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.
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
The UK’s leading K-pop retailer is opening its first Yorkshire store in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers.
K-pop fans, you're going to love this one.
Soft launching on Friday 22 May, K-pop Korner Leeds will open initially as a pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the north of England.
Recognised as the UK’s leading dedicated K-pop retailer, K-pop Korner stocks official K-pop albums, signed albums, light sticks and rare collectibles imported directly from Korea.
Not only that, but the brand has developed a strong national following through fan events, trading days, concerts and exclusive product launches.
The Leeds opening follows the success of K-pop Korner’s existing stores in London Waterloo, London Euston and Nottingham, with growing demand from fans across Yorkshire and the north driving the expansion.
Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Community has always been at the heart of what we do and we’re looking forward to building a welcoming environment where fans can meet, discover new merchandise, celebrate their favourite artists and enjoy special events together.
“Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step. The Merrion Centre stood out because of its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic city-centre location and strong connection to entertainment and youth culture.
“We want the opening to feel like more than just a store launch. It’s about celebrating K-pop fandom and creating memorable experiences for the local community. We’re especially excited to see fans come together for our opening events and experience the energy and excitement that makes K-pop culture so special.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th August 2021 
