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.
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.
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
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month
Clementine Hall
A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.
If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.
It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.
And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.
The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're talking our language.
Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.
"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."
They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."
Sophie Smith -
25th February 2022 
