Aldi is launching a range of mystery hot cross buns, and there’s a cash prize up for grabs if you correctly guess the flavours.
Easter may be more than a month away at this point, but chocolate eggs, themed sweet treats, and, of course, hot cross buns are already stacked on supermarket shelves nationwide – with loads of different varieties to choose from.
Long gone are the days when the traditional current spiced hot cross buns are all you could find, as now there’s everything from chocolate orange and coffee, to lemon, blueberry, and even chilli cheese to try out.
But would you be brave enough to try a mystery hot cross bun?
Aldi launches mystery hot cross buns and you can win £1,000 if you guess the flavours / Credit: Sarah Horrigan
In what is thought to be the first taste challenge of its kind by a supermarket, Aldi is giving shoppers the chance to win £1,000 worth of shopping vouchers if they manage to correctly guess the secret flavour of its three limited-edition hot cross buns.
Launching in Aldi stores every Thursday for three weeks starting this Thursday (20 March), the mystery hot cross buns will come in eye-catching colourful packaging to tempt daring shoppers to put their taste buds to the test.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is pick up a pack of mystery hot cross buns, at just 99p for a two-pack, then spend some time tasting, smelling, and pondering over what the flavour may be, before submitting your guesses to guesstheflavour@aldi.co.uk.
You must be over 18 to enter, and can only enter once per flavour of hot cross bun.
There’ll be three winners in total, one for each mystery flavour, who’ll be chosen at random from correct entries.
Shoppers have until just before midnight on 6 April to get their entries in.
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.
Emily Sergeant -
18th March 2025 
