Eats

POCO is serving Sicilian treats from second Headingley site

A taste of Italy, right here in Headingley.

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 25th February 2022

A slice of Sicily is now available for brekkie, dinner and tea in Headingley.

POCO opened a second site in Headingley at the start of this year, and their selection of authentic Italian treats are proving to be a huge success with customers.

First opened in 2018 on Kirkstall Road by the team behind popular Italian kitchen Culto in Meanwood, POCO has been serving up different flavoured arancini, as well as dishes like focaccine, fried Sicilian calzone and Pizza Al Taglio and made become a Leeds foodie staple in the process.

Image: POCO Sicilian

Now open on Headingley's Otley Road (near The Box and the arndale), POCO is continuing to bring a slice of Italy to the streets of Leeds.

The flavours here are imaginative, but authentic. Think spicy Calabrian 'Nduja sausage with roast peppers and mozzarella, pear and gorgonzola or even ham and potatoes (and by potatoes, we mean mini fries) across huge oblong slices of pizza; with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to compliment the seemingly never-ending selection.

Read More: This new Leeds canalside bar is serving up falafels, hummus and cocktails on tap

Image: The Hoot Leeds

The same goes for the Sicilian arancini balls.

There's a fresh vegetarian and meat flavoured option every single day on offer- fillings like beef bolognese are found between layers of rice and breadcrumbs before being deep fried and served as the perfect lunchtime snack.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Then there's the deep dish lasagna with four juicy layers of meat or aubergine, topped with rich tomato sauce and fine parmesan shavings; chicken wings served in half dozens; huge portions of roasted potatoes and colourful vegetables- and all these are just the savoury options.

Read More: Leeds restaurateurs behind POCO and CULTO save beauty salon that’s ‘piece of Meanwood history’

Image: The Hoot Leeds

The dessert cabinet is just as full, and stacked with tasty sweet desserts.

Expect regular and gluten-free cannelloni in irresistible flavours like salted caramel and pistachio, as well as morning goods like Nutella and vanilla stuffed croissants.

Oven-baked bombolones are a standout favourite here, and it's not difficult to see why. Topped with fruit, cream and icing sugar, these are perfectly paired with thick Italian hot chocolate- the recipe is thick and creamy that you might need a spoon to eat this, rather than drink it too.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If sugary drinks aren't going to persuade you, their coffee will.

Priced from £1.50 for an espresso and £2.30 for a coffee, this is some of the best value coffee in Headingley- and the profits don't go to a mass corporation, it supports the local high street.

POCO has been inundated with orders since opening and is particularly busy during the weekends, so make sure to pop down early on before the Otley runners make the most of the checkpoint and deplete the stock on a Saturday.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

This seems to be the second of (what we're hoping will be) many stores across the city- the team have big plans for what's to come next and we can't wait to see whether more stores will pop up in our surrounding neighbourhoods soon.

You can see what all the fuss is for yourself Monday -Thursday at 11am - 9pm, or at the later closing time of 10pm during the rest of the week.

Feature Image- POCO

Eats

Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.

Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.

Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering. 

The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage. 

Images: The Hoot Leeds

The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.

The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.

Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality. 

Image: Supplied

“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here. 

“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.” 

Read more:

Featured image - Supplied

Eats

This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.

Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.

Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.

From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.

Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Whitelock's Ale House (@whitelocksalehouse)

Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.

And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.

The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.

You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.

This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.

You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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