This will be the fourth spot in the city to serve Slap & Pickle's giant smash burgers.
The burger joint has been around Leeds for well over a decade, operating first as Dogtown, a giant loaded hot dog street food venture, before diversifying into the burger business.
It's been a whirlwind few years for the indie, and you can now find Slap and Pickle all over Leeds, including now at Brewery Tap just moments from Leeds Train Station.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Slap and Pickle is best known in Leeds for its filthy smash burgers, loaded fries and extensive vegan range – and has seen its fair share of venue takeovers over the last few years.
Previously you might have spotted the burger kitchen operating at the likes of Assembly Underground and Beer Hawk until both bar’s abrupt closure in December 2022, or at The Old King’s Arms in Horsforth and Black Sheep Tap and Kitchen in Chapel Allerton in 2023.
Slap and Pickle now operate inside The Venue in Horsforth, Brooklyn on Call Lane, as well as at and serving at The Wardrobe, curing those pre-gig hunger pangs and appetite for a hearty bottomless brunch on the weekends.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The burgers themselves are reason alone to venture down. Think rich Swaledale patties smashed and grilled before being piled high with cheese, bacon, onion rings and enough house sauce to keep you going all night long.
But the loaded fries are just as exciting: think vegan duck, fried chicken or even sprinkled bits of burger and sauce to create a beef-burger-loaded-fries hybrid dish.
The kitchen at Brewery Taps will be taken over from Big Buns, who can still be found at the newly opened Northern Market on Great George Street, and over at SALT Oakwood.
Image: Brewery Tap
At present, the opening date has been pencilled for 26 January 2024, and to mark the ocassion 150 free Limited-Edition Oklahoma Smash burgers will be given away on a first come first served basis.
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 -
16th January 2024 
