Leeds is about to get a whole lot fluffier and it's all thanks to our favourite cheesy team.
It's no surprise that we're The Cheesy Living Co.'s biggest fans.
Whatever they do, and whatever they turn their attention to, turns to absolute gold dust. And we're sure this new venture will be no different.
We've only just gotten over the news that they're opening up a new Cheesy over in Pudsey, but now they're opening up another site in Leeds and it's going to be a little bit different - but still as brilliant, obviously.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Fold, a focacceria and bakery that will be providing all the bakes for their numerous sites across the city (which will equal to three once their new spot in Pudsey opens its doors).
And in the future welcoming punters in for fluffy focaccia bakes, coffee and all that good stuff.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, the team said: "We picked up the keys to our new unit today & although there’s loads to do before we’re open for business, here’s a little taste of whats to come...
"@foldfocacceria will be our new much bigger & better ‘in-house’ bakery for all of the bread, bagels & sweet treats that we use / sell across our sites.
"Longer term, we want to open up to the public for grab & go sarnies, coffee & whatever other delicious things our bakery team are making that day + maybe even offer some wholesale products.
"We’re able to do this because people have never stopped supporting us, which is why we feel it’s our duty to try to keep improving & be the best we possibly can.
"It’s still just us, as proudly independent as ever - so to say this is a dream come true would be pretty damn accurate x"
We're absolutely chuffed for them and can't wait to follow along the journey of Fold, we're sure it's going to be completely epic.
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.
Clementine Hall -
25th February 2025 
