The year is 2024 and brilliant cross-venue collaborations are RIFE - and we're bringing you news of another one.
One of Leeds' best bars is teaming up with one of Manchester's finest cocktail spots for a very special evening of drinking.
The brilliant team at Below Stairs will be making a trip across t'Pennines to visit their friends at Stray, a lovely cocktail bar in Mackie Mayor.
It's the second instalment of their collaboration, with Stray popping up in the subterranean South Parade bar earlier this week.
Below Stairs were named Sustainable Bar of the Year at the Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards, and placed 27th overall.
They were beaten in Leeds only by Tabula Rasa, which made it to the 16th spot.
On the menu for their trip to Stray they'll have some of their most popular concoctions.
The Below Stairs menu will include the Coco Mez - mezcal, sweet pepper, basil, cocoa butter and bubbles.
They'll also serve a delicious Corn & Silk, made with Jack Daniels Old No. 7, Mellow Corn, Cereal Milk, BS Cornsilk and Meadowsweet Liqueur, Grand Josiene, and Oat Creme Fraiché.
A Dashi cocktail will be made with Somerset 3yr Old Cider Brandy, Pea Pod Vodka, Shiitake Dashi, Velvet Falernum, Sake, Bobbys Gin, Coconut, and Mushroom Leaf.
And there'll be a fruity cocktail made with Ford's Gin, with The Duchess also featuring Cambusier Raspberry Liqueur, Apricot, Duchess De Bourgogne, Angostura Bitter, and Lime Leaf.
Below Stairs will be behind the bar at Stray on Thursday 20 June from 6pm.
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Where to find the best sandwiches in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
There’s nothing better than a good filling between two fluffy slices of bread, and we’re here to tell you the best places to find them in Leeds.
From hot roast sarnies and hefty subs as long as your arm, to solid breakfast butties and fluffy focaccias, if you’re a sandwich lover in Leeds then you’re well catered for.
Keep reading to find some of the best places to get a butty in Leeds and beyond.
Loosen your belts a little, folks.
Cheesy Living Co.
The Corn Exchange, Oakwood and Pudsey
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're working in the city and fancy something special for your lunch, then popping into The Corn Exchange to pay a visit to the legends at Cheesy Living Co. is just the thing.
Their fluffy focaccia is baked fresh every day and packed with their delicious cheeses, cured meats, local chutneys and topped with tangy pickles to take the edge of. Have in or takeaway, it's completely up to you.
Alfonso's
Grand Arcade
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new on the sandwich scene, Alfonso's Deli in the Grand Arcade is serving up ultimate toasted Cuban sandwiches as well as stacked subs. They're also dishing out unreal breakfast bagels which are the perfect hangover cure if you've had a couple the night before.
Silver's Deli
268 Stanningley Rd, Bramley, Leeds LS13 3BS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a big fat hoagie as long as your arm? Then get yourself to Bramley as soon as possible.
The moment Silver's touched down on the Leeds food scene it's truly been the talk of the town ever since, with people flocking from far and wide to queue for their ridiculously delicious subs.
Stacked breakfast buns good enough to cure any hangover and New York-style hoagies all made using the very best, quality ingredients.
Here Comes The Bun
77 Otley Road, Headingley, LS6 3PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you think you can’t love The Swine Bistro and the team behind it anymore, they relaunch their sandwich hatch, Here Comes The Bun.
Open on Fridays and Sunday, you can pre-order and get your mitts on a different sandwich every single week. Chef Paul is pulling out all the stops, think lamb merguez with harissa mayo, chicken fried steak and the ultimate brekkie buns all on homemade potato rolls
Granny G's
36 Wellington Street, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If fully-loaded subs get you going, then Granny G's inside Green Room is the one to beat.
Choose from shrimp po’boys, spicy deli meats, and our personal favourite - the OG chicken parm (which is 100% worth the mess).
Things In Bread
15 Boar Lane, LS1 6EN
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Things In Bread is now a proper Leeds classic, and their concept is perfectly simple. Classic sandwiches which you might find in your average meal deal but elevated to the next level.
The bread is specially created to make the best ever sandwich, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfectly square and baked fresh on the daily.
With a cracking selection of seasonal specials, you'll constantly be coming back for more to have a taste of what's new.
La Grassa
Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley
Images: The Hoot Leeds
From the team behind Stuzzi comes La Grassa, located inside Amity Brew Co. inside Sunny Bank Mills they're serving up everything Italian American. Expected sandwiches bigger than your for arm which pair perfectly with a pint or two.
Brød Sandwich Bar
31 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod sandwich bar is an institution. This family-run independent sandwich shop has been serving us hungry lot for 20 years now, filling our lunch hour with the tastiest, freshest sarnies that you can get your hands on.
Fully customisable with a HUGE range of ingredients, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and all at really affordable prices too.
Friends of Ham
4 - 8 New Station Street, LS1 5DL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Friends of Ham don't just serve up banging charcuterie boards, but they're really good at serving unreal toasties too.
The sourdough is perfectly buttery and jam packed with layers of meat and salty, melted cheese. And of course served with a pile of pickles on the side for good measure.
Eat Your Greens
42 New York Street, LS2 7DY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There's no denying we love this special spot that champion the very best local produce in everything they do, but their sandwiches are also seriously something to shout about.
Grab to go or savour every mouthful in their light drenched space. The flavours rotate with the season but if you have chance to sample the pork mince sandwich with black pudding, house smoked bacon and bunt apple ketchup then it'll be the best decision you have ever made.
Morty's Focacceria
White Cloth Hall
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Inside Leeds' newest food hall you'll find Morty's, a dough haven serving up Sicilian style slices and of course, sarnies.
These bad boys are made with freshly-made panuozzo bread that is baked on-site every single day, filled with two big stacks of fried mortadella and topped with melted provolone, mustard mayo, pickles and a drizzle of garlic oil.
You'll need a nap after, but it'll be worth it.
Shokupan
27 Wellington Street, LS1 4EA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This absolute gem on Wellington Street are serving up delicious, Japanese katso sandos that you'll want to fit into your weekly routine.
Husband and wife team, Alan and Alison, took inspiration from trips around the world to bring Leeds a menu of delicious Japanese-inspired sandos on Shokupan- a Japanese milk bread known for its light, fluffy texture, golden crust and a subtly sweet flavour.
Get a side of the crispy karaage chicken on the side too, you won't regret it.
Livett's Coffee Shop
6 St. Peters Square, LS98AH
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're round that side of town, then grabbing a sarnie from Livett's is a no brainer.
There’s a flavour combo for everyone to get their chops around, from fresh Caprese, Falafel and Houmous, and a packed out Italian Deli sub. But keep your eyes pealed because these flavours are always changing. All served on a satisfyingly soft demi baguette from the best of the best, Balzersen Bakery, and made fresh daily, you already know these bad boys will blow your bog standard meal deal out of the water.
Daisy Jackson -
14th June 2024 
