The news has been out for a few months that POCO Sicilian is coming to Leeds city centre - but now all we need to do is count down the days.
The team have just announced the new location of POCO Sicilian Street Food - and us based in the city centre are in for a treat.
Opening on Friday 9 June, the much-loved Italian street food venue will be taking over a kiosk spot on Lands Lane in Leeds city centre.
Located slap bang in the heart of the city, the new POCO will take over the former Yorkshire Bank unit and bringing copious amounts of pizza al taglio to the masses in the process.
Image: POCO Sicilian / The Hoot Leeds
The team never fail to have a huge selection of eat, including pizza slices with flavours that change by the day: the vegan slice with mushrooms, peppers and copious amounts of spinach is a standout favourite, but there’s everything from ham and potato slices to fennel sausage to choose from. The menu doesn’t stop there, choose from lasagna, chicken and salads, calzone stuffed with ham or tomato and loads of cheese and some of the best arancini in the city (there, we said it). Those with a sweet tooth will love the bombolones: soft and fluffy Italian donuts with creamy icing and custard running through the middle – but that’s not all. Be sure to check out the cannoli or marzipan shapes on offer too.
With two sites in Headingley and Kirkstall, foodies flocking to the suburbs for quite some time now- but now there’s going to be another spot to grab your slice of authentic Sicilian treats.
The team announced the news with the following statement:
"Poco Leeds City Centre Opening Party. We have the date, guys!
"FRIDAY, JUNE 9th, from 12PM until 2PM (or until we run out of food so you better hurry!) 24a Lands Lane, Leeds City Centre, LS1 6LB
"Come say hi, meet the team, check out our brand new kiosk and enjoy all your Poco favourites ON THE HOUSE!
"That’s your Friday lunch sorted (we will be serving a cheeky Prosecco too - it’s Friday, after all)
"So guys please find a minute in your busy schedule this Friday lunchtime and come see us in the city centre. And tell your friends about the opening too. We really need all your support
"After the party on Friday, we are planing to open for business from Saturday June 10th, working hours to be confirmed.
"The first week will be a soft opening as we still need to finish off some bits. So, please bear with us, we are nearly there!
"And see you all (hopefully) this Friday, June 9th for the Opening Party!
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.
Sophie Smith -
6th June 2023 
