Eats

Ossett Brewery to host huge waterside food, drink and music festival across three venues

An electric mix of soul, motown, funk, chart and party music from live performers, DJs, a saxophonist and more.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 17th March 2022

Ossett Brewery is set to host the eleventh edition of its huge waterside food, drink and musical Wharfest 11 next weekend.

Taking place at one of Leeds most tranquil city centre spots, by the waterside of Granary Wharf, organisers are promising an unforgettable afternoon of live music between free-flowing drinks and plenty of good food.

Organisers have promised an electric mix of soul, motown, funk, chart and party music from live performers, DJs and a saxophonist each taking the stage at three bar venues down by the waterside.

Image: Alex Millward

Read More: This new Leeds canalside bar is serving up falafels, hummus and cocktails on tap

The free to attend festival will take place across newly-opened Salt Craft + Falafel, The Hop and Archies on Saturday 26 March, with live singers playing out well-loved tunes from 3pm from Salt and The Hope, whereas Archie's will play host to a DJ and saxophonist from 6pm in the evening.

Amongst the musical lineup is Dylan Brierley, an alternative/indie guitarist and singer-songwriter from Leeds; Him & Her Duo, a husband and wife team performing 70s to present day hits on the ukulele, guitar and piano and Sarah Widdup, a wedding performer that does a beautiful rendition of Christina Perry's A Thousand Years.

Image: Alex Millward

Also performing at Salt Craft + Falafel is Bangin' Tuesdays a band dubbed "an energetic duo who can perform a huge range of popular upbeat covers guaranteed to get you on your feet".

There’s a whole range of craft beers available to taste, as well as some incredible cocktails on tap. 2 for £12 all day, every day on all your favourite concoctions, as well as quality craft beers on offer and a super speedy service. Think Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martinis and Strawberry Cosmos, amongst other draught options- and we can confirm they taste as good, if not better, than the hand-crafted versions.

Situated to the left of the bar is a nook for all things Falafel Guys where the chefs are serving up chunky grilled halloumi, beautifully flavoured (and presented) pots of hummus, falafels and chicken shawarma.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Over at The Hop, who have one of the best selections of local ales in the north, with plenty of favourites from award-winning brewery Ossett due to be pulled on the day, another four performers are set to jump on the stage and fill the afternoon with plenty of upbeat tunes.

The Dandy Lions, a high energy 'Glam Rock' band will be sharing the stage with Brothers of the Slide, After Party and  swinging rock 'n' roll band, Get Back Beats.

The Hop will be serving a small but highly regarded menu of hearty local pies, peas and mash up to help you wash all that beer down.

Down at Archie’s, a live DJ will be dropping a crowd-pleasing mix of soul, Motown, funk, chart and party tunes with a live sax from 6 pm onwards. Known for their calorific pizzas, sides and desserts, this is the spot to soak up all that alcohol and recoup with a spot of sugar.

Image: Alex Millward

With free entry and a wealth of activity hitting Granary Wharf next weekend: this really is going to be the best spot in Leeds to hang out with loved ones, pint in one hand and a slice of something good in the other.

Read More: The best new openings to visit in Leeds, according to Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon: March 2022

Feature Image- Ossett Brewery

Eats

Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

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.

Read more from The Hoot Leeds:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds



Eats

Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first

Clementine Hall 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.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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