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
A slice of New York has arrived in Leeds – and the pizzas are 18 inches wide
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st June 2021 
