The 'Eat, Drink, Play' concept bar is under new ownership.
Leeds red-themed bar and club, Playroom, opened in early 2022, bringing a brand-new drinking, dining and dancing concept to the city.
TV star and multi-platinum selling musician, Tom Zanetti and his business partner, Kane Towning were known to be the original owners, but in a new statement, Zanetti reveals he is no longer associated with the venue.
Image: Supplied, PGHL
The news was announced on Facebook yesterday that the former owner was "was extremely unhappy for a long time with the way the business had been run" and revealed that "while [Zanetti] was away owner management / poor trading ran up massive debt effectively forcing a sale to a new owner".
Zanetti went on to explain that "I am no longer associated with my previous partner in the venture, and now that legal formalities are complete I cannot take any more responsibility for the venue, receiving complaints and more while people are still under the impression it’s mine ultimately I have to make everyone aware I am NOT an owner and will NOT represent it at any capacity."
"For a while this has been a hard pill for me to swallow and all very disappointing."
"When I was involved, I am proud to say we had an amazing period, the best nationwide hype a venue in Leeds has ever seen, massive mainstream brand involvement with an array of huge celebrity friends and parties throughout its duration that really boosted its potential. I hate that I’ve had to post this and I genuinely wish cjmardon, the new partner good luck in all his ventures, as a well liked and established businessman if anyone can take it to new heights it’s him. Please forward all complaints/enquiries to the restaurant itself."
Playroom announced the news of its new ownership with on Instagram, collabing the post with UltraFlex and Ultra Night Club owner, Charlie Mardon.
The new Playroom announced that "the stage is set for Playrooms most prosperous year yet as we welcome exciting new ownership, investment, events and dining concepts.
"It’s been a brutal time for the hospitality industry with the cost of living crisis & rising operating costs - over 4600 venue closures last year, the highest in history! But we’ve navigated through and Playroom powers on.
"HUGE thanks to our incredible team of characters, management, promoters, DJ’s, chefs and entertainers who bring Playroom to life every weekend. And the biggest love to all our wonderful customers, past, present and future."
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Inside Leeds’ new neighbourhood bakehouse from the team behind Silver’s Deli
Clementine Hall
Silver's Bakehouse is finally here, and it's just as fabulous as we'd hoped.
Just when you thought Leeds’ favourite sandwich spot couldn't get any better, they go and open a bakery.
Silver's Bakehouse has opened its beautiful pastel green doors today over in Farsley to queues of excited fans eager to get their first taste.
So, what's on offer at Silver's Bakehouse?
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Well, as masterminds of the almighty sandwich you'll be happy to know you can still get one here. However, their iconic sub sarnies have had an Italian makeover and are now served in fresh, springy sourdough which is baked onsite.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find brown butter buttermilk brownies (try saying that three times), a range of delicious cookies, sausage rolls, soft amaretti biscuits and Dark Arts tiramisu.
There's also a fab selection of Italian drinks on offer in a swanky new fridge, as well as a coffee menu so you can pick a brew to go hand in hand with your chosen baked good.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The interior is just as gorgeous, complete with yellow walls, red tiles and a mirror hanging above the baker's table so you can really see all the magic happen.
And trust us, it is magic.
There's a couple of benches outside so you can plonk yourself in the sunshine to enjoy your sarnie, which is what we'll be doing in this glorious bank holiday sunshine.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can really tell this is a proper labour of love, and Chris and the team have done a cracking job of keeping that Silver's spirit in there.
Go and say hello to congratulate them on this fabulous new opening, it's a great addition to Farsley and the Leeds foodie scene.
Sophie Smith -
30th January 2024 
