Winter is Coming and just in time for Leed’s Unleashed Comic-Con.
A new comic con is set to arrive in Leeds in October, giving all Game of Thrones fans a chance to meet their favourite characters.
The one-day event will be bringing the Marriott Hotel to life on Sunday 10 October, with special appearances from Game of Thrones Lannister legends: Ian Gelder (Kevan Lannister) and Eugene Simon (Lancel Lannister), as well as Mace Tyrell actor, Roger Ashton-Griffiths.
Image: Leeds Unleashed Comic Con
Ian Gelder played Kevan Lannister from seasons one to six of HBO’s acclaimed show, but fans may recognise the 72-year-old actor from BBC’s Torchwood: Children of Earth or more recently, as Charles from the dramatization of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.
Gelder has also appeared in episodes of Poirot (1993); Holby City (2006); Robin Hood (2009); Mr Selfridge (2013); Eastenders (2016); Ripper Street (2016) and a special episode of Doctor Who in 2020.
Gelder shared the stage with fellow comic-con guest Roger Ashton-Griffiths. Both featured in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who from 2014-16, Ashton-Griffiths playing Mace Tyrell and Quayle respectively. The 64-year-old’s impressive resume spans from Jack the Ripper (1988) to Coronation Street and Empire.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities, some even from a galaxy far far away. There will be Star Wars characters around every corner and in a room of their own you may even spot TikTok and YouTube creators, The Marshmello Family.
Join the fun cosplay family or find comics, collectables, gaming and toys from geeky traders dispersed around the venue. Leeds Unleashed invite you to come dressed as your favourite TV, movie, gaming or anime character to enter their cosplay competition.
Sharon Hall of Unleaded Events shared her excitement: “As usual there is loads of geeky stuff going on for you to see and do as well as geeky traders where you can purchase items that you simply won’t find on the high street.
"Our events are not just for the ‘geeky’ they are for people of all ages who want to come along and enjoy a great day out, something that all the family can enjoy.”
For more information visit unleashedtickets.com, tickets cost £4 for children and £6 for adults.
Feature Image- Unleashed Events
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 -
29th September 2021 
