The pub equivalent of the Oscars was huge night for Leeds bar group Arc Inspirations.
The Publican Awards celebrates the industry's finest bars and hospitality groups across the UK and unsurprisingly, Leeds scooped plenty of awards.
Leading Leeds-based bar group, Arc Inspirations were the biggest winners of the night, scooping two of the prestigious awards for Best Company and Best Operations Team.
The company own Leeds' Manahatta, BOX and Banyan and were awarded for their efforts"after navigating some of the most challenging times faced in the pub and bar sector’s history."
Presented by TV host Paddy McGuinness, Arc Inspirations was recognised in front of 1,500 industry representatives at the Evolution London arena last night at the renowned awards ceremony.
Image: Arc Inspirations
Commenting on the awards, Arc Inspirations co-founder and CEO Martin Wolstencroft, said: “This truly reflects the towering and relentless work of every single person at Arc Inspirations during these last two years. To be up against the very best bar and pub businesses in the UK and to come out on top is amazing.
"The double win in these national awards caps a memorable 12 months for the group. Since reopening its doors in April 2021, following the enforced closure due to the pandemic, Arc Inspirations has produced a record year in terms of sales and profit. The performance was celebrated by the company with a ski trip to Mirabel for its top 25 team members."
Whilst Leeds remains Arc Inspirations home base, the company is continuing to expand across the north. In autumn last year, the group opened two new flagship sites, in Birmingham and Manchester, and last week secured approval to launch a £2.5m Manahatta bar in Newcastle, its largest development to date.
North Brewing Co, who own multiple Leeds venues were also awarded a Publican Award, taking home the top prize for 'Best Brewing Pub Company' whilst Yorkshire-based Provenance Inns and Hotels were awarded 'Best Food Offer', which awarded for "a successful mainstream food offer across their estate, which average food price for a two course meal (Starter/Dessert and Main) is from £12.50 to £25 per head."
More information about the award winners at the 2022 Publican Awards can be found on their website.
Feature Image- Arc Inspirations
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 -
5th April 2022 
