"If you don’t like a duck, then you’re rather stuck".
Fawlty Towers may not have been on our screens with original content since the 70s but there's a dinner happening in Leeds that'll bring all your favourite characters back to life.
The Leeds Royal Armouries is putting on an immersive comedy dining experience that honours the Fawlty Towers TV show.
Guests can look forward to a three course meal served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel themselves, along with their hilarious banter and haphazard ways.
Bare in mind the humour served will be strictly Fawlty Towers style. The event organisers have stated that: "Chaos and mayhem are served in large portions and very likely to interrupt the proceedings, but all should end well, as the of hotel and catering management do everything they can to keep the evening on course."
"Expect a big fun night out in a friendly party atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors in the land, professionally produced to the highest standards and with your enjoyment always at the top of the menu. A faultless show that guarantees to reach chuckle muscles you never knew you had."
The theme of the evening is "The Health Inspector is going to pay a visit, and Manuel’s Hamster (Rat) is nowhere to be found" - so naturally the night will be filled with laughter and Fawlty foodie jokes.
To find out if you can have a meal without Manuel' Hamster and get along with the rest of the cast, visit Ticket Source to book your seat at the table.
Tickets cost £35.00 each and are only available for the Saturday 9 April dinner at present, though the Comedy Dining website offers a range of comedy nights out that feature the best of old school TV, including Allo Allo, and Only Fools and Horses.
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 -
19th January 2022 
