Famed for its outrageous flavours and stacked patties, Fat Hippo is already a local favourite over in Headingley.
And now, another hippo could be coming to town as planning permission has been submitted for another site on Boar Lane.
Fat Hippo Group has applied to take over part of a grade II-listed building at 23 Boar Lane and turn it into a restaurant.
They've applied to convert the site, making alterations to the empty ground floor and basement near Leeds train station.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds City Council will now consider the planning application which is part of the City Centre Conservation Area.
The restaurant is famous for its signature PB& double J burgers, which combine all the comfort of your favourite childhood sandwich with two big, beefy patties encased with chunky peanut butter, American cheese, bacon jam and smoked chilli jello in a brioche bun.
Other must-tries include a ‘Hangover III’ burger with buttermilk chicken, smoked bacon and American cheese with pickles, ranch and BBQ sauce, and a monstrous ‘4×4’ burger which has – you guessed it – a whopping four patties inside, plus Fat Hippo’s signature burger sauce, American cheese and smoked bacon.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The report by John Taylor Architects claims the building's internal works would not harm any historical features of the grade II-listed site.
The report said: "The site is within a sustainable location and appears to be a natural fit for the proposed use....The decorative framed plaster ceiling with decorative cross beams will be fully retained and exposed."
“Internally, the premises will be fitted out to provide a high quality, modern, fit-for-purpose restaurant.”
We'll keep you up to date with all decisions but in the mean time, you can have a look at Fat Hippo's menu 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 -
17th February 2025 
