It's been another busy month for one of Leeds' biggest PR and events agency.
We're no stranger to new openings in Leeds, but this month as we enter the prelude to summer with a mini heatwave and not a pandemic-related restriction in sight, it seems that everyone is taking this opportunity to expand- and we can't keep up with the new projects going on in our city.
Taking on the mammoth task of organising PR and events coverage for some of Leeds' most exciting new openings, Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon (PGHL) is responsible for keeping their finger on the pulse- so who better to ask about the go to spots this summer?
We caught up with Lydia Kirton and Jordan Odu from PGHL to find out where they think is going to be the places well worth a visit over the coming months and gave our own two pence on the matter too.
Green Room
Opening May 2022.
Image: PGHL
Serving up some of the biggest food and drink names in the city on a huge sun-trapped rooftop, Green Room is the brand-new city space with everything you need to celebrate the summer season.
Expect barbecues, live DJs and eclectic seating options where guests can unwind with a pint from a local independent brewery in one hand and a delectable choice of plant-based street food in the other.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon says: “We just can’t wait for Leeds newest rooftop bar to open this May, bringing us delicious vegan-friendly brunch dishes and coffee through the day, and the best DJ’s, drinks and vibes through the night! Food will be provided by award-winning vegan cafe Grön..."
"Our favourite dishes have to be the the fully loaded avocado on toast and vegan pancakes with blueberry compote, coconut yogurt, fresh blueberries, mint, biscoff crumb and maple syrup. “
Over 100 gins, over 20 draught lines from around the world, 7 pool tables, shuffleboard and Sky and BT Sports: will you really need to go anywhere else this summer? Launching in the former Roxy venue in Leeds city centre, Concept Tavern is bringing a brand-new six-figure drinking and gaming hall just in time for summer.
Named, Pinnacle Beer & Gin Hall, the huge venue is currently undergoing a dramatic £250k transformation. Expect floor-to-ceiling views of the city centre, between sips of signature cocktails and games of shuffleboard: this really is going to be the go-to hangout spot for large crowds.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon says: “Pinnacle Beer and Gin Hall is a fabulous new addition to Leeds city centre. Arriving with it’s extensive drinks menu featuring over 100 different gins and 20 different draught beers… see you at the bar! Delicious drinks will be debuted alongside a new menu of delectable comfort cuisine, featuring fresh hand-stretched pizzas, a variety of delectable small dishes such as beetroot falafel, nachos, and their famed charcuterie options.”
Over in Sheffield, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza has announced it will bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to Sheffield in June 2022- and they're giving away 5,000 free pizzas to mark the occasion.
The eleventh Rudy's to join the familia since opening in Ancoats, Manchester in 2015, Rudy's is all about the pizza and following the authentic Neapolitan technique- so it'll be well worth a trip to Sheffield to get your hands on. The opening date hasn't been announced just yet, but to keep up to date and register for your free pizza, visit the Rudy's Sheffield website.
Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon says: “After Rudy’s success in Leeds we are so excited to bring the people of Sheffield The best Neapolitan pizza. Rudy’s was voted one of the top 20 best pizzerias in the world by Big Seven.
"If you get the chance, you must try the Carni – the most delicious Pizza with San Marzano Tomato, Fior De Latte and Parmesan Salami!”
Yorkshire-born brand HACIEN Tequila is launching this month in Leeds and we can’t wait to see its name added to the long list of thriving Leeds’ businesses. Debuting its trio of premium crafted tequilas at Dakota in Leeds this May, HACIEN is designed for the more discerning modern drinker- with their Pineapple Blanco hotly tipped to be the drink of summer 2022.
The trio of tequilas will be stocked in some of the north’s best bars and high-end retail outlets from May onwards, including The Alchemist, Chaophraya, Tabula Rasa, and Selfridges.
We’re expecting some huge new openings over the coming months and we can’t wait to hear more from Jordan, Lydia and the rest of the PGHL team will be able to tell us all about them soon.
People all across the UK will be able to see an almost total solar eclipse in the sky this evening.
For the first time this century, with the last one being all the way back in 1999, people in the UK and Ireland – including here in Leeds – will get to see 90-96% of the sun covered by the moon today (12 August 2026), and if that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, this will be the last chance to do so until 2081.
NASA and Royal Museums Greenwich has confirmed that tomorrow’s solar eclipse will be the most coverage seen from the UK and Ireland since the 1999 event.
But what can astronomy fans in Leeds expect from today’s eclipse? When will it be happening? How much coverage is our region going to see? And where are some of the best places to watch?
First up, let’s get the basics out the way – what is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun’s light either partly or fully.
Although the UK will only see a partial solar eclipse this time, some other countries – such as parts of Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and Greenland – will be lucky enough to witness the spectacle of a total eclipse for a duration of up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
When will it be happening?
The eclipse is set to start at 6:13pm in Greater Manchester, and will run right through to 8:03pm – with the peak happening at 7:10pm.
How much coverage can Greater Leeds expect?
Of course, we always have to preface anything we say about astronomical events like this by saying ‘it depends on the weather’, as we do like in the north after all, and even though it is the height of summer, that won’t stop the skies from being overcast.
Luckily though, the Met Office is predicting some of the best weather conditions for an event like this in a long time, so it really is worth watching.
Spectators in Leeds will see 90 - 92% coverage, according to expert sources.
How can I watch the eclipse safely?
If there’s one thing experts are stressing, it’s the need to take correct precautions if you are planning to watch tomorrow.
The most important thing is to wear eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.
It’s true that during an eclipse, the sun does appears dimmer therefore making it easier to look at directly, however solar radiation can still reach and damage the retina, often without causing any pain, so you may not realise harm is occurring until it’s too late.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that there are two safe approaches – specialist eclipse viewers, or indirect viewing methods.
Eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers must be genuine, sold by a reputable retailer, and have specially designed filters that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015(E). They must also have no scratches, tearing, or damage to the lens.
Old pairs may not be reusable, and sunglasses should never be used.
Indirect view methods include viewing the sun’s image projected through a colander or the gaps between tree leaves on to white paper, or using a pinhole pierced in one sheet of card and projected on to another.
Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because Facegym is coming to Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
Facegym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide and currently occupies five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester.
Facegym will be opening inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
James Edmondson, asset manager at Victoria Leeds owner Redical, said: “Facegym comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest.
“This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.”
That's all the information we have for now, but we'll keep you updated with opening times as and when we find out more but in the meantime - get your face ready for the workout of its life.
Sophie Smith -
6th May 2022 
