Free 18 inch pizzas for an entire year? Now that is a lot of Homeboy.
When we heard the news that Leeds legends Homeboy Pizza Co. were opening up their first ever takeaway, we quite simply couldn't contain our excitement.
Whilst we adore seeing them and tucking into their slices at popular neighbourhood hangouts such as Roland’s and Green Room (as well as basically every festival during the summer), it'll be great to see them cooking up a storm over on Burley Road in their very own place.
And we don't have long to wait now either, as Homeboy Pizza Co. is officially opening its doors this Friday 7 June - just in time for your Friday night takeaway.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their new spot will be blessing us with New York-style pizzas with toppings like chilli vodka sauce, slow cooked ratatouille and hot honey pulled chicken.
As well as garlic bread, wings and loaded fries - feeling hungry? Us too.
Better yet, to celebrate this exciting new opening we're giving one of you lot the chance to win FREE pizza for an entire year.
You'll receive one 18 inch pizza of your choice every month for a whole year, as well as two trendy Homeboy pizza t shirts.
The competition ends next Tuesday 11 June, and you can enter here over on our Instagram page.
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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
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.
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 -
5th June 2024 
