A local Leeds pub has changed its name in honour of United legend Luke Ayling who left the club earlier this month.
Having been with Leeds for seven seasons and playing a key role in the Marcelo Bielsa side that brought the club back to the Premier League, Ayling became more of a firm fan favourite year after year, and this pub in Beeston is yet more proof in the pudding.
The Old Peacock, which sits just a stone's throw away from Elland Road, is the most popular pre and post-match haunt for Leeds fans on matchday, and to pay tribute to the fondly thought of full-back they've decided to temporarily rename themselves.
Dubbing themselves 'The Luke Ale Inn' in his honour — well played — the popular Peacock pub will be known as such for the remainder of the season.
Ayling himself said as much, writing on his Instagram story: "What an honour. Can't wait. to get in and have a pint once the season is over".
Insisting that he is fully focused on kicking at Middlesborough, having joined Michael Carrick's side on loan until the end of the season before presumably leaving permanently after his contract expiry, he clearly can't wait to be back as a punter.
He also assured the pints will be on him when he's back up Yorkshire way. Good lad.
Ayling, 32, has only played a couple of matches for his new team after joining earlier this month but as a veritable Championship veteran at this point will no doubt prove to be a vital senior addition.
Meanwhile, back at Leeds, his departure wasn't taken lightly, with countless players past and present joining the fans in bidding an emotional farewell.
A role model on and off the pitch, renaming a pub after him is the least the Old 'Cock and the Whites could do.
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Danny Jones -
26th January 2024 
