Distrikt, the underground party bar in Central Arcade, hit out at the new measures in an angry social media post last night.
Following the 6pm press conference, in which the Prime Minister announced that new measures - such as working from home and Covid passports - would be introduced from next week, the bar shared a post to its Facebook and Instagram channels that said it would not "Implement any new ridiculous rules".
Adding that the rules cause "anything other than disruption", the bar went on to confirm that all bookings will go ahead and "life will not change."
"Boris is a nonce", they concluded.
Clearly, feelings were running high - hospitality always seems to be the first to get hit when new restrictions come into place.
Screenshotting the furious Facebook post to Instagram, District went on to explain to their followers in the caption that as they are a 200 capacity bar, Covid passes will not be required to enter as this new rule only applies to 500+ capacity venues.
Image: Distrikt
They also asked customers to respect people who choose to wear a mask in the venue, saying that this is a "personal choice" and that people should "feel free".
The bar also encouraged people to "be responsible" and take a lateral flow test before attending, asking guests to "not turn up if you are feeling unwell".
The post on Facebook has been liked over 16,000 times at the time of writing and received over 3,000 comments.
In full it reads: "To those concerned about the ‘news’, please bare in mind that District is a bar and not a nightclub. We are a smaller venue and therefore will not require any passports, nor will we implement any new ridiculous rules that cause anything other than disruption.
"All of our bookings will go ahead, life will not change, Boris is a nonce."
People have been quick to applaud the bar for its message, with one commenting: "Absolutely! Bravo Distrikt lets hope the rest of LEEDS nightlife follows!"
Another said, "I’ve never been but this will be my local now".
A third added, "I've never attended, nor heard of your bar but for this status update alone, you have gained a new follower and I will travel to Leeds and pop by for drinks with the misses."
Feature image - Distrikt
Eats
Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th December 2021 
