Local breweries, plant-based street food and North Star coffee served on a huge rooftop bar- this long-awaited opening really has brought everything we love about our city and placed it on a giant rooftop terrace bar.
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- and it's now open for you to check out what exactly has been going on behind that green plant mural for the past few months...
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, all whilst getting a tan in the summer heat.
Providing the pints, award-winning local breweries like Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock are stocking the fridges and pumping the taps with craft beers and ales aplenty. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar provides mixology at its finest, showcasing a vast selection of cocktails, ranging from a Watermelon Mojito and Peach Margarita to a North Star Espresso Martini.
The Spritz Menu includes a refreshing assortment of summery drinks, including a Cucumber-Gin or Elderflower Spritz, whilst Gin Goblets range from the fruity Rhubarb and Apple to the warming Bombay Sunset.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
North Star will is a key part of the bar here and is providing non-alcoholic options aplenty to fuel daytime guests with coffee options using ethically sourced coffee beans from the world’s best producers. There's even space to bring your laptop and set up for a day of remote working inside the open-air space.
Located in the historic building next to the newly renovated Majestic Building and the new Channel 4 HQ, Green Room blends an eclectic mix of industrial fittings, warm soft furnishings, reclaimed furniture to bring laid-back drinking and dining to the masses- and judging by its warm reception at the opening, it's going to be an incredibly popular watering hole all summer long.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And that's before they've had chance to show off the food or overnight apartment amenities.
Making a conscious effort to merge wellness with nightlife, founders Will Habergham and Kirk Allen have ensured the venue is championing existing Leeds businesses that focus on recycling, sustainability, and a healthier lifestyle.
As such, the food here will be provided by award-winning vegan cafe Grön, who have made waves across the city with their feel-good plant-based food and Scandi-inspired Oakwood venue.
Image: Green Room / Grön
Think Buddha bowls, sweet potato halloumi hash, alongside classic brunch dishes like avo on toast and Grön’s signature Vegan Pancakes with Blueberry compote, coconut yogurt, fresh blueberries, mint, Biscoff crumb and maple syrup, delish.
And if that's not enough, there's also a pair of luxurious two-bedroom apartments, with the same laid-back, leafy decor, will be available to rent on Booking.com and Expedia- an ideal option for midweek stays and weekend getaways wanting to stay moments from Leeds’ renowned nightlife hotspots.
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 -
20th May 2022 
