Go green for veganuary without missing out on your favourite treats.
According to EcoZone, beef farms are responsible for 37% of methane emissions- so if you're planning to make your life a little greener in 2022, veganuary is a great way to ditch the meat and the carbon footprint.
If you're looking to eat out whilst testing out a plant-based diet this January, look no further than The Box. The popular sports bar can be found in and around Leeds: both in the city centre and Headingley, you’re never far from a cold pint of Budweiser or a bottle of wine here, but it's the bar's veganuary offers that have got us walking through their doors this January.
Full to the brim with the tastiest vegan junk food, BOX’s menu is set to include a game-changing “Not” Dog, which comes fully loaded with jalapenos, ketchup and mayo, served on a brioche bun. This is supplied by Moving Mountains who are known for their amazingly authentic meat substitutes which taste exactly like the real thing.
Their meat-free “Meatball” Pizza, topped with melted mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and caramelised onion, is also set to be the perfect option for beginner vegans looking to try something new.
Finally, if you're looking for a vegan dessert that still includes your favourite sweet cravings like chocolate and ice cream, you're in for a treat. Customers can try a tasty vegan dessert courtesy of fellow Leeds based suppliers with the Brown and Blonde Lotus Biscoff Brownie, topped with Northen Bloc salted caramel dairy-free ice cream.
Oh, and did we mention all dishes are half price in January? Just make sure to book in advance and make sure you arrive at a time when the offer is active (peak times like a Saturday, the offer doesn't apply) to avoid disappointment.
Running from Tuesday 4 January 2022 until the end of the month, you can get your vegan foodie fix across all of The Box's three locations (they have a spot on Deansgate in Manchester too if you’re heading that way this Christmas).
Pornstar Martini, served in steins. / Image: The Box
Whilst you're there, you can also grab the likes of 2-for-1 cocktails, pornstar martinis, served by the stein and the best live games over January at The Box as you tuck into your half-price, plant-based meal.
Feature Image- The Box
Eats
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 -
27th December 2021 
