The Canary Bar on Leeds Dock is the perfect hangout spot for the end of summer.
Whether the sun is shining and the sangria is flowing, or the cosy autumnal nights are setting in with chilled evenings with a breeze by the docks, The Canary Bar has set themselves up perfectly to accommodate the changing of the seasons.
Having recently extending the kitchen has allowed the small bar to introduce a range of exciting small plates options to the menu and whilst the Greek Mezze style sharing boards now removed from the menu will be well-missed, the new foodie options here are the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer.
Canary Bowl. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
We're talking about eight different tapas style dishes, and then there's a further eight mains to choose from too- each of which is just as tasty as the next.
Think Spanish marinated olives and guac with homemade nachos and pico de gallo to wet your appetite, with generous portions of Poco Nachos with jalapeños, cheese, guac, salsa and plenty of sour cream, with the added option of braised beed, chipotle chicken or pulled pork as extra toppings.
Patatas Bravas. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Meanwhile, there's Albónigas Picantes, homemade meatballs with peppers, garlic and chilli all baked in a rich tomato sauce; Patatas Braves with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli, and even options like crispy fried halloumi or Jalapeño Poppers to choose from.
Grab a couple of these and wind down from a day in the city on quiz night (Wednesdays) from 7.30pm and take on the questions of the week, or make the most of the quiet weekends in the cosiest part of the city with live music every Sunday from local musicians.
There's larger main plates for those looking for some serious food options and don't want to share (or want larger portions to divide up).
There's Mexican classics like Tacos with a choice of braised beef, chipotle chicken, al pastor pork, or roasted vegetable medley, in two soft tortillas, topped with slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, and served with spicy fries and salad- with extremely generous portions, plus there's similar toppings as a burrito or Taco especial, which is served with spicy wedges instead.
Braised beef tacos. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Canary Bowl is an all-round crowd pleaser that serves up either chipotle chicken or a veggie medley with Mexican rice and beans, plus an avocado salad, slaw, guacamole, pico de gallo and topped with sour cream.
If that's not enough, there's Chile De Carne, and classic salad options like chicken caesar or halloumi and avocado to choose from too.
To check out the new Spanish-inspired menu from Canary Bar, visit the website or head over to the striking canary yellow shipping container and grab yourself a seat inside, you won't miss it.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
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 -
5th September 2022 
