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.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Sophie Smith -
15th April 2022 
