Almost Famous is dishing out free burgers in Leeds this week… but it’s only to the people with the rarest birthday of them all.
Leap Day babies, this one's for you.
It’s estimated that only around 4.1 million people worldwide were born on 29 February – which, of course, is also known as a Leap Day birthday – and if you just so happen to be one of those unfortunate, or in this case fortunate, people here in Leeds then you’ll probably want to get yourself down to Almost Famous this week to celebrate.
That’s because the legendary burger joint is commemorating the special day that only comes around every four years by giving away free burger this Thursday 29 February.
The catch, however, is that you have to have been born on 29 February to claim the freebie.
Rallying up all Leap Day babies on its official social media platforms at the end of last week, Almost Famous wrote: “Calling all Leap Year babies – get a free burger on 29 February with a valid ID proving it’s your birthday. Sometimes the best things only come round every four years.”
Almost Famous’ burgers are known and loved all across the UK, especially here in Leeds, and now, Leap Day babies who’ve missed out on years of celebrating get to reap the birthday benefits.
Image: The Manc Group
So-called ‘leapers’ wanting to bag their bargain burger next Thursday will just need to head on down to one of Almost Famous on Great George Street – and show the staff a valid form of ID that proves they were, in fact, born on that day.
The deal is expected to run all day, from the moment both Almost Famous opens right until they close, and, as far as we can tell, the free burger offer is redeemable across the whole menu, so there’s a wide choice to pick from.
So if you want to make the most of it and be sure you don’t miss out, then get yourself down to Almost Famous next Thursday and get scranning.
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 -
26th February 2024 
