menus to date.
The outdoor terrace's complete overhaul will comfortably seat 80 guests and has been designed by the award-winning Nanu Soda, who first worked their magic on the stunning Chophaus interiors back in 2019.
Flanked by the lush green trees that surround the restaurant, the cosy heated terrace will no doubt become one of the places to be in Leeds this summer.
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That's not all either, as Chophaus has also teamed up with celebrated Scottish-born chef, Lee Murdoch - who has had an illustrious career since it began back in 2003, working around the globe picking up awards in several Michelin restaurants and five-star hotels - to create a collection of menus that are designed to capture the interest of the city's foodies.
Taking inspiration from around Asia, Europe and beyond, Lee has created "a stunning array of dishes" for the new menu, which includes Truffle Puffs with black garlic sauce, and smoked sea salt and Fior Fries with aged Parmigiana making up the lighter bar plates section, whilst the larger plates are split across four sections.
Highlights from the raw and sushi menu include the refreshing Salmon Tartar Tacos with grapefruit and a lime crème Fraiche, California Crab Rolls, Spicy Tuna Gunmaki and Kumamoto Oysters with yuzu and galea apple.
If you're looking for a lighter bite, the salads and seafood menu includes Sauteed King Prawn with chipotle and mango olive oil, and Miso Wild Bass with sake, mirin, and ginger.
Chophaus | Will Stanley Photography
The 'Signature & Charcoal' section offers up a mouth-watering range of steak plates too.
And when it comes to dessert, the sweet and savoury offerings include Moji by Murdoch with honeycomb, raspberry, and milk chocolate, Coconut Edible with mango sorbet and tropical salsa, and a Foie Gras Crumpet with manuka honey and pink pepper.
The summer cocktail menu will also be on hand to complement the new plates.
You can find more information on menus and advanced bookings ahead of reopening next week via the Chophaus website.
Featured Image Credit - Chophaus | Gemma Bridge
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
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.
The Hoot -
6th April 2021 
