It seems that McDonald's has finally embraced the vegan burger trend, with the fast food giant announcing the release of its new McPlant burger this week.
It all began in early 2019 with a sausage roll. Now, it seems like everyone's at the vegan fast-food game - with big brands from KFC to Burger King getting in on the action.
Better late than never, McDonald's has caught up to the trend at last with the release of this new menu addition - and we expect there's going to be some very excited vegans as a result.
Image: The McPlant burger
Developed in partnership with vegan brand Beyond Meat, the 'McPlant' burger has reportedly been in the works for three years now and has just been certified as vegan by the Vegetarian Society.
The new menu addition mimicks McDonald's popular Quarter Pounder, coming filled with a Beyond Meat patty, ketchup, mustard, vegan special sauce, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese on a vegan sesame-seed bun.
The chain has assured customers that the vegan burgers will be kept separate from its meat and dairy products, and will be cooked on a separate grill to ensure that the vegan meal isn't contaminated with meat.
Staff will also use dedicated utensils for the new plant-based offerings.
McDonald’s signed a three-year partnership with Beyond Meat earlier this year, and it is expected that the McPlant burger is just the first product to come of a range of plant-based offerings - such as plant-based chicken burgers and vegan egg breakfast sandwiches.
Previously only available to try in European countries like Sweden, Denmark and Austria, it's finally landing in Leeds next month as part of a UK-wide rollout.
It will first launch in 10 select McDonald’s locations in Coventry on 29 September, before expanding out to over 250 UK locations on 13 October - with some Leeds sites expected to be included.
It will roll out to all McDonald’s restaurants in the UK fully next year.
News
Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Featured Images - The Sheff (supplied)
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The popular Manchester brunch spot serving all things viral is coming to Leeds
Clementine Hall
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Georgina Pellant -
9th September 2021 
