The city's best cheese and charcuterie specialists are opening their third site.
For those looking for a lunchtime spot for a cheesy sarnie or fancy shopping for a proper foodie feast, these guys have got all the sweet, savoury and alcoholic ingredients you might need.
Not only that, but The Cheesy Living Co. has made a name for itself for being a great spot to enjoy a glass of natural wine alongside delicious small plates and cracking Sunday roasts.
As one of Leeds’ most exciting lockdown success stories, The Cheesy Living Co. has gone from strength-to-strength in the past few years having started in their flat to opening a spot in the Corn Exchange and then a site in Oakwood – and now, they’re expanding again.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the news on Instagram last night, owners Jake and Soph said:
"Words don’t exist to tell you how grateful I am for everything 2024 has given us…
Last night we got to celebrate 1 whole year of being open in Oakwood, and you can trust we’ll be normalising ‘Lasagne Parties’ being more of a thing going forward.
Our team, our regulars, you’re all just the best people in the world because you allow us to keep on doing this.
3 and a half years & we’ve taken it from our city centre flat in the middle of a lockdown, to 2 bricks & mortar cheesy hangouts.
Cheese shop? Deli? Whatever you wanna call it, it’s like home to us now.
So 2025 - new year, same us, but in the words of @davinamccall… fancy another one? 🤝🏼"
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well well well, this is some very exciting news to kickstart the New Year with.
And although we don't have any information yet, we'll be waiting patiently to find out what area of Leeds is getting its cheesy fix.
To find out more and to keep up to date with the opening, keep a beady eye on their socials.
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 -
2nd January 2025 
