That's right, Hyde Park Picture House is reopening to the public this week after three long years.
And for those wanting to have a nosey inside ahead of the opening, check this out:
The iconic Leeds cinema is set to reopen its doors on Friday 30 June, following completion of transformational redevelopment project.
Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the 109-year-old cinema has successfully carried out significant restoration works over the past two years and is set to reopen at the end of the month.
Refurbishments include repairs to it's façade and external lamppost, the restoration of it's beautiful original terrazzo flooring and the refurbishment of it's iconic nine gas lights which will be lit during every screening.
Image: Ollie Jenkins
The Picture House Project, which received funding from Leeds City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation, has also introduced new accessible facilities, including a ramped entrance, Café Bar, Community Room, platform lift and wheelchair accessible toilet.
Later in July a brand new 50-seat second screen will open in the basement, allowing the Picture House to bring to Leeds even more award-winning films from around the world.
Opening on Friday 30 June with Wes Anderson’s critically acclaimed Asteroid City, followed by a summer of screenings and launch events.
Image: Ollie Jenkins
During its opening week, the Hyde Park Picture House is hosting a series of open days, where audiences are invited to visit the cinema and explore the new and refurbished spaces.
Visitors can enjoy free films on the big screen and see archive material up close in the new Community Room.
Alan Gay, Chair of the Leeds Heritage Theatres Board, said: “Hyde Park Picture House is a crucial and much-loved part of the Leeds Heritage Theatre’s family of venues, a community asset and an important heritage venue in the city.
"We’re grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for all their support throughout this project, enabling us to restore and enhance this beautiful cinema and bring film and the history of film to new audiences."
Image: Ollie Jenkins
Chris Blythe, Leeds Heritage Theatres CEO, said: “When we started work on the Picture House project in 2015 we had no idea of the challenges ahead and how long our original timeline would have to be extended.
"Nor did we fully appreciate the support and love so many people across the city and nationally would show for our cinema. As we stand on the cusp of re-opening, we are looking forward to a bright future with this gem of a Picture House restored and more accessible than ever before.”
To find out more about Hyde Park Picture House and their exciting upcoming events, take a look at their website.
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Salon Madre – the new tequila bar and pool hall that’s just opened in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
We’ve been waiting for this one and trust us, it’s just as good as we’d hoped.
If you’re a fan of a cheeky margarita, a taco and a bit of a boogie then this is the spot for you - and let’s be honest, who isn’t.
Introducing Salon Madre, made famous over in Manchester and now with another spot in Liverpool, think late nights fuelled by margaritas, cosy dates over tacos and lively game nights.
The new Leeds site is located on Wellington Street, perfect for those wrapping up work over on Wellington Place and looking to blow off some steam.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space is huge, with floor to ceiling windows letting loads of light in during the day and plenty of red neon lights setting the vibe for the evening.
There's about 20 different variations of margaritas and tequilas on the menu, as well as fresh Mexican beers on tap if you're not ready for a shot just yet.
But it's not just about the drink, the food menu is top notch too.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's tacos and quesadillas all made with hand-pressed tortillas, twice-cooked chicken wings in a range of flavours from Mexican cola to Yucatan buffalo, and of course there's stacked nachos which are perfect for snacking on between sips of margarita.
If you're feeling competitive then they've got six pool tables as well as darts, and Lucha Libre on the big screens if you'd rather watch the play happen than play yourself.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Salon Madre will have DJs on in the evening and on a Friday and Saturday they'll even be open til 1am.
Welcome Salon Madre, we can't wait for this to become our new late-night party destination. You can take a look at their menu here.
The Hoot -
27th June 2023 
