A pub in north Leeds has been crowned ‘Best Pub Garden’ in the UK at The Great British Pub Awards 2025.
And it's not the first time they've won the award, so you know it must be true.
The Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood won the coveted prize for ‘Best Pub Garden’ at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards this Wednesday 24 September, impressing the judges with its expansive outdoor space.
The awards were held at our very own First Direct Bank Arena.
The Great British Pub Awards celebrates the very best in the pub industry, with hundreds of venues across the country competing in a variety of categories.
Back in 2020, the Myrtle Tavern transformed its outdoor space into a “secret garden” featuring a big screen for films and sport screenings.
And it clearly did the trick, as bookings came flooding in and come rain or shine you’ll see punters flocking to Meanwood to enjoy the space with couple of pints.
The huge space holds up to 400 people and features a huge marquee, heated lodge, pond and play area.
Scott Westlake, publican of The Myrtle Tavern said: "We’re so proud to have been recognised again on a national stage – it’s a testament to our team’s hard work and passion, and especially to my dad Pete, who, since retiring, has devoted countless hours to tending and caring for the garden along with his brother Mick and their friend John.
“It really is a labour of love, and we’re thrilled that our guests and the industry can see that too.”
Known for their delicious Sunday roasts and small plates, it’s a great spot to settle down in after a long walk or while away an afternoon in the sunshine.
To find out more about the Myrtle Tavern and to book a table, take a look at their website.
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 -
26th September 2025 
