Opening over 100 years ago, the cinema has been host to the heart of the Leeds community generations- and after nearly two years of careful renovations, the much-loved cinema space is back.
The long awaited return of Hyde Park Picture House has finally been announced.
This morning, HPPH took to social media to announce that the beautiful Grade II listed cinema will reopen to the public next year.
Today we’re thrilled to announce that the Picture House will be reopening this April! 🙌
As we prepare to welcome you back, we're delighted to launch our new memberships, as well as a flavour of the cinema's new branding.
Bringing back the last remaining gas lit cinema in the country, doors will open in April 2023 following an extensive renovation to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
Having taken just short of two years to complete the work comes after a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The new renovations have included plans to repair and conservation of the unique gas-lamps that keep the cinema on the map; the Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost too. Then in addition to this, there will be a new ramped entrance, new 52 seat basement screen, plus accessible toilets and expanded foyer.
During the renovation period, builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Those wanting to get themselves through the door will have to wait four short months, but that doesn't mean that you can't plan out your next visit in the meantime.
It is expected that there will continue to be a range of film screenings from the venue's On the Road film programmes, each based at a different venue in the city, known as Picture House Presents at Leeds University Union; Hyde & Seek at Heart Centre and Movie Nights at City Varieties Music Hall.
Movie nights at City Varieties. / Image: HPPH
And you can also bag yourself a membership in advance too.
Hyde Park Picture House has announced a brand new membership programme, from just £16 per year that will allow you to support the cinema space with an exclusive newsletter (containing offers) priority bookings and the first 500 people to sign up will also receive a limited edition pin badge.
There's also the option to bag yourself some tickets in advance with a £35 or £70 membership which include 4 and 8 tickets respectively, as well as up to 15% off future bookings.
Those aged between 15 and 25 can also bag themselves free membership with £5 tickets.
We can't wait to hear more about the reopening and find out more about what to expect from Hyde Park Picture House.
Feature Image- HPPH
Leeds
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 -
6th December 2022 
