The doors officially opened today to Popeyes' latest drive-thru restaurant in Wakefield.
In the blink of an eye, the colourful orange and blue building has taken shape at Snowhill Retail Park, where hungry diners can pick up meals in the drive-thru or order ahead for curbside collection.
Customers dining in can order through a QR code or touch-screens, before sitting down at one of the many orange booths to tuck into trays piled high with sandwiches, tenders, mac and cheese, and more.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate their grand opening, Popeyes were feeling generous and rewarded the first 100 people in the queue with a free Chicken Sandwich, plus exclusive Popeyes merch.
But as one just isn't enough, the first three people queuing both on foot and in cars won free Chicken Sandwiches for a whole year.
With the doors opening at 11am, you can already imagine the queues forming before the ceremonial ribbon was cut.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it's easy to see why, as the Popeyes fried chicken really is delicious.
Famous for their ‘shatter crunch’ coating and staple items like Southern biscuits and gravy as well as the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich (genuinely lives up to the hype), they’ve also made waves when it comes to breakfast with a very solid morning menu. The Cajun Hash Browns alone are immense.
The new location includes 75 seats indoors and 16 outside, with a car park for customers who would like to dine inside the restaurant.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also a Drive Thru lane, plus specifically designated ‘Park & Serve’ bays, allowing customers to order and be served by the team from the comfort of their vehicle. How class is that?
Popeyes® UK have also announced the launch of a second new Drive-Thru location in Gildersome (they’re really treating us), with opening plans to be revealed very soon.
To find out more about Popeyes® Wakefield & Gildersome, visit the website here.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Clementine Hall -
7th October 2024 
