IKEA meets sourdough and marmite meets garlic bread- the genius menu from one of Leeds latest lockdown success stories.
If you visited Chow Down or just about any indie pop-up in Leeds this past year, you're likely to have stumbled across Homeboy Pizza Co., a pizza company with some of the most outrageous flavoured pizzas in Leeds.
We're not just talking about throwing on some 'nduja or giving it a funky name, these guys are making pizzas out of this world- and must be some of the first of their kind.
The Dillmatic is a dill and onion creamy based pizza with mozzarella, Lengonberry Jam, Parmesan and topped with Swedish meatballs or mushrooms, depending on your preference- and sounds like it came straight from the IKEA food canteen.
Of course, it's far from a canteen meal, all pizzas are cooked in an Ooni pizza oven and catering to the masses at pop-ups and restaurant takeovers around Leeds.
The Homeboys announced their winter menu by stating: "We know you people love those goddam meatballs from that Norwegian furniture store so we slapped em on a pizza with some LENGonberry Jam, jheeeeze."
The unique combos don't stop there. The Neapolitan Dynamite, which is available to order on the weekends via Deliveroo, has Vimto pickled onions on it, as well as 'nduja San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte Mozzarella.
The Yeastie Boys garlic bread is just as wild, made up of Marmite, garlic butter, basil and Fior di Latte Mozzarella- either you'll love it or hate it, but either way it'll get you talked.
The Notorious ‘Doner McGregor’ has been a previous success and is one of the tastiest doner meat pizzas we've ever seen. Made up of homemade lamb doner, pickled onions, pomegranate seeds and parsley- these guys clearly know the way to our hearts and stomachs.
The Homeboys is another of our city's lockdown success stories and it's clear that their experimental style and creative flair is continuing to allow them to cook up a storm in the city and beyond.
"We saw an opportunity during the great lockdown of 2020 to create some of the best Sourdough pizza in Yorkshire. We do strictly sourdough, Neapolitan style pizzas with creative, ever changing toppings and our pizza names come with a strong and powerful hip hop theme.
"If you've had a chance to try one of our pies, you'll know how much of a sensation they are in the gob. If you haven't, head to our instagram and reserve your slot for the weekend."
To get your order in, you'll have to wait until the weekend begins to get your order in on Deliveroo or head over to the Homeboy Pizza Co. Instagram page to find out where their next pop-up will be.
Feature Image- The Homeboy Pizza Co.
Leeds
An Italian-American ‘paninoteca’ and diner serving stacked subs has opened in Leeds
The team behind Stuzzi - one of Leeds’ best-loved Italian restaurants - have opened up a brand-new sandwich shop.
Introducing La Grassa, the new concept from Stuzzi Leeds co-founders Jimbob Phillips and Brett Lee, that just a few weeks ago opened up inside Amity Brew Co. over in Farsley.
La Grassa is a new Italian-American ‘Paninoteca’ and diner concept, where you can get your hands on paninos filled with house-made meats, cheeses and glossy sauces. But be warned, your hands may get a bit messy whilst doing so.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're open afternoon and evening, so whether you fancy a quick sandwich whilst exploring Sunny Bank Mills or tucking into some hearty grub alongside a few pints from the brewery, they've got you covered.
Sandwich wise you can opt for a 'Hero' which is your classic semolina sub stuffed with either grilled pork and greens, pork and veal meatballs or crispy buttermilk chicken tossed in a creamy Caesar salad.
Or you can get your sub grilled and pressed with fillings like dry aged beef and peppers or your classic grilled cheese with hot honey.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They've also got potato rolls filled with very naughty deep fried mozzarella, basil pesto and marinara sauce. One thing's for certain, you won't leave here hungry.
If you're after something sweet they've got a selection of soft serve on the menu, perfect for soaking in the sunshine this summer.
If you don't fancy a sandwich you can get the fried mozz and the meatballs on their own, and on Sundays the menu gets a special roast revamp where all subs come with crispy, herby potatoes. Yum.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This is a great addition to Leeds and it seems like you lot are loving it as much as we do, with the space being full to the brim with hungry punters ever since they opened their doors back in March.
So get yourself to Amity for a few pints and check out the deliciousness that La Grassa has to offer. Bellissimo.
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
Clementine Hall
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Sophie Smith -
11th January 2022 
