Thinkyou've done afternoon tea? Think again. Yard and Coop have the ultimate three-tiered chicken feast that's changing the meaning of high tea.
Afternoon tea: usually a rather formal affair, complete with British scones (however you choose to pronounce them), clotted cream and some good old Yorkshire tea. The China is expensive and so are the tickets for a spot at the table.
For many of us, the idea of afternoon tea sounds thoroughly enjoyable, but do we really want to work our way through finger sandwiches and being very polite to our neighbouring tables? Not exactly. We want a chilled out affair to devour some delicious food with our mates.
Yard and Coop must have heard our prayers for an afternoon tea revolution and have the ideal solution: fried chicken afternoon tea.
From the people that brought Leeds ice cream chicken burgers, Yard & Coop are offering a three-tiered buttermilk feast with their signature chicken breast, dirty bird style.
Work your way up the tiers and find a tasty treat on each layer. On the bottom, you'll find a dirty bird made for two: a huge bowl of fries, loaded with cheese sauce, buttermilk fried chicken and crispy bacon. Dip into Dr Pepper BBQ and blue cheese sauces, but make sure there's room for more: this is only course one.
Yard & Coop have truly reinvented afternoon tea, with not a scone in sight. / Image: Yard & Coop
Rather like a middle child, the centre layer of the afternoon tea will grab your attention quickly. Take your pick of mini buttermilk fried chicken burgers with adobo chilli mayo, Grandma's stuffing balls and amaizeballs. Dunk in some homemade chicken gravy and a selection of Korean sauces for the ultimate chicken dinner.
Reinventing the finger cakes and scones from a traditional afternoon tea, Yard & Coop have left their top tier for those with a sweet tooth. An assortment of cupcakes are complemented by fresh strawberries, chocolate dipping sauce and a mountain of marshmallows.
No afternoon tea is complete without a glass of something boozy. With a selection of gin available and included in the price, it would be rude not to take advantage of the varieties available. All drinks are served in a huge balloon glass to ensure that you receive a generous serving.
The Yard & Coop afternoon tea is available every day of the week, costing £25 per person. Just make sure to book in advance to avoid missing out on one of the tastiest afternoon tea options in Leeds city centre.
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.
Sophie Smith -
12th October 2021 
