Leeds is set to welcome an exciting new addition to the city’s interactive gaming scene, as Prison Island prepares to open its first northern venue.
The new multi-activity entertainment venue at the Merrion Centre will make itself at home inside an 11,000 sq ft unit across two floors, with Prison Island being at the heart of the action.
Prison Island is an immersive team challenge that sees players in teams of up to five tackle a series of themed cells designed to test physical ability, skill, teamwork, and problem-solving, and unlike a traditional escape room, teams can take on a variety of challenges that enable them to create a different experience with every visit.
The internationally established concept will also offer a range of additional competitive experiences - including interactive darts and interactive golf.
Leeds will join a global network of more than 110 Prison Island locations, and will become the concept’s fourth venue in the UK and first venue in the North of England - joining existing locations in Belfast, Maidstone, and Camden.
Credit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
Prison Island Leeds - which will create 18 jobs once it opens - will be operated by the team behind the hugely successful Belfast venue, which opened seven years ago and has established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions.
Suitable for groups of friends and families, as well as celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities, the venue is joining the Merrion Centre and wider Arena Quarter’s growing leisure and entertainment offer.
Ryan Lyttle, director of Prison Island Leeds, said: "We’re most looking forward to finally bringing the Prison Island experience to Leeds. We’ve seen how well the concept works in Belfast, particularly because it appeals to such a broad audience and every visit can be completely different.
Global interactive action game Prison Island to open first northern venue in Leeds / Credit: Supplied
"With Prison Island alongside a range of additional activities, we’re excited to create a venue where people can come together, compete, have fun and discover something they haven’t experienced before."
Prison Island Leeds is expected to be open in time for Christmas, with the team promising special plans to mark its arrival in the city, although details are being kept firmly under wraps for now.
Further information on the opening, including launch plans, will be announced in due course.
Featured Image - Supplied
News
Leeds’ biggest food festival confirms 2027 dates for its best one yet
Organisers of The North Leeds Food Festival have confirmed the dates for their eleventh annual celebration.
Following an absolute belter of a milestone tenth anniversary, the beloved North Leeds Food Festival is gearing up to return to Roundhay Park.
The festival, which is the biggest food festival in Leeds, will take place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 May 2027.
And it's set to be the best one yet, as plans are already underway to build on a decade of celebrations, introducing an expanded entertainment programme, brand-new attractions and partnerships with hundreds of independent businesses from across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
The ethos of the festival remains the same and lies in a celebration of international influence and community spirit expressed through street food, artisan markets, live entertainment, music, performing arts and charity.
Visitors can expect an expanded street food village, two independent bars, and an even bigger programme of events including live music, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Festival Director, Michael Johnston, said: “We’ve come a long way since our first event at Roundhay Park back in 2016. Celebrating our tenth anniversary this spring was incredibly special, and we owe it to the wonderful support we’ve received from the local community year after year.
"It’s not something we’ll ever take for granted. In testament to that, we want to keep building on what we’ve achieved together over the last ten years and continue to find new ways to elevate the experience for everyone who joins us.”
Image: Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
Assistant Festival Manager, Izaak Shuttleworth, added: “We want there to be something exciting for every person who walks through our doors, whether they’re joining us for the first time or returning each year."
"Attendee feedback plays a huge role in how we develop the festival, and we’re working closely with new entertainers and independent businesses to bring some fresh ideas to life. We’re looking to create our most varied and interactive programme to date, so there’ll be plenty to look forward to next spring.”
Featured image - Supplied / Jack Biggins Photography
News
Leeds has welcomed a brand-new spot dedicated to rotisserie chicken
Clementine Hall
If you're a fan of all-things chicken, then this is the spot for you.
Introducing The Rotisserie Club, that's doing exactly what it says on the tin...rotisserie chicken.
Taking over the former Shokupan site at 27 Wellington Street, the new restaurant aims to bring a new go-to lunch spot to that area of town.
And we've got a very strong feeling it's going to go down an absolute storm amongst gym bunnies and office dwellers alike.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brought to the city by Norman of Spuds n Bros fame and Luigi from Habitum and La Bottega Milanese, you just know you're in good hands.
The idea is to split the day between the two businesses, with Habitum taking care of the morning coffee crowd before The Rotisserie Club takes over from lunchtime. Sounds like a match made in heaven if you ask us.
That means early birds can get their caffeine fix before the focus shifts to a menu centred around rotisserie-cooked chicken.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Expect chicken-filled Caesar wraps, bowls, salads, wings and stuffed pittas, as well as half and whole chickens served with their signature house dripping potatoes.
You can dip or drench your chicken in their range of sauces, and then you’ve got yourself something worth licking your fingers over.
Not only that, but in the future they'll be opening in the evenings so you can have your chicken fix alongside a tipple or two.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's great to see two independent businesses team together to create something completely new in the city, and we can't wait to see how well it's received by food lovers in the city centre.
Move over Nando's, The Rotisserie Club is officially in town.
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2026 
