It feels as if Leeds is experiencing a wealth of growth at the moment, with innovative spaces popping up seemingly by the week.
Whilst many are bringing something new and exciting to the city centre, Delirium and Revelry is offering the rare opportunity to find your new favourite spot for a night out.
We're talking about a brand new bar space with inventive cocktails, eclectic music, and vintage-inspired interiors, all with a modern spin.
Located at the Grand Arcade next door to Brotherhood, the new independent comes with generous opening times (until 3 or 4am), and a bespoke collection of spirits for some one-a-kind-cocktail concoctions.
We're talking about blends of tequila and Midori liqueur, lime and Ting called Don't be a Pr*ck, served in a cactus-shaped glass, whilst the Ruby Revival, served in a lightbulb-esque glass and mixes rhubarb and grapefruit gin with Italicus, Campari and rhubarb bitters.
Image: PGHL
The selection here is vast and eclectic as the music offered inside, with a selection of crowdpleasing hip hop during the day, before upping the BPM for some disco house, garage, and techno as dusk falls.
Taking over the former space of Hardy's, think Edison bulbs, suede booths and upcycled furniture with animal light fittings and an overall jungle theme.
There's also a small private VIP room upstairs for those looking to book for on the first up to 10 guests, and featuring a secret sliding bookshelf- and this promises to be extremely popular with anyone looking for a unique way to start the party.
The bar also has comes with a large second floor, which hopes to follow the unique trends inside Delirium & Revelry, but as a speakeasy bar complete with retro arcade machines, which the owners hope to complete at a later date.
The new bar is the brainchild of Lydia Phillips and Andy Hedley, owners with over 15 years in the hospitality industry, spanning as far as Newcastle and Durham, as well as right here in Leeds.
Co-founder and manager Lydia Phillips said:
‘’I first fell in love with Leeds about 7 years ago when I came here for university and was blown away by the nightlife. There’s a decent bar on almost every corner of the city, with a warm Northern vibe and a host of familiar and friendly faces.’
‘’Having worked both behind the bar and later behind the scenes, I feel I’ve got a good eye for what works and what doesn’t. My business partner and friend Andy is a local lad who’s had similar experiences to myself, and we just decided the time had come to give it a shot ourselves.’’
Image: PGHL
‘’Delirium & Revelry has been a real passion project for both of us, and we’re confident we’ve created a space that’s truly unique, whilst at the same time complementing the existing bars in the Merrion Street area.’’
‘’As small independent ourselves, it’s important that we support each other, as well as other local breweries and businesses. Sustainability is also high on our agenda, and we’ve tried to integrate this into building the brand, by using upcycled furniture and recyclable bar accessories wherever we can. We’ve had a lot of late nights getting ready for launch and can’t wait to welcome our first guests to the bar’’
You can find Delirium & Revelry at 52 New Briggate in Leeds city centre, LS1 6NU.
Eats
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.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.