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."
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.
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2024 
