Residents in Meanwood have raised over £10,000 to help restore a beloved local restaurant front after a car crashed into it last month.
The accident forced Zucco to close just a week after reopening for indoor dining due to damage caused by an out-of-control motorist in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, 19th May.
Locals quickly rallied to support their favorite family-run Italian restaurant, which has been serving the community for years.
A fundraiser was set up by Zucco chef Jack Richards, saying that "anyone that knows the Leggiero family will understand that they are far to proud to ask for the help they really deserve."
Jack took it upon himself to help find the funds to restore the restaurant to how it was, and has completely blown his initial target out of the water.
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has pulled in £10,904 with donations still rolling in. The funds raised mean the family can now replace the damaged window and doors as well as retile and replace tables and chairs whilst they wait for the insurance money to come through.
Local families have also left comments, sharing their sympathies with the family and their affection for the local restaurant.
"Gutted for you all. Can't wait to come back and see you as soon as you open. The Beadnall Family" said Andrew Beadnall, who donated £200 towards the restaurant's refurbishment.
Whilst Kevin Cassidy, who donated £100, said: "Marie and I were devastated to learn of the closure. We trust the repair work will go smoothly and we can soon enjoy some great food in one of our favourite restaurants. Good luck guys."
Nigel Wilson, donating £20, said: "What is the point of coming out of lockdown if Zuccos isnt open? I hope you get back up soon. Take care."
Scenes outside Zucco following the car crash that forced it to close just a week after reopening
The family have since thanked their customers for their generosity.
Mr Leggiero said: “It’s so kind of everyone. It just shows how we’ve made a difference to the community, which is nice to see.
“It means that while we’re waiting for the insurance money to come in, we can carry on paying staff wages and rent will get paid. It makes a massive difference.”
"I’m glad to see how much Zucco means to the community and this will help us to speed up the reopening and to help pay staff their full wage as they’ve missed out on enough during the last 18 months!"
He added: “We just want to say thank you. It means so much to the entire family just to know we’ve got the whole community behind us and there’s going to be a lot of free arancini given out when we reopen.”
They anticipate they'll be able to reopen in roughly 4 weeks, so mark your calendars.
Eats
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Georgina Pellant -
1st June 2021 
