In their first official fundraising partnership, Rob and Doddie have launched 75 Gin from the Spirit of Harrogate.
The gin is named after both sporting numbers of the players: seven was Rob's number on the Headingley stadium pitch and Doddie played with the number five on his shirt.
All profits from the sale will go towards MND research, but Burrow and Weir are also keen to raise awareness and find ways to further MND research that leads to curing their condition.
The Sporting Wine Club have described the 75 Gin as a aromatic, citrusy and floral gin.
"A refreshing burst of zesty citrus makes way for delicate juniper undertones and a subtle floral finish. In terms of signature serve, we recommend pairing this with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic and garnish with a lemon wheel."
Rob Burrow MBE commented, “This is a great new initiative and I’m delighted to be able to team up with my good friend Doddie. We never shared a pitch together sadly but he’s my team mate in the fight against MND. I think it would make a great Christmas gift and you will know you’re supporting a very worthy cause.”
Doodie Weir OBE commented, “I’m so delighted that Rob and I have been able to work together to produce this amazing gin. Like rugby, it’s all about commitment, dedication, focus and a great team pulling together towards one aim: a world without MND. I hope you enjoy our new 75 gin and toast a cure to MND.”
The Spirit of Harrogate has previously produced popular gins like Slingsby Gin, all in Rob's home county of Yorkshire.
The former Rhinos player shared his venture with Doddie Weir over the weekend and showing true team spirit even off the pitch, the likes of Paul Sculthorpe MBE and Barrie McDermott, amongst other players have been sharing support online.
The news of their partnership comes after former Rhinos player Kevin Sinfield completed a 101 mile run from Leicester to Leeds. The incredible run has raisedover £1.8 million for Leeds Hospitals Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association at present.
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 -
29th November 2021 
