Leeds burger joint Alfie's broken into three times during two Covid lockdowns

Alfie’s Burger Joint in Beeston has been the victim of three break-ins and two lockdowns in its first year of trading and now are unable to celebrate their one year anniversary as planned.

Co-owned by husband and wife, Alfie’s opened in November last year but was broken into just two weeks before opening which caused a large amount of damage to the property.

The first national lockdown in March forced the joint to close, and a week after launching its takeaway and delivery service, the Alfie's was ‘maliciously’ broken into again with wires cut and produce stolen.

A week after reopening, the Beeston Road restaurant had another break-in and was left with smashed windows.

Now, the married pair are looking for other ways to celebrate the anniversary of their restaurant after their plans for a party with free food for loyal customers have been ruined by the second lockdown.

Co-owner and husband, Raf Huque, said: “At the beginning of this year I didn’t know if we would survive but I’m a fighter and although it has been tough it’s been educational.

“Our jazzy sign has inspired other locals to spruce up theirs and we hope in this way we’ve helped Beeston and attracted investment, along with employing all local staff.

“Now it might be coming up to our anniversary but it’ll also be the second day of lockdown so we want to help others through it and are looking at delivering meals to schools struggling with feeding the children.”

Raf said the news of lockdown was ‘music to his ears’ after struggling through months of low consumer confidence and only being able to fill around five per cent of his 28-seater restaurant.

He added: “Being in lockdown now means we will 100 per cent be more successful than if we were open.

“The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme gave us a good boost, but once that finished so did people coming out to eat.

“People have become comfortable with being at home and ordering takeaways without leaving their home and so maybe delivery is the future for some restaurants and takeaways.”

Alfie’s Burger Joint will be offering takeaways and deliveries throughout November during the second national lockdown, and will celebrate its one year anniversary by offering customers free apple pies until the end of the month.