The 'smallest shop in Pudsey' has been revived in tribute to its former owner.
Locally known as 'Aladdin's Cave', the Low-Cost shop in Pudsey has been revived to its former glory as a tribute to the former owner of 30 years, Charles Taylor.
The shop was sold by Mr Taylor in 2017, to Lucy Suddaby of Lucy Locket Design, an alteration business. It was the entrepreneur's first store and Lucy's business fast outgrew the tiny space.
Lucy Locket Design then moved to a bigger premises and the small store was rented out.
After learning of its former owner, Charles Taylor's, death eighteen months ago, Lucy decided to restore the Pudsey Low-Cost shop back to its former glory.
According to long-time residents, the business was extremely popular and stocked everything from DIY supplies to party and pet accessories, all at a low price.
The accessibility of the popular store was a huge attraction and has now been brought back to life.
There has been a new sign added to the front, but the same colour scheme has been used in memory of the former owner.
The old sign was beyond saving but Lucy has kept the same colours as a reference to its former owner. / Image: Yell
Although Lucy never knew Charles personally, she wanted to reinstate the store as it marked a major turning point in her career.
Now employing three people and with worldwide business picking up for Lucy Lockets Design, the company are continuing to grow.
The team will run both the Low-Cost and Lucy Lockets Design stores in Pudsey and have the community behind them.
Many customers have told Lucy that the Low-Cost "shop of all sorts" has been dearly missed.
The business owner even heard from the former owner's grand daughter who passed on her congratulations and best wishes to the business.
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 -
9th November 2021 
