Plans to transform a Grade II listed building into a high-end restaurant and club on East Parade have been approved by Leeds City Council.
Formerly hosting OK Karaoke, The Garage Club and La Rambla tapas restaurant, the huge building has been left derelict for several years, but it is hoped that the latest approval will bring the building back to life.
The plans are to keep the building's heritage features whilst full refurbishing to bring a contemporary edge to the classic design.
The standout features will include a curved glazed canopy and stunning light concepts as part of their 'sensitive modernisation'.
It is unclear at present what the name of the restaurant or club will be, or whether the building will be sold onto an existing chain.
The Grade II building formerly hosted OK Karaoke but will be renovated to feature a glamorous restaurant and basement nightclub. / Image: British Listed Buildings
According to The Move Market, the building was originally bought for £1.4 million in November 2019, before the pandemic.
Since this time, the property has decreased in value by £120,000 but still remains the most expensive property in its postcode.
East Parade has plenty of office and hospitality space up for sale at present. / Image: Savills
Buyers Mayfair Investment Group originally planned to deliver a mixed use scheme with leisure space on the lower floors plus either residential apartments or a serviced office scheme on the upper levels, but these plans have now been extended to include a hospitality venue.
Reports state that the building will host a high-end restaurant with a rooftop terrace and outdoor dining space and separate nightclub in the basement.
The upper floors will also house office space, accessed through a new entrance of Park Cross Street.
Originally, the Grade II building is thought to have housed the Mayor of Leeds in 1757, despite signage suggesting the three-storey house was established in 1840.
The plans for the re-development were commended by the Leeds Civic Society for their Heritage Appraisal, suggesting the building will be an exciting architectural addition to East Parade.
The venue has been described as 'game changing' and 'prestigious' by the owners and we can't wait to see the end result.
Feature Image- British Listed Buildings
News
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Sophie Smith -
19th October 2021 
