Exciting news for brownie lovers, as The Savvy Baker is expanding its sweet treat empire to the historic city of York.
The Savvy Baker is one of Leeds’ best lockdown success stories.
Savannah Roqaa became an overnight sensation after sending her friends brownie care packages in the first lockdown two years ago, and has since captured the attention of the entire city with her innovative brownie flavours, charismatic demeanour and pop-up events in and around Leeds.
The baking entrepreneur is now celebrating four years of baking brownies, opening a cafe in Roundhay in 2022, where her business first began and has since opened sites inside at Red Brick Mill, Ultra Flex gym and now Elland Road.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And now, she's set to open a brand new cafe and bakery in the nearby town of York.
The new spot will be located on 18 Swinegate, and Savvy says she'll be stocking "Brownies, blondies, all of the new special drinks, great coffee from North Star roast and some new bakes just for York!”.
It comes alongside another announcement of opening a further site in Chesterfield. There is just no stopping The Savvy Baker is there?
Announcing the news to Instagram, Savvy said: "THE SAVVY BAKER YORK IS COMING SOON!!!!! ? opening 2 cafes in one month? are we mental. you will only see me looking tired and in battered clothes for the foreseeable till these cafes are up and running… see u soon."
Image: The Savvy Baker
Since churning out 30-40 boxes of brownies per week from her small Roundhay home kitchen, Savannah has grown a cult following of devoted foodies.
With over 50,000 followers and a fanbase with celebrities like Kalvin Philips and Tyler Denton, The Savvy Baker has been going from strength-to-strength since opening, and we’re sure the new addition to the Savvy Baker cafes will only be another example of why they stock Leeds’ favourite brownies.
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Clementine Hall -
29th May 2024 
