The Alp Chalet and Ski Hutte will be returning to the city centre for another year, and bringing that festive cheer that makes us all feel like it really is 'the most wonderful time of the year'.
Taking over the space outside Millenium Square over the festive period, the popular Christmas markets will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in Leeds.
According to the dedicated Facebook page, Leeds annual Christmas Markets will run from Saturday 5 November for six weeks, right up until the weekend before the big day. Closing on Saturday 18 December, there will be ample opportunity to visit the traditionally decorated wooden chalet stalls- and sample the best of German-inspired food and drink.
We're talking gluhwein by the glass, bratwurst sausages and schnitzels aplenty, as well as activities for the entire family to get involved in.
Santa's Breakfast will be back in the Bavarian-style chalets every weekend where families can enjoy a buffet spread with the big man in red, whilst art and craft activities keep children of all ages entertained.
Throughout the week, there will also be a daily selection of entertainment.
Whilst the announcement hasn't been made on the Millenium Square website, it's expected that all the usual festive themed entertainment will make this one of the most exciting place to visit in Leeds in the autumn months.
After a two year hiatus, Family-run business Honig Klause Heidenau and its natural honey mead will also be returning to the markets, stating that their next Leeds Christmas Market stall will be available from Friday 4 November on the company's website.
More information is expected to be announced about the Leeds Christmas Markets 2022 in the coming weeks as we enter into the autumnal months and the opening dates loom ever-closer.
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 September 2022 
