Opening on Monday 13 March, Rudy's Headingley is already booking up fast.
Rudy's Pizza Napolentana, one of Leeds' favourite pizza joints, is opening its third Leeds restaurant.
Now we're not short of places to grab a slice in Leeds, but this is certainly a new opening that will have foodies queuing at the door.
The new site will see a new foodie hotspot appear on Otley Road in Headingley, and there will be ample opportunity to taste test the authentic Neapolitan classics.
The relaxed neighbourhood pizzeria with over 100 covers in the bustling heart of the area offering interior and al-fresco dining.
Born in 2015 in Ancoats, Manchester, the foodie favourite has since expanded across the north to bring Marinara, Margherita and Calabrese to Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and even the capital.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Having opened a second site last year in Chapel Allerton, Rudy's is continuing to bring Leeds a true Italian feast, with fresh pizzas made using Caputo ‘00’ flour (which ferments for at least 24 hours), with quality ingredients imported from Naples, including the likes of San Marzano tomatoes grown on fields next to Mount Vesuvius, and Fior di Latte mozzarella.
As for drinks, you’ll find a classic Italian-dominated wine list, popular aperitivos like Aperol Spritz and Campari soda, and a selection of different beers and softs.
The opening date isn't too far away, and there will be a whopping 2,500 free pizzas available when the pizzeria first opens its doors in Headingley.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Steve Mutlow, General Manager of Rudy’s Headingley said “We look forward to opening our doors on Otley Road from Monday 13th March. The team have loved serving our Neapolitan pizza in Leeds and we hope this new site will be another welcoming addition for the city.”
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 -
2nd March 2023 
