Kirkstall road favourite POCO has revealed plans to open a second site in Leeds and we're very excited about it.
First opened in 2018 by the team behind popular Italian kitchen Culto in Meanwood, it's developed a big following for its different flavoured arancini, as well as dishes like focaccine, fried Sicilian calzone and Pizza Al Taglio.
Sicilian street food treats on display in the window at POCO's original store on Kirkstall Road / Image: POCO
But that's not all they do - not by a long way. As well as a host of gorgeous savoury treats, they've also developed quite the reputation for their sweets, which range from classic cannolis and warm brioche filled with gelatp, to sweet arancini balls and oven-baked bombolones.
Honestly, every single thing they create here looks incredible. So we can understand why there's a lot of demand in Leeds for a second POCO opening.
A selection of sweet Sicilian treats including bombolone donuts - filled with Vanilla, Chocolate, Pistachio, Nutella cream and even with Whiskey and Bailey’s sometimes / Image: POCO
The POCO team announced their big news this week, encouraging their followers to guess where the new site will be in order to win a yummy prize.
Sharing the news on Instagram on Monday 9 August, they said: "Poco Number 2 is coming to Leeds!"
"Yes guys, this is happening.
"After over three years since opening our first shop on Kirkstall Road, we are finally ready to expand and bring Poco to a new location in Leeds.
Sweet Sicilian arancini balls with pistachio, almond and Nutella / Image: POCO
"We’ve got the keys now and can’t wait to transform this beautiful space into your favourite Sicilian street food destination 😉 Fingers crossed, we’ll be open in a month or so.
"Also, the first person to guess right where Poco Nr. 2 will be located will get a yummy prize from us
Guesses in the comments so far are limited to Headingley, but there are no obvious congratulations in POCO's reply so we're guessing it's not going to be there.
A special birthday request: POCO's moist Italian sponge with vanilla cream loaded with fresh seasonal berries and homemade profiteroles filled with cream / Image: POCO
It shouldn't be too long to wait now until the location is revealed, though.
TO keep up to date with the new opening, make sure to follow POCO on Instagram if you don't already.
Summer is here and the sun has got its hat on, so there's only one place for it.
It's not often that it's hot enough to sit outside and enjoy a cold, crisp pint here in England.
So when it is, we've got to take advantage of it and spend as much time as possible basking in that sweet sunshine.
We've chosen 10 of our favourite beer gardens and rooftop bars for you to gather with your mates, have a couple pints and soak up those rays. Just promise us you won't forget your suncream.
Green Room
36 Wellington St, LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Lees
Whether it be a weekday or weekend, Green Room's sprawling roof terrace right in the centre of town is always busy and buzzing with an electric atmosphere.
Here you'll find pints from local breweries, cocktails, spritzes as well as live DJs and foodie popups.
Waterlane Boathouse
Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Fancy a pint with a lovely chilled atmosphere and relaxing canal side views? Waterlane Boathouse is the one for you.
There's plenty of seats in their beer garden meaning you won't be waiting long if it's full, and there's always some banging drink offers on too so you can get more booze for your buck.
Belgrave Music Hall
Cross Belgrave St, LS2 8JP
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this one is an absolute classic, especially for the students - but all for good reason.
Their rooftop terrace offers plenty of spaces for large groups around painted picnic benches, parasols and pergolas cover the immediate sunlight so that basking in the heat is manageable without having to keep your sunnies on all afternoon. You've have to walk a fair amount of steps to get to the top though, but it's well worth it.
The Original Oak
2 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2DG
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The Original Oak in Headingley is a favourite for all ages, but if you’re a student looking for some sports action, you’ll feel quite at home at this Otley Run stop.
You can catch the latest Leeds United games throughout the rest of the season in the sunlight as the pub shows all the sports on their huge outdoor TV screen and you can bet that there will be plenty of space for you to join the crowd.
Headrow House
19a The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just like Belgrave, Headrow House has a rooftop beer garden that offers panoramic city views.The beer garden is decked out with greenery between the picnic benches and truly does offer an intimate hiding place from the city centre down below.
They've also always got some great DJs playing, so if you're looking for a spot to transition from day to night - this is the one.
Whitelock's Ale House
Turk's Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds' oldest pub, Whitelock's Ale House, is tucked away off Briggate at Turk's Head Yard. Here you'll find a gorgeous terrace with wooden booths that are decorated with festoon lighting and covers for if the heavens open. Which let's be honest, is a regular occurance.
Beck and Call
Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Nestled in lovely Chapel Allerton, the Beck and Call is a proper family pub with a sprawling beer garden. No frills, great drinks and plenty of room to soak up the sun. What more could you want?
A Nation of Shopkeepers
26-27 Cookridge St, LS2 3AG
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Nation of Shopkeepers' beer garden is one of the worst kept secrets in Leeds, but given it's a full courtyard's worth of outdoor drinking space right in the heart of the city, it's not exactly a surprise that everyone loves drinking here.
Serving up food and drink into the early hours basking in the sun trap or sheltering from a midday shower under the umbrella and pergola, this is an ideal day drinking spot for all weather in Leeds.
Piglove by the River
Clarence Rd, LS10 1EE
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a real beer fan, then get yourself to Piglove Brewery where just outside of town you'll find a sunny oasis that'll have you feeling like you're outside of Leeds entirely.
Their riverside taproom right next to the River Aire features riverside benches for the sunny days and a heated indoor area for the rainier ones, open from Wednesday to Sunday.
White Cloth Hall
27 Crown Street, LS2 7DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds' newest all-day drinking and dining destination, White Cloth Hall, has a lovely sun-drenched terrace for you to enjoy. This is a fab spot if you fancy some fabulous street food, from Mexican tacos and steak sandwiches to charcuterie boards and fluffy focaccia pizza slices.
The drinks are also class too, with a great wine list and plenty of expertly crafted cocktails to choose from.
Leeds is set to be transformed into a huge interactive game of Trivial Pursuit this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursuit arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
The famous board game is being brought to life as LeedsBID transforms the city centre into a live version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter.
And a few famous Leeds faces are helping to make it happen.
Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 30 August 2026 and is completely free, players embark on journey across the city centre, travelling from category to category and testing their knowledge of Leeds. Correct answers earn wedges, and once all six are collected, players face a final question to complete the game.
Key locations represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports and Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art and Literature.
Central to the game will be the stories and achievements that have shaped Leeds over four centuries, from the origins of Marks & Spencer to a connection with the first British internet provider.
An array of well-known personalities are involved, appearing digitally to look back and look ahead at the city’s notable events.
Leeds-born presenter and podcaster Alex Zane, historian Ruth Goodman, and commentator Daniel Norcross each take on Entertainment, History, and Sports & Leisure, telling the stories behind the people, places, and moments that define Leeds.
Angela Griffin says: “LeedsBID have come up with a fun and engaging way to introduce visitors to the Leeds story through Trivial Pursuit, and I was happy to play a part in some of this trivia this summer, which is a real honour as a Loiner.”
Sara Merritt, Principal Keeper, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Discovery Centre. “Leeds City Museum is excited to host TRIVIAL PURSUIT as part of Leeds400 this summer, offering visitors a fun and interactive way to celebrate knowledge, curiosity, and everything that makes Leeds unique.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th August 2021 
