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
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Leeds later this year
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Leeds' most iconic stages this winter.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7 until Saturday 12 December 2026.
Leeds speakeasy crowned one of the best cocktail bars in the world by industry experts
Clementine Hall
The beloved Domino Club is receiving its flowers, and rightly so.
Rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most respected accolade of excellence, The Pinnacle Guide is a worldwide ranking of the best bars across the globe.
Based on a thorough self-application process, rigorous assessment modules, followed by a series of spot check interviews and anonymous in-bar reviews, it's no easy feat to get a spot on this list.
Which is why it makes The Domino Club's achievement all that more impressive.
Known amongst locals and visitors alike as basically one of the coolest bars in town, the hidden speakeasy invites you through a barbershop in the Grand Arcade where downstairs you'll find a dimly lit jazz and cocktail bar oozing sex appeal.
Not only are the cocktails exceptional, but their live music listings is something to behold playing everything from jazz and funk to cabaret and disco every Wednesday - Sunday.
Announcing the news to Instagram, The Domino said: "Listed by The Pinnacle Guide. The Domino Club has been recognised on the global list of the world’s best bars.
"What began as a hidden basement bar in Leeds, built around live music, cocktails and atmosphere, is now being recognised alongside some of the finest bars in the world.
"A huge thank you to our team, musicians, suppliers and every single guest who has supported us over the years. This means a lot. Leeds belongs on the world cocktail map."
We absolutely could not agree more and if you haven't ventured behind the barbershop and discovered the magical Domino Club, then we very much recommend you do.
Sophie Smith -
6th December 2022 
