A handful of UK supermarkets have already started stocking the shelves with Easter chocolate, and shoppers are losing their minds over it.
We may be in the middle of the so-called ‘twixmas’ period right about now, with Christmas Day almost seeming like a distant memory, our minds casting forward to the new year, and nobody really having any idea what day it is… but surely time hasn’t fast forward to spring already?
Well, a walk around your local supermarket might have you thinking otherwise.
The immediate days following the big day itself is usually when we see shops slash the price of the remaining Christmas chocolate in a bid to try and shift it off the shelves, and it usually means you can grab yourself a bargain if you’ve still got some sugar cravings to satisfy.
Well, @Tesco - the man hasn't even been born yet and we've already rolled out the Easter Eggs - this is consumerism at its best. Not even 2025 yet ffs . pic.twitter.com/VIZZE7Lskg
But once again this year though, just like in years previous , it appears as though some supermarkets might’ve skipped this step all together and moved straight on to selling Easter chocolate.
Bags of Cadbury Mini Eggs, boxes filled to the brim with Creme Eggs, and lots of other Easter treats have been spotted on the shelves at several supermarkets nationwide, and it’s fair to say it’s left people a shocked and confused.
Many have been taking to social media to share their thoughts on the madness.
Sure, we all know us Brits do love to complain, but we can probably all agree that this time it’s warranted, right?
“It’s not even the new year and the Easter chocolate is out. Why?,” one person wrote on X, while another added on a similar note: “It’s happened already, the local stores have just put their Easter eggs out next to the Christmas gifts.”
Some, on the other hand, seem to be a little more excited at the arrival of Easter chocolate and are even planning on “stockpiling” their favourites.
“Is it too soon to start stockpiling Easter eggs? That chocolate just hits different,” one person said.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
31st December 2024 
