The Cheesy Living Co. is quickly becoming Leeds go-to supplier for all things cheese and charcuterie.
After taking a passion project full-time during the second Covid lockdown, owners Jake and Soph haven't looked back since the launch of The Cheesy Living Co. in 2020.
Supplying renowned chef Matt Healy's Horsforth restaurant Forde with farmer's cured meats and ingredients, but still managing to attend just about every small business and foodie market across the city, The Cheesy Living Co. is one of the most humbled new businesses around.
The selection spans far further than just cheese or typical charcuterie meats. / Image: The Cheesy Living Co.
Aware of the popularity of their products, but taking things slow and making conscious business decisions, co-owner Jake spent years in hospitality before taking the plunge to launch his own business- and the time spent learning the intricacies of the industry shows.
With the help Soph, the other half of the business, the pair is ensuring that The Cheesy Living Co. is slowly making its way around the Leeds foodie scene- despite not having a physical, permanent store (though that's about to change soon).
SALT Craft + Cocktails has just launched a new bottomless brunch with unlimited cocktails and a cheese and charcuterie board in a collaborative project and the indie company is even supplying the latest hospitality nights, including 'The Comeback' Industry Boxing Night at the Corn Exchange found the charcuterie specialists serving their pork pies and small plate products to industry professionals battling it out for charity.
SALT Craft + Cocktails offers a bottomless brunch with a The Cheesy Living Co. charcuterie board. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The idea is that by the time their first store does open (which isn't too far away), you'll know exactly what The Cheesy Living Co. stands for; the quality of the products and the cheese company will find that sweet spot between slipping into the market and coming in with a bang.
Their clientele speaks volumes for the quality- and from next month you'll no longer have to wait for the next farmer's market or pop-up event to get your hands on The Cheesy Living Co. stock: you'll be able to pick it up with your weekly shop or on your daily commute in Leeds city centre.
Owner Jake outside new The Cheesy Living Co. store in the Corn Exchange. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Corn Exchange is set to host the debut Cheesy Living Co. store and although there's no confirmed opening date just yet, we're expecting the store to open within the coming weeks.
Transforming a former hairdresser's spot in the Corn Exchange is no easy challenge (especially when the walls come in a bright pink hue), and given that the owners Soph and Jake are trying to balance the renovations alongside supplying the city with their products, they're careful to take their time with the project and ensure that they only open once they feel ready to do so.
The eat-in cheese and charcuterie store is hoping to open in the coming weeks. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
At present, the company plans to offer a small seating area inside their store with a few seats spilling into the Corn Exchange's wooden floor. Located just behind Bruschetta, there's ample space for foodies to grab a bite or choose their desired meats, cheeses and other picky bits to take away.
To keep up to date with The Cheesy Living Co.'s progress and find out more about their opening, visit their Instagram page.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
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.
Sophie Smith -
6th May 2022 
