A naughty erotica-themed cocktail bar, Behind Closed Doors, is opening in Leeds later this month.
The hotly-anticipated new speakeasy has just announced its official launch date - and a £10,000 giveaway to celebrate too.
Behind Closed Doors was first established in Manchester in 2015, with an intimate theme of 'sex, rugs, and funk 'n' soul'.
And now it's heading to Leeds, opening on Call Lane on Friday 23 August.
To celebrate the launch of its second bar, the erotic establishment is holding a sizeable Instagram giveaway of £10,000, with £250 bar tabs available for up to 40 winners.
Although we've not yet peaked behind the curtains at the Leeds branch of Behind Closed Doors, the Manchester bar has given us a good idea of what to expect.
We're talking pleasure-seeking vibes, vintage erotica, mannequins, and even adult TV on the walls, with content dating back as far as the 1960s.
The signature cocktails are similarly cheeky, like the Chocstar Martini (a chocolate espresso martini with a whipped cream top). Its best-selling cocktail is Love Bite, encaptivating pink gin lovers in a raspberry and cucumber slushie; the Penis Colada and Schlong island iced tea.
Behind Closed Doors has announce the opening date for its new Leeds bar. Credit: Supplied
The vintage theme continues. See someone attractive? Customers can pick up the phone located on their table and dial their crush across the bar. Not quite the modern day Tinder, Grinder, or hinge…
Live DJs play boogie, soul and up beat funk all night long.
Nick Parr, the director and creator of Behind Closed Doors, said: "We have a totally unique concept that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
"We have designed the space with plenty of seating, an easily accessible bar area, and a dancefloor for our livelier patrons.
"With late nights and DJs every night, excellent drink selection and an atmosphere second to none, a night at Behind Closed Doors is one you won’t forget in a hurry.
"We are very excited to open our doors in time for the summer bank holiday weekend and show the people of Leeds a great time."
Behind Closed Doors will open on Call Lane on Friday 23 August, and will be open seven days a week, including happy hour between 5-7pm.
To enter the £10,000 giveraway head over to @bcdlds on Instagram or click below.
Popular pizza pop-up Edges Pizza has opened a permanent home in Leeds city centre.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residencies across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason. Edges Pizza has just opened a permanent new takeaway under the arches in Holbeck, and it's absolutely class.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Owners Grace and Edge who are from Harrogate opened Edges two years ago, taking inspiration from trips to New York over the years.
They've completely transformed the space into a proper love letter to the big apple. It will operate mainly as a takeaway, but there is a small seating area where you can perch and tuck into your pie.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The menu is perfectly curated, consisting of eight pizzas and three dips. And trust us, they are absolutely massive.
We opted for the American Hot with spicy pepperoni, banana peppers and parmesan as well as the mushroom pie topped with garlic creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms.
Drizzled and dunked into moreish hot honey, it's rivalling some of the best pizza in the city.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For now, grabbing a pizza from Edges operates through a pre-order system. Pre-orders open at 12pm the day before via their website, you can pick your collection time and then you simply have to rock up and get your pizza.
There's loads of parking available nearby and if there are any remaining slots available you can pre-order up to an hour before collection.
We've got a feeling they're going to very busy indeed.
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
The Hoot -
19th August 2024 
