POCO Sicilian is known around Leeds for its irresistible selection of Italian treats, but these seasonal specials are safely pronouncing the two stores as the real Easter bunnies.
Located in just outside in the city centre in Kirkstall and Headingley, much-loved Sicilian street food POCO is the Italian deli-style takeout that rivals any and all takeaway options in Leeds.
With flavours straight from the motherland, the indie business has carved a reputation for fresh flavours with irresistible sweet and savoury options that change by the day- and that's before the seasonal specials have been introduced to the menu.
Image: POCO Sicilian
This Easter, you can get your hands on Italian Easter eggs. Taking the humble chocolatey treat and giving the recipe a much-needed makeover, POCO has reimagined the special, stuffing the chocolate case with delicious flavours.
The secret recipe to the dessert selection is kept under-wraps, so much so that the company is yet to announce the flavours online. On Instagram, POCO is currently giving away six Italian Easter eggs to the person that can guess the flavours of their new collection simply from a sneak-preview shot.
The Italian Easter egg collection will feature alongside an Easter Feast box and will be available for collection from both stores all weekend long.
For those with a savoury palatte, there might not be Easter-themed pizza slices, but there's plenty more authentic Sicilian treats to choose from to curb your cravings.
Pizza flavours here are imaginative. Think spicy Calabrian ‘Nduja sausage with roast peppers and mozzarella, pear and gorgonzola or even ham and potatoes (and by potatoes, we mean mini fries) across huge oblong slices of pizza; with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to compliment the seemingly never-ending selection.
Image: POCO Sicilian
First opened in 2018 on Kirkstall Road by the team behind popular Italian kitchen Culto in Meanwood, POCO has been serving up different flavoured arancini, as well as dishes like focaccine, fried Sicilian calzone and Pizza Al Taglio and made become a Leeds foodie staple in the process.
Whether you're looking for an Easter-themed lunchtime treat or just want a slice of pizza with a difference, you're in for a treat.
From Friday 15 April - Monday 18 April 2022, boxes of these incredible treats will be available to collect, but with pre-ordering no longer an option, you'd better arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
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.
Sophie Smith -
15th April 2022 
