The news comes just weeks after winning a spot on the prestigious Top 50 Bar Awards.
Much loved bar space The Hedonist announced over the weekend that the bar would be closing its doors on Briggate so that the company could focus efforts on their many ongoing projects and sister companies.
Following on from the original success of The Hedonist Project, the company has continued to bring Leeds an ever-changing concept bar, where every few months the space would be transformed to focus on a new character, drinks or design.
The cocktail bar has been popular amongst locals looking to get away from the city lights and find cosy corners to while the night away, cocktail in hand for quite some time, so the absence of the bar is sure to be noticed on a Friday night.
But it’s not all bad news.
The Hedonist, also play a huge roll in Leeds’ drinks scene outside of the bar and sister companies Liquor Studios Leeds and Rolling Social Events, who host Leeds Rum and Whisky Fest amongst other exciting events, will continue to thrive within the city centre and beyond.
The Hedonist will also exist within a events and consultancy business capacity, bringing the standout cocktail combinations loved across the city and beyond – and plan to reopen The Hedonist as a bar “when the time is right”.
The news was announced on Friday afternoon, with a full statement on Instagram.
“This isn’t goodbye, merely see you later.
“Our doors are closed & we have ceased trading (in this venue at least) forever!
“We would like to thank all of those who have graced our venue & shared a drink and laugh with us over the years. Friendships and relationships have been forged across the bar that will last forever. You know who you are.
“It’s now time for us to move on. As you may or may not know we have our sister companies – The gin & rum school Liquor Studio Leeds upstairs, our events/consultancy business Hedonist Drinks & now our drinks festivals! Leeds Rum and Whisky Fest, Rolling Social Events.
“We have made the decision to focus our attention on these projects for the immediate future & plan to reopen The Hedonist in a new venue when the time is right.
“So don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Keep your eyes peeled for when we return.
“Love Hedonist.”
Whilst The Hedonist will be dearly missed as a bar, we can’t wait to find out what’s next for the company.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds / The Hedonist