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.
The UK cities with the best sense of humour have been revealed, and Leeds has made the top ten list.
The very serious research was commissioned by snack company Cheez-It, who partnered with comedian Jason Manford to launch its ‘Comedy Credit Service’, which saw the comedian visiting London to help lift the locals' mood.
The research revealed Liverpool as the city in the UK with the best sense of humour, with 16% of 2,000 people interviewed naming it the place most likely to have them laughing.
The poll showed a very clear north-south divide, with only London and Brighton making it into the top ten list.
Leeds came in at a very respectable number 9, which we will absolutely take. It must be our classic Yorkshire wit.
The research also revealed that 66% of Brits think they are funny, with the most common humour style people identified with was dry or sarcastic.
The top 10 cities with the best sense of humour
1. Liverpool
2. Glasgow
3. London
4. Newcastle-upon-Tyne
5. Birmingham
6. Manchester
7. Belfast
8. Edinburgh
9. Leeds
10. Brighton & Hove
Rui Frias from Cheez-It, said: “We know comfort comes in all shapes and sizes – a shared laugh, or a much‑needed escape from the February slump.
“That’s why we’ve packed our prize pot with joy-boosters designed to brighten even the greyest day, from ‘Comedy Night In’ bundles to mini ‘Cheer Up Kits’ and even laughter yoga.
“And because we’re proudly pro-cheese in every sense, it’s brilliant to see just how much humour matters to people right now.
“Britain’s famous for its dry sarcasm and razor‑sharp wit — and while the North may still claim the crown, we’re hoping a few belly laughs can help spread the joy nationwide.”
Merrion Centre to host Leeds’ biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026.
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of events in Leeds city centre.
Taking place on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February 2026, the Merrion Centre will be alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.
Guests can expect traditional lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, live musical performances, and hands-on workshops open for everyone to get involved in.
Image: Supplied
The Merrion Centre is once again partnering with various Leeds-based Chinese schools to create an event that highlights the best of Chinese culture.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre.
"This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community, but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”
Image: Supplied
Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented: “We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
"The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added: “The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Sophie Smith -
17th November 2022 
