The ninth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this weekend.
From Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 June 2024, over 220 tattoo artists will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there'll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
It's a fantastic opportunity to get a tattoo from some of the best artists from across the UK and abroad, browse the markets for unique items of clothing, homeware and more.
New for this year, the Alt Wedding Fair pop-up will showcase over 15 of the very best non traditional wedding suppliers to help plan your unique wedding.
Another new feature of this year’s expo is Monster Art Fair, a new market area dedicated to showcasing artists, illustrators and creatives from all across Yorkshire.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
Don't fancy a tattoo? No problem, why not get your tooth bedazzled by Bobby Dazzler Tooth Gems or adorn your body with intricate henna with Leeds Henna.
Holy Ghost Piercing will be on hand to give you a brand new piercing or Blue Collar Barbering are there to give you a fresh new trim.
There will be tattoo competitions and drawing classes over the weekend as well as a live podcast on Sunday and incredible sideshows from sword swallowing and escapology to watch whilst you're wandering through the expo.
Tickets are £16.25 for the day or £22.25 for the whole weekend, and you can buy your tickets here.
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 -
20th June 2024 
