Beloved chefs from Slap and Pickle will be leaving their residency at The Fleece in Horsforth at the end of the year.
The news came earlier this week after the chefs thanked the pub for their hospitality, before announcing that the ongoing success of their flavoursome burgers and exciting menu have brought the brand new opportunities for 2022.
Originally, Slap and Pickle took over The Fleece last summer during lockdown, and served thousands of burgers to regulars and newcomers to the pub. Their residence has been of benefit to both parties: with many making the trip up to Horsforth to visit just one of the brands, but finding a soft spot for the other in the process.
Although nothing has been clearly announced yet, Slap and Pickle have revealed that they won't be leaving the area and Horsforth residents should still be able to get their Big Mick Fries fix every week if they wish to.
Orders can still be processed by delivery until the end of the year, but in 2022, there will be a new location to order from.
This image shared this photo online earlier this week. / Image: Slap and Pickle
The end of their residency was announced on Instagram earlier this week:
"All good things must come to an end! It’s with great sadness that we announce that we’ll be leaving the kitchen at @thefleecehorsforth at the end of 2021.
"Since we took over the pub’s kitchen last summer during lockdown, we’ve served tens of 1000s of Yorkshire’s finest burgers to the punters in-house as well as via a vast volume of collections and deliveries. The Fleece has put us firmly on the local food map, and we will be forever grateful for that.
The Fleece in Horsforth have worked with Slap and Pickle since lockdown. / Image: The Fleece Horsforth
"Sadly though, we’ve outgrown the pub’s kitchen - so we’re moving on to pastures new and *VERY LOCAL* in early January 2022. More on where and when soon ((eyes emoji)'s on that feed!), but for now, make sure you all pop in for a farewell feed this month, and keep those delivery orders coming.
"And don’t forget, sales of our Christmas specials support our #KidsInBlankets fundraiser: so when you raise a festive burger to our departure, you’re also helping raise money for @zarachleeds. That’s a win, win, win situation in our book!"
Grab some of their festive fries, or other Christmas treats before their residency ends. / Image: Slap and Pickles
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 -
10th December 2021 
