The owners behind one of Leeds' most-loved pubs is bringing a brand new opening to the city centre.
Our very own food and drink hall.
And it's set to bring together a whole host of independents, including Kirkstall Brewery, Anthology Brewery and Whitewood Distilling, amongst other food traders.
Expect all the charm from the oldest pub in Leeds, but the idea is that this new opening won't be a replica of Whitelock's Ale House, it's going to be far from it.
Based at White Cloth Hall, the 250-year-old unit is set to become one of the city's newest food and drink hall, hosting multiple options for those looking to wine and dine in a piece of Leeds heritage.
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Hidden just behind the Corn Exchange, you might remember the building for hosting BrewDog, Pizza Express and a hairdressers, but it actually started life way back in 1775 as a marketplace for merchants to sell undyed or 'white' cloth.
The hall is set to open in 2024 and bring all the former units together into a single place to eat, drink and unwind from a busy day in the city.
Given the history behind Whitelock's, Leeds' oldest pub, working with an older building is certainly no challenge for the team taking over.
Ed Mason, Whitelock’s Ale House Managing Director said: "This is such a beautiful and iconic building - we’re really excited about taking it over. At Whitelock’s we celebrate and support local independent breweries and food and drink suppliers - and we’re looking forward to doing the same at White Cloth Hall, on an even bigger scale”
Image: Supplied, JMA Photography via Hanglands
Mason and the Whitelock's team took over and relaunched the pub back in 2012 and more recently opened The Meanwood Tavern in 2022, taking an old neighbourhood bar in the suburbs and transforming it into a popular food and drink spot that has had locals and city dwellers flocking to Meanwood in droves since opening.
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 -
26th September 2023 
