A little sandwich shop in Leeds has been crowned the 'best in the north' for the second year running.
Country Crust in Chapel Allerton received the award for 'Sandwich shop of the year' at the 2021/22 Prestige Awards - taking home a certificate noting them as '2 x' winners.
Known across Leeds for its specially-cured bacon and superb menu of cakes and hot drinks, the cute little cafe was bought by husband and wife team Michelle and Jason Burns on a whim seven years ago - and it's proven a great investment, not just for the couple but for the local community, too.
The pair both built their careers in the corporate world, with Jason previously working for a big gourmet baking company based in Hull. However, after a few glasses of wine, they discovered the Facebook listing for the cafe and decided to go for it.
History, as they say, was made.
Initially run by Jason and their daughter, today it is a fully-fledged family affair with Michelle leaving her day job to join the team three years prior.
They pride themselves on supporting local businesses, sourcing nearly 90% of their stock from neighbouring suppliers.
Still, there’s one product, in particular, that keeps pulling people back in – and that’s their specially cured bacon. Acquired specially from some friends in Scunthorpe, Country Crust is the only place to sell it;
Image: Country Crust
The cafe also sells baked potatoes, salad boxes and loads of Lincolnshire sausages alongside a range of hot and cold drinks and top-notch sarnies.
Nominated anonymously, Michelle and Jason collected their second award this week and are "absolutely thrilled" to have scooped the gong not once now but twice.
After sharing the news to their business Facebook page, followers were quick to congratulate them, with one saying: "15+ years since this was my local buttie shop, but whenever I’m in the area or passing I’ll call for a sarnie "
Another added: "Love this place! X excellent food great staff. Well done to everyone."
Feature image - Country Crust
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Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
21st September 2021 
