Leeds' historic Kirkgate markets have launched into the future with a new sustainable delivery service.
You just know that if you're in Leeds and you need something- whether it's a hair grip or a lobster, you'll find it in the Kirkgate Market. But now, thanks to a new online delivery service, you don't even need to pop in to pick up your essentials.
Kirkgate Market has partnered with the online shopping platform Good Sixty, so that LS1-9, 13,16,17, and 28 postcodes can now shop online and have their market goodies delivered right to their doorstep.
Essentially, it's the same as ordering from any other website: you place an order with Good Sixty, then the market traders organise their individual packages before passing them on for delivery.
Buyers will receive local next-day delivery every Wednesday - Friday and, best of all, all orders only pay a single delivery fee despite shopping with multiple traders.
For many, this is a chance to bring their stalls to a wider market - and reach more customers ahead of the crucial Christmas shopping period.
Panda Refills, a store participating in the Good Sixty delivery service told The Hoot that it was an "exciting opportunity" for the small business that still allows the store to stick to its sustainable values.
As a zero-waste store, Panda Refills will be using leftover packaging to parcel up their orders.
Other foodie favourites at Kirkgate are also getting involved.
Neil’s Greengrocers, Malcolm Michaels Butchers, Whitaker’s Farmhouse Eggs & Cheese, Ramsden’s Fishmongers, Firth & Payne and Bluebird Bakery as well as Brown’s Sweets and Adam & Eco are all available on the Good Sixty shopping platform.
The markets have been a favourite retail past time for Leeds since the 1800s. / Image: Chemical Engineer
Councillor Kayleigh Brooks, Leeds City Council deputy executive member with responsibility for markets, said:
“We are excited to be partnering with Good Sixty to offer a delivery service for customers direct from our fantastic traders here at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
During the pandemic, shopping habits have changed with a huge increase in online shopping. Teaming up with Good Sixty brings Leeds Kirkgate Market traders’ top quality food straight to customers’ doorsteps, and supports our traders in having access to a wider customer base.
We look forward to the start of something great which will make it easier than ever before to shop local and support independent Leeds businesses.”
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 November 2021 
