In celebration of their 'new look', the brewery are giving away free pints of their iconic pale ale.
Did someone say free beer?
Yes, Northern Monk did.
The beloved independent brewery, based in Holbeck, have been serving up their iconic beers since 2013 and it's safe to say you don't have to go far to find one of their creations on tap around the city.
Their most famous pale ale Faith is now arguably the best core pale ale in the country, and was what made Northern Monk a household name that we all know and love.
Image: Northern Monk
More recently the brewery has been developing a 'new look', they've changed their logo and re-branded to 'the next chapter of Northern Monk'.
Whilst still undoubtedly recognisable, they've had a bit of a refresh and we've got to say they're looking very smart indeed.
So in celebration of this, they're feeling rather generous and are giving away free pints of Faith across 12 different venues tomorrow.
And four of these are in Leeds.
On Wednesday 21 February 2024, head to any of the venues from 5pm and they'll have a whopping 100 pints to give away to you lovely lot.
The Leeds venues are:
Northern Monk Refectory, Marshall Street
The Northern Market, Great George Street
Whitelocks, Turk's Head Yard
Belgrave Music Hall, Cross Belgrave Street
Announcing the news to social media, Northern Monk said: "Times they are a-changin’...As we enter our 11th year, we’re embarking on the next chapter of Northern Monk. You’ll see some changes unfold in the coming months; join us as we begin to turn the pages.
Image: Northern Monk
"We’re planning a few parties to officially ‘launch’ the new look. Across 12 different venues on Wednesday 21 February. There’s a free pint of Faith in it for you…"
They'll also be giving away pints at venues in Bradford, Manchester, Sunderland, Glasgow and London.
So whatever you've got planned for 5pm tomorrow, cancel it and head to any of these cracking spots and cheers to Northern Monk's new look.
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 February 2024 
