Nights out in Leeds are set to get a lot more exciting thanks to the impending arrival of a new axe-throwing bar in the city.
Whilst axe-throwing sounds like the folksy past time of gruff, checked lumberjack-wearing Canadians ensconced somewhere up in the woods with a cabin nearby and the not-too-distant threat of a bear or two in the distance (admittedly, this is exactly how it has been for some time), in recent years it's also become somewhat of an urban 'experience'.
Something new to do on a night out, and all that, thrill-seeking company Whistle Punks have cornered the urban axe-throwing market in recent years - with three successful sites already established in Manchester, London and Bristol. Now, they're moving north to Leeds with plans to take over a site in the city this autumn.
The company will be moving into a new space on Millenium Square this autumn, bringing their wild axe games with them.
Kind of like darts but with a lot more heft behind it, their gamified version of axe throwing is pretty simple really: with one point awarded when you hit the outer ring, three for getting it in the inner, and five for a bullseye.
At just £25 for a game, it's not just fun but a good bargain too - getting you 70 minutes of axe throwing fun as well as a fully instructed session on how to properly use the equipment before getting stuck in (those axes are sharp, after all).
You can have up to ten players on a lane at once, and whilst social distancing will remain in place at venues it is possible you may end up sharing with other players at this time.
What about the bar element, you ask?
Well, we're not entirely sure what's going to be on offer here in Leeds yet - but we can tell you that over in Manchester, the venue there has a pretty solid selection of beers and ciders on its bar to get stuck into after playing a game or two. (Note that you can only drink afterwards, axe-throwing is not recommended, nor permitted, with alcohol in your system - that's a recipe for disaster if we ever heard one).
Bookings are being taken now for the venue's November open date. To get yourself an early slot, head over to their website here.
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are set to bring robot deliveries to Leeds through a new strategic partnership.
Next time you order a takeaway...let's just say, it could look a little different.
In the new exclusive partnership, Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are launching in multiple locations, beginning with Canary Wharf in London this October, before launching here in Leeds as well as Milton Keynes, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months.
The rollout marks Coco Robotic's entry into the UK, extending the company’s broader expansion across Europe.
While the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s rider network, Coco’s fully electric robots are suited to short-distances and navigating urban environments, offering additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform.
The robots operate at walking place, meaning they're able to move safely through busy streets whilst carrying orders directly to customers.
Image: Supplied
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International: “London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies.
“We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.
“Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo.
“We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents.”
Leeds microbrewery launches Crowdfunder campaign to open city centre taproom
Clementine Hall
A popular microbrewery in Leeds has launched a £40k Crowdfunder campaign to help them open a new taproom in the city centre.
Born in 2020, Tartarus Beers set out with the aim to produce high quality craft beer with a 'mythical edge'.
From a 100L kit to a 2500L brewery in Sheepscar just outside of Leeds city centre, they have grown to have a small cult following over the years.
They closed their Sheepscar taproom back in 2025, and now they're setting their sites on another location in the city centre so customers can enjoy a freshly poured pint of their lager, IPA or stout.
Images: Tartarus Brewery
And to help them get there, Tartarus have launched a Crowdfunder campaign of £40k asking their following to donate whatever they can to help them reach their goal.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Tartarus said: We are opening a bar in Leeds and would love your help!
"So many of you have asked when we would be opening our taproom or bar! We are excited to say the time is now!... or, well soon. Location to be announced but we can confirm it's in Leeds.
"We have launched a crowdfund and would love for you to get involved...We hope to see you all soon, at the Tartarus Tap!"
Images: Tartarus Brewery
"Expect international beers on tap and in the fridges, plus special events where we will be hosting international breweries! We will of course have a wide range of Tartarus Beers available on tap & in the fridges, plus meads, wines & no-low options. Oh and don't forget the rare bottles from our secret cellar."
So far, the campaign has raised £7,000 with prizes such as a branded t shirt, vouchers and discount cards available as incentives depending on how much you donate.
You can donate to the Tartarus Tap Crowdfunder here.