Beloved city centre food and drink spot White Cloth Hall is celebrating its very first year with a big birthday bash for the bank holiday.
With no tickets required and completely free entry too, we guess that's your weekend plans sorted.
It's almost hard to believe that the food hall and vibrant venue for local independent traders is soon to mark 12 whole months of serving Leeds, but we will say we've had some pretty incredible dishes, cocktails and created great memories here already.
With that in mind, there's really only one place this August bank holiday weekend, as far as we're concerned.
Inviting natives and daytrippers from around Yorkshire to join them on the terrace this Sunday, specifically, they're dubbing it "an outdoor party not to be missed."
When it comes to feeding the 5,000, popular grill and oyster bar, Lupton’s Chop House, will be cooking up a special birthday BBQ and even slinging out birthday cake for the punters to enjoy.
As for entertainment, there'll be live sets from Leeds DJ and music collective, Bomb the Twist (consisting of Ratty the Sly, Fig by Four and Mia Eden), as well as plenty more tunes all day long.
White Cloth Hall General Manager, Jacob Monks - who recently took charge of the venue - said ahead of the exciting event: "As White Cloth Hall celebrates its first birthday, I’m delighted to have recently stepped into the role of General Manager.
"It’s an exciting milestone, and I look forward to building on the success of this first year and creating many more memorable moments in the year ahead."
Sharing a simple statement/rally call ahead of the festivities, White Cloth have just one message: "Expect great tunes, good times and party vibes all day long."
Now, of course, the ever-bustling Crown Street spot will be good value all weekend long, but the official 'White Cloth Hall Bank Holiday Birthday Party' is set for Sunday, 24 August only.
Getting underway from 1pm and wrapping up around 9pm, we'll see you there.
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.
Danny Jones -
20th August 2025 
