New axe-throwing bar Whistle Punks is opening in Leeds today, Thursday, 11 November, and it looks like a perfect start to a night out if you ask us.
You can win a £50 voucher to spend on whatever you like at Whistle Punks, a Polaroid Instax camera to document your night and a box of WP cookies - click here to see how.
Whether you're looking to let out some rage or just have a bit of fun pretending you're a Canadian lumberjack tossing an axe in the woods, Whistle Punks Leeds has got you covered at its new home in Millenium Square.
Image: Whistlepunks
Housed inside the former All Bar One unit, inside you'll find four throwing lanes, a bar offering craft drinks and a decent sourdough pizza menu all under one roof.
The thrill-seeking company has cornered the urban axe-throwing market in recent years - with three successful sites already established in Manchester, London and Bristol.
Whistlepunks was the first company to bring axe-throwing entertainment to the UK and has helped players throw an estimated 10 million axes since first opening its doors here in 2016.
Designed to suit first time throwers, each lane has its very own instructor who guides players - taking you from novice to axe throwing whizz in 70 minutes.
As well as helping you stay safe whilst you're throwing, the instructor is also there to keep score, help you have fun and create a good atmosphere on the lanes.
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).
Then at the end of the session, players also get the chance to learn some trick shots, like underarm throwing and how to handle two axes at once.
Chances to take profile pic-worthy snaps are also included at the end of the session - because let's be honest, you want to document this.
Whistle Punks Leeds has a variety of packages catering for couples, small groups and even full venue hire for those wanting a work social with an edge.
Christmas packages are available now and include lane hire, drinks for everyone on the lane, trophies for winners, sweet treats for all and more.
Speaking on the new Whistle Punks Leeds opening, brand spokesperson Jools Whitehorn said:
“I think a large part of the appeal is that it feels like something you shouldn’t be allowed to do. It’s a visceral experience, which is physical without being too demanding.
It all takes place in a very controlled environment under the close watch of our instructors, who create an exciting atmosphere and ensure everyone is staying safe.”
Bookings are being taken now. To get yourself a slot, head over to Whistle Punks website here.
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Leeds
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Georgina Pellant -
11th November 2021 
