If you thought that the Otley Run pubs were set in stone, turns out you'd be mistaken.
Every now and again, a shake up is needed on our city's biggest Saturday tradition- and Handsome Bar seems to the addition we didn't know we needed, but looks like it shouldn't be any other way.
Having opened its doors last year, Handsome Brewery became the newest addition to the mammoth pub crawl back in November so if you're a regular fancy dress drinker, you might have already spotted this newbie on Eldon Terrace.
And despite the 16-pub-long crawl being a huge reason to visit in your latest , there's actually far more here than just another stop on the Otley Run.
Image: Handsome Bar
Offering 'a taste of the Lakes in Leeds', Handsome Bar promises a range of craft ales, stouts and lagers paired with art and music aplenty, making it the ideal stop any day of the week.
Open everyday from 2pm, you can find like DJs bringing the party to life on the weekends, or by day, watch the world go by with a coffee in hand.
Cosy corners are adorned with artwork of local monuments to help support local artists. The idea is that the bar showcases local talent by creating a micro-gallery within the bar itself. Every three months or so the collections will change, allowing customers to view new additions every few months, with the opportunity to buy artwork from the walls too.
Image: Handsome Bar
Naturally, the sports are also shown here so if you're looking for a space to watch the FA on the weekend with a pint, surrounded by like-minded fans, you'll be equally welcomed here.
This really feels like a place of community, certainly a spot where new students or city-dwellers can start to get their bearings and find a common meeting space for friends or societies- especially given there's a 20% weekday discount for those still in education.
To check out Handsome Bar for yourself, make this your thirteenth spot on the Otley Run or head over to the Eldon Terrace bar in Woodhouse any day of the week from 2pm.
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 -
6th February 2023 
