After undergoing a £16million transformation, The Queens Hotel has been hailed as one of the best hotels in the country by The Sunday Times.
The much-anticipated list of the Best Places to Stay from The Sunday Times is one of the biggest listicles of the year for hoteliers. If you've got your name on here, you're a big deal.
Celebrating over 80 years in Leeds city centre and a multimillion pound renovation, the Queens Hotel was awarded a place on the prestigious Sunday Times list for its art-deco inspired interiors and 'magnificent restaurant'.
The hotel has been completely transformed in recent years with a flexible space for guests to work, socialise and dine in a contemporary space.
The refurbishment also included renovation of all bedrooms, adding an additional 17, bringing the room total to 232 including a Presidential Suite with outdoor terrace.
It is believed that the modernised hotel homage to its rich and iconic history, intertwined with coworking and socialising spaces were just some of the features that topped the judges to place The Queens Hotel at on the Top 100 list.
The Grand Pacific bar is located on inside the hotel and offers endless fine-dining options to guests and day-visitors alike. / Image: The Queens Hotel
Alistair Campbell, General Manager of The Queens Hotel Leeds, commented that: “It is a huge honour to be included in The Sunday Times top 100 Best Places to Stay guide. It’s a testament to our incredible team and demonstrates the quality of the refurbishment, which has allowed us to welcome guests back to this iconic Leeds landmark".
The award-winning hotel is also home to the Grand Pacific, an opulent bar and restaurant with mesmerising views over City Square. Over half term, the popular eatery are hosting a Halloween High Tea with spooky treats and ghoulish cocktails available until the end of the month.
To make a booking for the Grand Pacific or The Queens Hotel, visit their website.
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 -
22nd October 2021 
