McDonald’s has brought back the £1.99 Happy Meal to feed hungry kids and help families keep costs low this summer.
It doesn’t seem that long ago since you could walk into your nearest Maccies and grab your little ones an iconic Happy Meal box for less than £2, does it?
Sadly now though, as the rising cost of living crisis continues to make its impact felt for millions of families across the UK, you’re looking at parting ways with close to £3.49 for the fast food meal and toy instead.
The good news is, with schools across Leeds and the rest of the country set to break up for six full weeks from this week, that £3.49 price has been slashed for the summer, and is now available to make the most of.
That’s right – from now right up until next Wednesday (31 July), the £1.99 Happy Meal is back, and all you’ll need to do to get your hands on one is download and order via the McDonald’s app.
Offering parents, carers, and guardians an up to 40% reduction on the average price of the Happy Meal, the popular fast food retailer says it wants its limited-time offer to “bring smiles to the faces of families across the country this summer”.
McDonald’s has brought £1.99 Happy Meals back for a limited time only this summer / Credit: Rawpixel | Pexels
App users will be eligible for one £1.99 Happy Meal per day.
Kids can choose from either Chicken McNuggets, Fish Fingers, or Veggie Dippers for their main, and then pair that with a side of either and Apple and Grape bag or a Carrot Bag, before picking from a handful of drinks options including water, milk, or a Fruit Shoot.
And what’s a Happy Meal without a toy, right?
Well, for the current Happy Meal – which is now available, and runs up until 27 August – McDonald’s has partnered with ILLUMINATION Pictures especially to celebrate the highly-anticipated release of Despicable Me 4 to offer a Minions-themed box and toy and activities selection.
£1.99 Happy Meals are available to order on the McDonald’s App at all branches across the UK up until Wednesday 31 July.
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 -
23rd July 2024 
