After years in the making, the tireless work put into restoring one of Leeds' biggest open-air rooftop spaces has paid off in a matter of months.
Awarded a place in the 'Top 50 Rooftop Bars in Europe' according to Big 7 Travel isn't an easy spot to take, but Green Room's spritz's and intimate views across the city has made it only one of two UK rooftop bars to make it onto this list- and with good reason.
The multi-storey bar and vegan-friendly venue has quickly become a popular watering hole, for those in the know that is.
Located on Wellington Street just moments from the train station, the gorgeous exposed brick and plant-covered entrance gives way to a fire pit and cosy industrial-chic food and work space.
This alone is making the new venture a huge success with remote workers, businessman looking for a morning coffee and those in search of an Instagrammable brunch all in one- and that's before you've venture up the concrete steps to the second floor to find the rooftop terrace.
Grön, a local plant-based foodie favourite provides the brunch menu here. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Easily operating as a go-to hangout for post-work drinks, weekend socials and midweek sunbathing sessions, the Green Room rooftop terrace is making quite a statement in the city.
If there's ever been a spot to basking in the sunshine on those infrequent days reaching above 20 degrees, this is it.
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. Plus, plenty of coffee options using ethically sourced coffee beans- there's an option for every preference.
North Star Coffee from Green Room. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
The decision to give Green Room this great status came from a combination of aggregate scores from previous social media results, as well as contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team. Here's what they had to say about Green Room: "Not just one of the best rooftop bars in Europe, The Green Room is also one of the newest rooftop bars on the scene.
"Billed as the city’s largest open-air roof terrace, this £3 million venue is set right next to the new Channel 4 HQ and offers a vegan-friendly restaurant, speciality summer spritz menus, and brilliant brewed craft beers."
And we couldn't agree more.
Feature Image- Supplied
Eats
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Sophie Smith -
5th August 2022 
