While the turkey may be the main event on Christmas Day, nothing completes a hearty Christmas dinner quite like the bits on the side, and arguably the best of the best, when it comes to accompaniments, has to be pigs in blankets.
These little sausages wrapped in bacon may have been a staple of festive feasting for decades, but they seem to have shot up in popularity even more so than ever in recent years.
In the weeks leading up to the big day, it’s not uncommon to see pigs in blankets of all shapes and sizes adorning the shelves of every UK supermarket, as well as restaurant menus featuring them aplenty, and unconventional takes on the snack – such as pigs in blankets sushi, toasted sandwiches, and so much more – popping up in every direction.
Image: Aldi
But, in a bid to capitalise on their popularity in a completely new way, you may remember that Aldi launched the UK’s first-ever pigs in blankets restaurant down in London last year.
After becoming a smash-hit success, Aldi has announced that the viral restaurant will be reopening in Shoreditch again this Friday (29 November), and on top of that, the retailer has also announced that it’ll be launching a pigs in blankets delivery service for a limited time only too.
While Leeds residents will sadly not be able to get the meaty treats delivered to their doorsteps, they will be able to apply to win dozens of free pigs in blankets instead.
Aldi unveiled its full Christmas food range for 2024 a couple of months back / Credit: Aldi UK
Starting from this week (25 November), shoppers nationwide will be in with a chance of trying the supermarket’s best pigs in blankets range yet – including the ‘Specially Selected Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets’, and the ‘Ultimate Footlong Vegan Pig in Blanket’ – for completely free of charge by entering the festive giveaway.
All you need to do is send an email over to aldiPIBgiveaway@clarioncomms.co.uk with your name, age, and address, and you could be one of the hundreds given a £5 voucher to get your hands on up to 30 pigs in blankets at your local Aldi store.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
28th November 2024 
