House of Koko is a cult favourite in Leeds for brunches - and for good reason.
There's two sites, spread across Chapel Allerton and Oakwood, each with a slightly different menu, but both featured a clear love for all things brunch.
Both the traditional eggs benny kind, plus creations inspired by locations near and far -the kind you dream of brunches finding on a faraway holiday, just without the warm weather.
Available at both sites you've got the famous pancakes: a stack of three fluffy treats layered between sweet and savoury combos like Nutella, mixed berry compote, white chocolate chips and bacon (or This Isn't Bacon for a vegan alternative) with maple syrup.
'The Bennies' part of the menu also features across both sites with a choice of smoked streaky bacon, oak-smoked Atlantic salmon and chestnut mushrooms sautéed in garlic confit, served with poached free-range eggs and signature Koko hollandaise sauce on a bed of light granary bread.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The remainder of the menu varies slightly between the Oakwood and Chapel Allerton locations, but each deserves a visit in its own right.
Think Shakshuka; Red Lentil Dahl; hummus plates with Balilah, warm chickpeas fried with spices, herbs and lemon or Moroccan spiced chicken with Koko preserved lemon aioli, homemade labneh, pickled shallots served on a toasted ciabatta - there really is something for everyone's palette here.
Plus there's a huge choice of locally-sourced bakes, caffeinated drinks, cocktails and smoothies on offer for those just popping by.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The sun-lit cafes operate on a walk-in basis only, so whilst you can't book in advance for your brunch, you'll be welcomed in with open arms upon arrival and staff will always do their best to find you the best seats available.
You can however book House of Koko after the cafe closes, and use the space to celebrate your next big event.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate your birthday, cheers to a new big job, house or staff party, or just want an excuse to get your mates together, House of Koko transforms by night into the perfect intimate location.
And that's not all, by night the cafes also offer pop-up dinners from some of Masterchef’s finalists to local indies.
Most recently, locals have been treated to a one-off menu from Masterchef contestants Omar Foster, Terri Fearon with Jack Wilkinson as part of Brown Butter Dining's Supper Club, but previously menus from Bastards Bistro, Koben Smokehouse, Nick Rapson, Aida, The Cheesy Living Co, Afsaneh's Kitchen and more.
You can keep up to date with the latest events from House of Koko on Instagram or head down to either the Chapel Allerton site on 62 Harrogate Road or 466 Roundhay Road in Oakwood to check out this Leeds' favourite for yourself.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
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 -
1st March 2024 
