There's two drag brunches to get involved in this bank holiday.
Each held at one of Manahatta's New-York-inspired bars, the Manahatta Drag Jubilee brunch is a two hour bottomless experience with entertainment from queens aplenty.
Priced from just £35, Manahatta Headingley will be the first to host the Drag Queen affair on Thursday 2 June 2022 from 7pm whilst Manahatta Merrion Street will ensure that anyone unable to attend the weekday event don't miss out at their 2pm bottomless on Sunday 5 May 2022.
The innovative bar space is no stranger to a bottomless and their NYC menu has become a must-try for all discerning Leeds foodies, most notably, the return of the huge Empire State Chicken stack has caused quite a commotion.
The lunch and dinnertime option comes as a towered stack of crisp coated chicken, waffles, American cheese, purple slaw and maple syrup, with a serving of barbecue sauce or thick gravy to pour over the stack and fries. Thick, juicy and tender- this is the ultimate chicken dinner inspired by the USA.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The rest of the upgraded options (which cost an additional £5) are light, summer-inspired options that are bursting with zesty flavour- perfect for a pit stop between dance moves.
The halloumi fajitas here are just as colourful as the decor and packed with flavour: create your own combinations using sizzling slices of halloumi, toasted wraps and a whole host of toppings like tomato salsa, guac and bright salads.
To accompany these delicious offerings, Manahatta has a vast selection of cocktails included in their bottomless brunch offering.
There’s free-flowing fizz in the form of Prosecco and four different types of spritz. In addition to your usual Aperol Spritz, brunchers can opt to clink glasses of Wild Berry, Orchard Apple or Orange Blush, mixing and matching throughout the ninety minute sitting.
Although Manahatta regularly offers a bottomless brunch experience day and evening, this Drag Brunch night will be a one-off themed version held exclusively over Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend.
Feature Image- Manahatta
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 -
26th May 2022 
