Local breweries, plant-based street food and North Star coffee served on a huge rooftop bar- this long-awaited opening really has brought everything we love about our city and placed it on a giant rooftop terrace bar.
Serving up some of the biggest food and drink names in the city on a huge sun-trapped rooftop, Green Room is the brand-new city space with everything you need to celebrate the summer season- and it's now open for you to check out what exactly has been going on behind that green plant mural for the past few months...
Expect barbecues, live DJs and eclectic seating options where guests can unwind with a pint from a local independent brewery in one hand and a delectable choice of plant-based street food in the other, all whilst getting a tan in the summer heat.
Providing the pints, award-winning local breweries like Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock are stocking the fridges and pumping the taps with craft beers and ales aplenty. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar provides mixology at its finest, showcasing a vast selection of cocktails, ranging from a Watermelon Mojito and Peach Margarita to a North Star Espresso Martini.
The Spritz Menu includes a refreshing assortment of summery drinks, including a Cucumber-Gin or Elderflower Spritz, whilst Gin Goblets range from the fruity Rhubarb and Apple to the warming Bombay Sunset.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
North Star will is a key part of the bar here and is providing non-alcoholic options aplenty to fuel daytime guests with coffee options using ethically sourced coffee beans from the world’s best producers. There's even space to bring your laptop and set up for a day of remote working inside the open-air space.
Located in the historic building next to the newly renovated Majestic Building and the new Channel 4 HQ, Green Room blends an eclectic mix of industrial fittings, warm soft furnishings, reclaimed furniture to bring laid-back drinking and dining to the masses- and judging by its warm reception at the opening, it's going to be an incredibly popular watering hole all summer long.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And that's before they've had chance to show off the food or overnight apartment amenities.
Making a conscious effort to merge wellness with nightlife, founders Will Habergham and Kirk Allen have ensured the venue is championing existing Leeds businesses that focus on recycling, sustainability, and a healthier lifestyle.
As such, the food here will be provided by award-winning vegan cafe Grön, who have made waves across the city with their feel-good plant-based food and Scandi-inspired Oakwood venue.
Image: Green Room / Grön
Think Buddha bowls, sweet potato halloumi hash, alongside classic brunch dishes like avo on toast and Grön’s signature Vegan Pancakes with Blueberry compote, coconut yogurt, fresh blueberries, mint, Biscoff crumb and maple syrup, delish.
And if that's not enough, there's also a pair of luxurious two-bedroom apartments, with the same laid-back, leafy decor, will be available to rent on Booking.com and Expedia- an ideal option for midweek stays and weekend getaways wanting to stay moments from Leeds’ renowned nightlife hotspots.
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
20th May 2022 
