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.
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Georgina Pellant -
11th November 2021 
