A local Leeds pub has changed its name in honour of United legend Luke Ayling who left the club earlier this month.
Having been with Leeds for seven seasons and playing a key role in the Marcelo Bielsa side that brought the club back to the Premier League, Ayling became more of a firm fan favourite year after year, and this pub in Beeston is yet more proof in the pudding.
The Old Peacock, which sits just a stone's throw away from Elland Road, is the most popular pre and post-match haunt for Leeds fans on matchday, and to pay tribute to the fondly thought of full-back they've decided to temporarily rename themselves.
Dubbing themselves 'The Luke Ale Inn' in his honour — well played — the popular Peacock pub will be known as such for the remainder of the season.
Ayling himself said as much, writing on his Instagram story: "What an honour. Can't wait. to get in and have a pint once the season is over".
Insisting that he is fully focused on kicking at Middlesborough, having joined Michael Carrick's side on loan until the end of the season before presumably leaving permanently after his contract expiry, he clearly can't wait to be back as a punter.
He also assured the pints will be on him when he's back up Yorkshire way. Good lad.
Ayling, 32, has only played a couple of matches for his new team after joining earlier this month but as a veritable Championship veteran at this point will no doubt prove to be a vital senior addition.
Meanwhile, back at Leeds, his departure wasn't taken lightly, with countless players past and present joining the fans in bidding an emotional farewell.
A role model on and off the pitch, renaming a pub after him is the least the Old 'Cock and the Whites could do.
One of the city's best independents is expanding into a bigger premises.
Shokupan on Wellington Street is a proper little gem that food-lovers across Leeds will rave nonstop about if given the opportunity.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city and over the past few years it's gained a loyal following.
They're famed for their delicious Japanese sandos made with pillow-like fluffy shokupan bread, stuffed with everything from crunchy chicken katsu and flavourful pork to fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
But it's not all just about sandwiches, they also serve rice bowls and katsu curries as well as small bites such as chicken karaage and octopus balls.
Their food is so bloody good, that they've had to find a better location and this time it's slap bang in the city centre on Central Road.
And they're joining brilliant company too, with the likes of House of Koko and Vinyl Grounds as neighbours.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Shokupan said: "You guessed right…we are moving to Central Road, LS1 6DE. We are nearly there…
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"All the building work is complete and now we are finishing off the decorating. You might also start to see some signage appearing over the next few days…It has been lovely seeing some of our customers dropping by to see us whilst we slowly lose our sanity.
"Powered on caffeine and determination! Not long to go before we can announce our opening date and welcome you through the doors."
We can't wait to check out the new space, keep an eye on their opening date here.
Cult favourite burger chain Burgerism is officially coming to Leeds this August
Clementine Hall
An award-winning burger chain is coming to one of Leeds' suburbs.
If you don't know Burgerism, then get to know.
The Manchester-based burger chain is known by many for its incredible smash patties and quick, reliable service.
Their concept is simple: good burgers made with quality ingredients and cooked fresh to order. Delicious.
And it's not just burgers, they've also got some great wings and fries available too with a range of homemade sauces on offer for dunking, drizzling and devouring. We're a particular fan of the buffalo wings with their garlic ranch dip.
The chain used to have a dark kitchen on the outskirts of the city where people could order via Deliveroo, however this closed down and since then there's been a Burgerism-shaped hole left in our foodie scene.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Burgerism recently applied to move into a vacant shop unit in Meanwood at 605 Meanwood Road, seeking change-of-use planning permission for the former Papa Johns site which was previously only allowed to serve...well, pizzas.
And the plans have now been approved, which means Burgerism will officially be coming to Leeds. Hurray!
Burgerism's new takeaway will be walking distance from the The Meanwood Tavern, perfect for those looking for some post-pint burgers.
It will be strictly takeaway with no dine-in option available.
The brand-new Burgerism will employ 15 people from the local area with food being served between 11am and 11pm.
We'll keep you up to date as and when we find out more, but for now we're aware that Burgerism Leeds is set to open this August.
Danny Jones -
26th January 2024 
