Father's Day and the first England game of the Euros 2024 all in one day... it can only mean one thing.
If there's two things that dads love, it's football and food.
And if you're looking to treat that special man in your life this Father's Day to both of those, then Stuzzi on Merrion Street have the perfect plan for you.
This Sunday 16 June, you can take your dad for a proper Italian feast at Stuzzi before catching the anticipated England game.
Sounds like the perfect Sunday if you ask us.
Image: The Hoot LeedsImage: Stuzzi
The incredible Stuzzi team will be serving their iconic Sunday roasts alongside a selection of their classic Stuzzi small plates.
Now celebrating five years in Leeds’ Grand Arcade, Stuzzi is the brainchild of four English guys ‘obsessed’ with Italy and their passion really shines through.
Using inspiration from their numerous trips around Italy, Stuzzi is a real love letter to the world’s greatest food country and is ever-evolving with new discoveries as they fit jaunts to Venice, Naples, Tuscany and beyond into their busy schedules.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This Sunday bookings are open from 12pm, giving you plenty of time to get settled for kick-off later in the evening.
And it doesn't stop there, as an extra special treat they've created a Father's Day feasting dish especially for the big day.
Introducing Stuzzi's braised short rib, cooked low and slow for 12 hours in Baladin Nora (an Italian dark ale) and n’duja, served on smoked bone marrow mash and served with pickled chillies. Absolutely delicious.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're still on the hunt for a gift, then why not grab a bottle of Stuzzi's Negroni Gin which makes the ultimate Negroni. Grab yours here.
So grab the special man in your life, book your table and enjoy a perfect Sunday of feasting and football.
Oh, and if you're still looking for the perfect spot to catch the game then have a read of our Euros 2024 guide here.
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.
Clementine Hall -
12th June 2024 
