Chips, cheese and gravy is a proper northern special, no argument there.
We thought we'd perfected the dish, but then we tried poutine. Our familiar takeaway's Canadian cousin, this dish of french fries, gravy and cheese curds may have originated in Quebec but it's become a solid UK favourite in recent years.
If you haven't tried it yet, you've been sorely missing out. Now is your chance, because Huddersfield poutine heroes Spuds & Bro's have just revealed their Leeds pop-up dates for May and you won't want to miss them.
Serving up loaded versions with different toppings, they cater to all diets - veggies and vegans included.
Spuds & Bros
Choices include 'the traditional with mozzarella, homemade gravy and cheese curds, 'the humdinger' with chicken, smoked bacon, halloumi and mushrooms, and 'the vegan one' made with vegan cheese, shawarma strips, fresh tomato, cucumber and sour cream with chives.
They're often seen serving from their food truck on Central Square at lunchtime, normally only appearing for a few hours, which makes them easy to miss.
They'll be back there on Tuesday 11th & 25th between 12-2pm, worth taking note of if you're around that part of town in the week.
Spuds & Bros
The popular poutine masters will also be doing a one night only pop-up at Left Bank from 5pm until late on Friday, 14th May. From what we understand, Hyde Park's students are already marking off the date in their calendars.
Further dates have been confirmed at Leeds Dock, North Bar Social, Seven Arts as well as some locations further afield.
The popular street food traders have also confirmed they'll be reopening their Huddersfield site on May 17th.
A full list of confirmed Leeds dates has been posted to their Facebook page,
Feature image - Spud & Bros
News
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.
Georgina Pellant -
6th May 2021 
