How to join, what to expect and how to get in touch...
Incase you missed the memo on our socials over the past few weeks, we've been texting the people of Leeds and beyond twice a week.
Every Monday and Friday, around 4-6pm, we send out a WhatsApp broadcast message with all the best things you can up to in Leeds that week or weekend.
The idea is that a member of our team (usually our Social Exec, Fran) will drop you a message with all the best things to do in Leeds - expect a bit of news, foodie recommendations, new openings and everything in between.
Take a look below to see what the Whatsapp message you'll receive will look like...
How to sign up
To sign up, you must save The Hoot's phone number +447507689583 and send us a WhatsApp saying “hi ”.
From there, you must add us as a contact to receive our weekly message - and that's it! We'll do the rest to make sure you receive a message from us twice a week.
You can add yourself any time of the day or night, and from this point you'll be added to the next broadcast list. For instance, if you add us on a Wednesday, your first message will be on the Friday.
to receive our broadcasts for next week and take a look at all the cool stuff we’ve been talking about over on WhatsApp over the last few months
I've changed my mind
If you've decided you no longer want to be messaged from The Hoot, all you need to do is send a message to The Hoot phone - +447507689583, and we'll remove you from our broadcast list.
It's no fuss, and means you can easily test out our Whatsapp broadcasts without worrying about getting bombarded with messages if you decide it's not for you.
Have any more questions?
You can actually message us on Whatsapp if you have any further questions about the broadcast message. Alternatively, drop us a DM on Instagram and a member of our team will get back to you.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / Unsplash
Leeds
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
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.
The Hoot -
27th December 2023 
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