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This Leeds craft beer store stock over 900 varieties after transforming corner shop
The Singh family once stocked three types of lager, along with newspapers and groceries, but their former corner store now stocks a haven of craft beers.
Transforming a former post office and off-licence into a craft beer specialists store with over 900 varieties availablehas put the Singh family business, Raynville Superstore, on the map in Leeds.
A single grumbling customer's comment was all it took for the Singh's family-run corner shop to transform from a traditional corner store to a craft beer specialist recognised across the UK.
Originally a post office, the store was transformed into a bog-standard corner store in 2008: think your standard off-licence with limited groceries, newspapers and Carling, Carlsberg and Stella as the only lager options.
The Singh family have owned Raynville Superstore building for over 50 years, passing the line of work down through generations.
It was Johnny Singh, whose grew up watching his parents working the store that decided to make a switch after a customer complained there were 'no decent beers'.
The business are always keen for feedback and this was an opportunity to dabble in something "more interesting" than the standard stock shipped into the store.
Since making the investment into craft beers in 2013, the Singh family have now depleted their other stock so that they can focus entirely on selling their speciality alcohol.
The store operates through online orders that can then be collected from the Armley store. / Image: Tom Joy
The store now has over 900 varieties available and compete in a completely new market but it is their online store is what has made them a success across the UK.
Customers recognise Raynville Superstore as a leader in providing high-quality stock for reasonably low prices and has led to deliveries across the country: from Aberdeen to Brighton.
During the first wave of the pandemic, the store switched to online-only orders and although customers can now collect their goods in person, the same method of ordering online has stayed.
The company believe that this is a more beneficial way for the company to run. Their success meant that customers were queuing for 10-15 minutes to pay upon their visit, so ordering in advance has helped to reduce wait times.
Staying local is still important to Raynville Superstore and the Singh family will happily collect beers for the 'older regulars' when they knock on the window.
It' not just customers that the family are attracting; Kirkstall Brewery, Northern Monk and North Brewing Company are all important to the craft beer store. The Singh's believe in supporting local breweries and value independent businesses that allow them to store such an eclectic variety of lagers.
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
‘This recognition belongs to you’ – Leeds restaurant added to the Michelin Guide just months after opening
Clementine Hall
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Sophie Smith -
21st October 2021 
