Heading up the old dry cleaners on Kirkstall Road, Meat is Dead has been one of the biggest meat-free contenders on the Leeds foodie scene for the past year.
Proudly offering a "junk-free" vegan menu, bottomless brunch, pub quizzes, a warming workspace for remote workers as well as delicious meals spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant had been a go-to option for many of those on a plant-free diet or curious to explore the menu of meat-free wholesome meals.
Sadly the popular eatery has closed its doors, blaming "crippling costs and hard hitting times".
Meat is Dead owners shared a heartfelt goodbye online over the weekend, adding that they hope the closure won't be a permanent fixture, rather a break: "it's a pause, a shake up and a new beginning".
Sharing the announcement on Instagram yesterday, the owners wrote: "This is our last weekend... for a little while
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we’re closing our doors on Sunday night to reset and reconfigure our business.
"This is not a permanent goodbye, it’s a pause, a shake up and a new beginning.
"We, like everyone, have been hit with crippling costs and hard hitting times, we are incredibly sad to pause right now but this is a must for us to be able to continue in any capacity.
"We thank you all for supporting, visiting and returning - each and every single one of you have made our dream and exhaustion worthwhile.
"We look forward to you joining us in our exciting future. Big loves x".
The Meat is Dead social media page has been flooded with heartfelt comments since the news broke with many hoping to see the return of the plant-based restaurant again soon.
Feature Image- Meat is Dead
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 -
30th May 2022 
