The Black Health Initiative (BHI) have finally received their National Diversity Award win after months of postponing the event due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
The Black Health Initiative won the 2020 National Diversity Community Organisation Award for race, religion and faith in September and have only recently celebrated their win at the Polish Centre Leeds.
The team invited supporters and volunteers join them last week to formally enjoy the national recognition of their work and celebrate their community. The evening supported Leeds-based DJs and gave the BHI a chance to thank all of those involved in the programme.
The 2020 National Diversity Awards had been moved multiple times due to the pandemic and ongoing restrictions, but the ceremony was finally held in September in Liverpool.
The award recognised the dedicated support that the BHI offer the community and the organisation have now been able to celebrate their win. The team were 'truly humbled' to have their work recognised nationally and to receive an award from 60,000 nominations.
The BHI is a community engagement organisation working towards equality of access to health and social care within Leeds and the surrounding areas for disadvantaged communities.
Despite having no core funding, BHI influence positive change their their partnership with NHS trusts and foundations, cancer charities, education providers and other voluntary organisations and were praised for their ongoing support in the community.
The National Diversity Award highlighted their successful work with services locally, regionally and nationally.
The awards are known to be the UK's largest diversity award show and was held in conjunction with ITV News to highlight role models and community organisations across the UK.
The National Diversity Awards 2021 shortlisted nominees have also been published, with the awards set to take place in early 2022.
Matthew Jones from Leeds Law Society is amongst the 2021 National Diversity Award nominees for his work as a positive role model in the LGBT community. His work has put the Leeds Law Society at the forefront of diversity and inclusion in the Leeds Legal Sector and nationally.
Feature Image - Black Health Init
Leeds
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 -
13th October 2021 
