Opening over 100 years ago, the cinema has been host to the heart of the Leeds community generations- and after nearly two years of careful renovations, the much-loved cinema space is back.
The long awaited return of Hyde Park Picture House has finally been announced.
This morning, HPPH took to social media to announce that the beautiful Grade II listed cinema will reopen to the public next year.
Today we’re thrilled to announce that the Picture House will be reopening this April! 🙌
As we prepare to welcome you back, we're delighted to launch our new memberships, as well as a flavour of the cinema's new branding.
Bringing back the last remaining gas lit cinema in the country, doors will open in April 2023 following an extensive renovation to introduce modern amenities that bring the building into the 21st century whilst preserving and protecting its history for generations to come to appreciate.
Having taken just short of two years to complete the work comes after a successful £285,600 Capital Kickstart Fund award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The new renovations have included plans to repair and conservation of the unique gas-lamps that keep the cinema on the map; the Burmantofts tiled façade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost too. Then in addition to this, there will be a new ramped entrance, new 52 seat basement screen, plus accessible toilets and expanded foyer.
During the renovation period, builders have discovered far more than peeled paint and old pipes during the restoration- the building has uncovered nostalgic ticket stubs, sweets, even cigarettes from over 60 years ago.
Those wanting to get themselves through the door will have to wait four short months, but that doesn't mean that you can't plan out your next visit in the meantime.
It is expected that there will continue to be a range of film screenings from the venue's On the Road film programmes, each based at a different venue in the city, known as Picture House Presents at Leeds University Union; Hyde & Seek at Heart Centre and Movie Nights at City Varieties Music Hall.
Movie nights at City Varieties. / Image: HPPH
And you can also bag yourself a membership in advance too.
Hyde Park Picture House has announced a brand new membership programme, from just £16 per year that will allow you to support the cinema space with an exclusive newsletter (containing offers) priority bookings and the first 500 people to sign up will also receive a limited edition pin badge.
There's also the option to bag yourself some tickets in advance with a £35 or £70 membership which include 4 and 8 tickets respectively, as well as up to 15% off future bookings.
Those aged between 15 and 25 can also bag themselves free membership with £5 tickets.
We can't wait to hear more about the reopening and find out more about what to expect from Hyde Park Picture House.
Feature Image- HPPH
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
6th December 2022 
