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
A Caribbean street food restaurant famed for its jerk chicken is opening in Leeds this week
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is coming to Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
Gosh, we're suddenly feeling very hungry.
Image: The Manc Group
Jerk Junction will officially be opening to the public from 12pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026, and you can bet we'll be first in line to get our hands on a big tray of jerk chicken and rice.
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “There’s been a lot of interest in the upcoming arrival of Jerk Junction since it was announced. Bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Trinity Kitchen, it’ll be the place to be when it opens its doors next week.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “We’re all about good vibes and creating dishes that help bring people together. We’re looking forward to bringing the Jerk Junction spirit to Trinity Kitchen. The brand already holds a special place within the communities in Manchester and Liverpool – and we’re sure the people of Leeds will embrace it in the same way.”
The latest announcement follows the recent launches of schuh and LEGO at Trinity Leeds, which will also welcome the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand, Lane7, and Footasylum later this year.
Grade-II listed city centre bar to open East Asian-inspired street food kitchen
Clementine Hall
Howard Assembly Room to launch new bar with permanent kitchen from Yuzu Street Food.
HAR bar, the intimate Grade II-listed space beneath Leeds City Centre's multi-disciplinary venue, the Howard Assembly Room,will now open five days a week with a brand new permanent food partner.
If you're not familiar York’s Yuzu Street Food, then allow us to fill you in.
First established in York following an enlightening culinary trip to Asia in 2019, Yuzu Street Food is now recognised as one of the north’s finest street food vendors.
Image: Supplied
Serving up contemporary takes on bao buns, fried chicken, ramen, katsu curry and much more; Yuzu are set to be the perfect addition to the Howard Assembly Room and its new bar HAR.
First launched in February, a programme of improvements saw the space previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar.
An intimate venue in the cultural heart of the city, HAR bar guests can now enjoy fresh coffee, quality cocktails and a rotation of beers from breweries including Leeds institution Kirkstall Brewery throughout the week.
Image: Supplied Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yuzu Street Food will open at HAR on Friday 15 May.
Michael Wilkinson, Director of Strategy and Commercial, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming Yuzu to HAR bar, with their Asian-inspired street food providing the perfect accompaniment to our range of drinks and firmly establishing HAR bar as one of Leeds’ leading spots to meet and eat.
"We want everyone in the city to feel that this is their space, where great music, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service combine to create a truly special place that embodies the city’s creativity while also supporting Opera North’s outreach work across the north.
Chris Hargroves, Yuzu Founder & CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds city centre! Leeds has always shown us incredible support and energy and returning really feels like coming home. We’re excited to reconnect with the community, welcome familiar faces and introduce our new menu items to the new ones. Working with such a prestigious venue as the Howard Assembly Room is something we’re absolutely buzzing about and we can’t wait to fire up the woks!”
Georgina Pellant -
9th December 2021 
