Valentine's Day is around the corner, and whoever you're showing your affection for this V-day, a sweet treat is always a great gift.
Whether you want to shower yourself in self-love and get yourself a foodie treat or are you looking for a gift for a friend or partner, we're convinced this is the best all-round crowdpleaser for that all important day.
The Valentines Brownie from the Savvy Baker is essentially a giant slab of chocolatey goodness, but all four come with a heartfelt message, including hilarious quotes like 'cute butt' and 'I heart your d*ck', and the wholesome 'my fave human' and 'happy bestie day'.
Each brownie is priced at £15.50, a bargain given you can usually get four brownies from £12.00.
If your recipient is a cookie monster in the making, there's a cookie box available for the occasion too. Or, if you'd prefer not to send a chocolatey message to your valentines at all, there's always the giant stacks, made from a seemingly unlimited number of Leeds famous brownies.
Incase you haven’t met The Savvy Baker before, the lockdown-success bakery has grown from owner Savanah Roqaa's kitchen into a two cafe and endless pop-up brownie empire, gaining a cult following for its delicious baked goods in the process.
Brownies, blondies, stacks and slabs are just a few of the items available on sale. One of our latest discoveries is the Rolo and Caramel Brownie Pot, a chocolate ganache and gooey caramel with layers brownie chunks and perfect to satisfy that sweet craving.
Both Savvy's stacks and slabs, along with the rest of their bakes, are available for collection from the Roundhay cafe or post Leeds pre-ordered for valentines day or any special occasion.
Valentine's Day Orders close on Wednesday 8 February 2023 to be dispatched on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 February so that you can get your brownie fix in time for Valentines Day.
Collection from Lidgett Lane Cafe in Roundhay will be on Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February 2023.
Feature Image- The Savvy Baker
Eats
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 -
16th January 2023 
