Opening its doors for the very first time today, Boom Battle Bar Leeds is all about taking a swing at some of your favourite gaming pastimes, all under on spacious floor.
Leeds' Victoria Gate welcomed a new gaming addition to the city last night- and the space is packed with games, drinks, darts and photo ops aplenty.
Start your evening with a game of augmented reality axe throwing- you can't drink during this activity and need to be in a fit state to do so, so anyone looking for a boozy evening should start here.
The idea here is that you throw the axes onto the board and try to score as many points as possible, with a dedicated guide to help you understand how to throw (it's more complicated than it looks), and then once you've mastered the board, you can jump into interactive games hitting a target board that changes difficultly each round or even team up for a game of noughts and crosses.
Image: Boom Battle Bar
The darts here are also set up to bring augmented reality to life and are far from your average game at the pub. There's an array of different games to get involved in, so whether you want to score a 180 shot or practice going around the board, you'll find something every member of the team will love.
Beer pong is the ultimate party starter, so grab either a bucket of fizz or a jug of beer and get stuck into the game. Here, the ping pong ball falls into the iconic red cups, filled with water rather than alcohol to keep the drinks sanitary and means that you won't need to worry about dropping the ball on the floor - it's a real crowdpleaser and also allows those with different drink preferences to mix it up rather than having to stick to the namesake of beer.
Image: Boom Battle Bar
American pool tables can be found round the corner of the beer pong tables for those wanting to team up and take on the stripes or spots and while a long wintry night away with balls flying in eery which direction.
Those looking to continue the American-style games night will be delighted to know that shuffleboard is also available at Boom Battle Bar, either in 30 or 60 minute slots. There's room for up to six people at a time and this offers a great opportunity to get to know your chosen team mates: whether you're on a first date or work get together, the fast paced game is going to bring out the competitive side in just about anyone.
Wind up the evening with a game of 'crazier' golf- and as the name suggests, it sure is crazier than your average crazy golf. Expect exercise bikes, amongst other surprises around every corner- this is the game to decipher between the winners of the group.
Crazier golf at Boom Battle Bar. / Image: Boom Battle Bar
But if all these games aren't enough, there's an air hockey table and a photobooth to take advantage of during the evening.
All this throwing, hitting, playing and cheering is bound to work up an appetite, and there's an array of delicious 'boom bites' to choose from with sweet cocktails, draft lagers, wine and plenty of soft drinks available from the dedicated bar space.
So if you fancy somewhere to get axe throwing, beer ponging, crazy golfing, throw some darts, play some pool pool, air hockey or shuffleboard- this is the new go-to spot to check out in Leeds city centre.
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.
Sophie Smith -
17th November 2022 
