It’s no secret that we’ve been big fans of Homeboy Pizza Co. since they were born in the darker times of lockdown.
And whilst we adore seeing them and tucking into their slices at popular neighbourhood hangouts such as Roland's Green Room (as well as basically every festival during the summer), they'll now be cooking up a storm at their very own spot on Burley Road.
Taking over from another fantastic indie, Harpos Pizza, Harry and the team will be firing up the pizza oven from Saturday 1 June and one thing's for sure, the menu is going to be a blinder.
And if you're not familiar with the delicious pies that Homeboy Pizza Co. are slinging out then first of all, where have you been? And secondly, allow us to fill you in.
Known for their incredible Detroit-style slices, you can expect thick layers of toppings on a chunky base all encapsulated with crispy cheese.
But not only that, they're known for their weird and wonderful toppings which creates a pizza unlike any other you'll find in the city.
Fan favourite flavours include ‘Tropic Thunder’, featuring fresh pineapple, zingy chilli, jalapeños, pickled onion and salsa verde as well as the ‘Paul Phoenix’ with smokey nduja, piquante peppers, fermented chilli, vodka sauce, candied jalapeño.
These aren’t just your average pizzas, their inventive ingredients elevate them to the next level and will leave you going back for more and more.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Harpos said: "Harry not only produces the best pizza’s in Leeds, he is also a really great guy and we wish him all the very best in his new venture.
"We would like to thank all our amazing, loyal and brilliant customers for all their support, we couldn’t have done it without you. Homeboy Pizza Co. will be launching from the 1st of June with the existing Harpo’s team so please show him some love!!"
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Clementine Hall -
15th May 2024 
