The 'Eat, Drink, Play' concept bar is under new ownership.
Leeds red-themed bar and club, Playroom, opened in early 2022, bringing a brand-new drinking, dining and dancing concept to the city.
TV star and multi-platinum selling musician, Tom Zanetti and his business partner, Kane Towning were known to be the original owners, but in a new statement, Zanetti reveals he is no longer associated with the venue.
Image: Supplied, PGHL
The news was announced on Facebook yesterday that the former owner was "was extremely unhappy for a long time with the way the business had been run" and revealed that "while [Zanetti] was away owner management / poor trading ran up massive debt effectively forcing a sale to a new owner".
Zanetti went on to explain that "I am no longer associated with my previous partner in the venture, and now that legal formalities are complete I cannot take any more responsibility for the venue, receiving complaints and more while people are still under the impression it’s mine ultimately I have to make everyone aware I am NOT an owner and will NOT represent it at any capacity."
"For a while this has been a hard pill for me to swallow and all very disappointing."
"When I was involved, I am proud to say we had an amazing period, the best nationwide hype a venue in Leeds has ever seen, massive mainstream brand involvement with an array of huge celebrity friends and parties throughout its duration that really boosted its potential. I hate that I’ve had to post this and I genuinely wish cjmardon, the new partner good luck in all his ventures, as a well liked and established businessman if anyone can take it to new heights it’s him. Please forward all complaints/enquiries to the restaurant itself."
Playroom announced the news of its new ownership with on Instagram, collabing the post with UltraFlex and Ultra Night Club owner, Charlie Mardon.
The new Playroom announced that "the stage is set for Playrooms most prosperous year yet as we welcome exciting new ownership, investment, events and dining concepts.
"It’s been a brutal time for the hospitality industry with the cost of living crisis & rising operating costs - over 4600 venue closures last year, the highest in history! But we’ve navigated through and Playroom powers on.
"HUGE thanks to our incredible team of characters, management, promoters, DJ’s, chefs and entertainers who bring Playroom to life every weekend. And the biggest love to all our wonderful customers, past, present and future."
Leeds health nuts assemble, because acai bowls and superfood smoothies are coming to a city near you.
Incase you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you may not be clued up on the whole acai bowl trend that has been sweeping up the nation.
Acai is a super berry grown and harvested in the Amazon rainforest, and not only is it absolutely delicious but it has a myriad of health benefits.
Acai and the Tribe first opened four years ago in Manchester, and ever since then it's only gone from strength to strength opening up three other locations across the country.
Images: The Manc Group
Next stop? Leeds. And we couldn't be happier about it.
So, what can we expect from this aesthetically-pleasing and ultra trendy female-owned business? Well, loaded acai bowls that look almost too good to eat, superfood smoothies, coffees, matcha and savoury options like avocado toast.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Acai and the Tribe said: "You asked, we listened. LEEDS… your new lifestyle arrives soon."
They will be opening on 88 Vicar Lane as part of the Vicar Lane regeneration scheme, which has already scene some great new restaurants being announced such as Sticks'n'Sushi and Dishoom.
It seems like this part of town is suddenly going to be the place to be, and we're very happy to see it.
We'll keep you updated with opening dates as and when we know more but for now, you can find out more about Acai and the Tribe here.
Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London
Clementine Hall
It's fantastic news for our city as Leeds has been crowned one of the best cities in the UK for foodies.
It's news that we've been pretty certain of for some time, but it's still nice to be recognised isn't it?
It comes from a new study carried out by credit card brand Aqua who analysed 30 major UK cities across a range of dining and social media metrics, including cuisine variety, restaurant availability, meal affordability, Michelin recognition and TikTok hashtag volumes.
Coming in at number on was, of course, London.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
With 47 cuisines, 22.5 restaurants per 10,000 residents and 81 Michelin-starred establishments, the capital unsurprisingly continues to dominate the UK’s culinary scene.
But in at number two was our glorious city of Leeds, supported by the highest restaurant density in the study, with 38.5 establishments per 10,000 people, and strong affordability compared with cities in the south.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We will absolutely take that.
Other northern spots to feature on the list include Sheffield and Bradford in sixth and eighth place.
The top ten UK cities for foodies are:
London
Leeds
Nottingham
Edinburgh
Wolverhampton / Leicester
Sheffield
Birmingham / Glasgow
Bradford / Swansea
Preston
Milton Keynes
Here in Leeds we've got so many fabulous food spots, with new openings cropping up every month it's hard to keep track.
From the multi award-winning Bavette Bistro in Horsforth to the highly acclaimed indie Bundobust that started off in Leeds - you certainly won't find yourself hungry or at a loss for somewhere to eat here.
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2024 
