This time, Belgrave has picked up on our keen attempts at Veganuary and are hosting a vegan feast for all- and have found the finest vegan chefs around to serve up.
Here's what to expect this Saturday at the Music Hall and Canteen.
Dough Boys are always there when we need them most- often at 11pm after too many pints and not enough food. Grab pizza by the slice this veganuary and test out delicious combinations like What's the Quack? - a vegan duck pizza, and more.
There will also be a Dough Babies session during the vegan feast so that all the family can get involved in the cooking process.
The company shared heartwarming images from their previous Dough Babies session, stating that Dough Babies is "a free drop-in class for little 'uns to get really creative with their pizza toppings! They can absolutely choose whatever crazy combination they like from the selection available, we'll then finish them off in the oven before they can eat/take home for tea".
Image: Dough Boys
Little chefs are invited to head over to Belgrave between 11am and 12pm. There's no need to book in advance, just turn up and create some tasty pizzas just in time for lunch.
The Spicy Biker will be on hand to serve authentic Indian cuisine. Inspired by their mother's kitchen with a spicy biker twist, expect everything from bhaji boxes to curries, chaat bombs and samosa.
The talent behind Kuala Lumpur Cafe in Headingley will be sharing a culinary trip to Malaysia that's a feast for all the senses. With their signature dish Nasi Lemak featured on Masterchef and a published cookbook from their head chef, Norman Musa- expect flavours aplenty.
Baking hot vegan treats, Black Day Bakes is the baker behind cafe favourites like biscoff s'mores brookies at Fika North and more. Expect lineup bigger than Leeds fest from Crystal Black who runs everything from the baking to the social media. We're thinking brownies, cakes and cookies- but the baker hasn't announced the selection available on the day just yet.
Burgers from Patty Smith
Image: Patty Smiths
The Leafeater (pictured above) is just one of the burgers that Patty Smith's have chosen to create after choosing to go vegan for January 2022. Available every day from Belgrave, we all know and love Patty's menu or delicious burgers and huge fries platters but this weekend, but their vegan menu is set to offer a taste of plant-based goodness at the vegan feast this week too.
For the rest of the afternoon, guests can take advantage of free arts, crafts and soft play upstairs in the Snug 11am - 4pm on Saturday 8 January 2022.
For more information, you can read all about Belgrave's vegan feast on their Instagram page.
Feature Image- Patty Smith
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 -
4th January 2022 
