Opening 11 years ago as a gallery space, Cafe 164 at Munro House will be closing its doors for the final time this week.
The heartfelt news was announced online this morning, with a nostalgic reminder of some of the most exciting events held in the huge gallery-cafe space.
"Farewell Munro House. Yes, you have read correctly. After 11 years in the city centre, we are moving on, making way for the next generation of hospitality to fulfil the amazing potential of this gorgeous space.
The news was announced this morning. / Image: Cafe 164
"What started out in 2011 as a gallery space (@leedsgallery) with a little 164 coffee shop attached, has evolved over the years to accomodate a smaller gallery, a bakery, a sandwich shop, and a multitude of creative and innovative events celebrating art, food and people. (Who remembers the Edible Art show?).
"We are extremely proud of what we have achieved this past 11 years, and we also know when it is time to move on".
The last day of trading for Cafe 164 will be Friday 26 August, open at the usual times of 8am-3pm, but from then on, Munro House will be closed for good.
Luckily, this isn't the end for the cult favourite sarnie stop, you'll still be able to find Cafe 164 in Headingley on Otley Road with a new exciting menu and extended opening hours.
Cafe 164 has become known for its coffee and sarnies. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Ellie and Matt shared their message with a hint of what's next for the business:
"From 1st September, Headingley will be our main base, now open 7 days with extended menu and evening opening hours coming in the autumn.
"Thankyou to everyone who has been a part of this journey, Ellie + Matt x"
Munro House will close on Friday for good. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The news has received 300 likes in the few short hours since the announcement was made, with many customers sharing memories of cappuccino nanaimo bars from a decade ago and heartfelt messages saying that this truly is the "end of an era".
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 -
22nd August 2022 
