'I tried Leeds' most talked-about Cubano sandwich at Alfonso's new Horsforth deli'

Alfonso’s Bodega Deli is already a smash hit in Leeds city centre. Anyone who regularly walks through the Grand Arcade at lunchtime will be familiar with the queues of people waiting for a Cubano or hoagie.

With that in mind, it was no surprise to find the pavement outside its newest branch on New Road Side in Horsforth packed with people clutching tickets when we arrived at 10.30am on a Saturday.

Despite all the hype, I had never tried Alfonso’s before, even though I walk past the city centre deli almost daily on my way to the office. I was even more clueless about what a Cubano actually was, the Cuban sandwich that the New York-inspired deli has built its reputation on.

The small space is stylish and cosy, if a little cramped when it gets busy.

One wall is lined with sauces, condiments and coffee, alongside NYC-inspired memorabilia, including copies of The New York Times. There's also a drinks fridge stocked with Jarritos, the excellent Mexican soft drink brand, in a range of flavours.

Despite the crowd, my guest and I didn't have to wait long to order from the counter overlooking the busy kitchen. At weekends, the main menu starts at 10.30am, while early risers can choose from a breakfast bagel menu beforehand.

The menu is built around four sandwich styles: Cubanos, New York-style bodega subs, cold-cut subs and deli sandwiches.

With Cubanos being Alfonso's speciality, I opted for Alfonso's Cubano, which comes with slow-smoked mojo pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, honey mustard and pickles.

The bread was perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining soft in the middle. It isn't the biggest sandwich you'll find, but it more than makes up for that in flavour. The pork is juicy and tender, while the mojo marinade gives it a distinctive tang that sets it apart from your average sandwich filling.

Combined with the smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese and pickles, it felt like a seriously indulgent take on a classic ham and cheese sandwich, complete with one of the best cheese pulls I've experienced in Leeds.

My guest chose the Mole Adobo Cubano, packed with slow-smoked mojo pork, chipotle in adobo, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, mole hot sauce and pickles. The chipotle brings a deeper, smokier flavour, while the mole adds an extra kick. It's a shame they've held back slightly on the chilli, as a little more heat would have elevated it further.

For dessert, we shared a double chocolate cookie and a cartocci, washed down with two bottles of Jarritos. It's hard to fault the cartocci, a pastry similar to a doughnut that's filled with cream and coated in cinnamon sugar.

The bill came to £35.80, with sandwiches priced at £9.50 each and drinks at £4 a bottle.

You can certainly find a cheaper sandwich in Leeds, but Alfonso's isn't trying to compete with a supermarket meal deal. Instead, it's the sort of place you visit when you fancy treating yourself to a very good breakfast or lunch.

Factfile

Address: 97 New Rd Side, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4QD

Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday to Sunday: 9am-3pm

Website: https://alfonsosdeli.uk/

Scores

Food: 9/10

Value: 7/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Service: 9/10