News

Harry Potter fans will absolutely love Leeds’ newest escape room

Time to dust off your wands and cape, because Leeds has a new Harry Potter-themed experience that fans will absolutely adore

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 22nd September 2021

A Harry Potter-themed escape room has opened in Leeds and we expect fans of the J K Rowling tale will be very excited at the news.

Located at newly opened Leeds escape room The Escapologist, it can be found at the White Rose Shopping Centre.

Here, you'll find yourself a student at Hogwarts with Professor Lupus desperately in need of your help. He's already protected you from a wild troll attacking the school grounds, now he's injured and unable to move.

Image: Sam Town

The challenge is to find his special medicine to stop him becoming 'extremely ill' before nightfall - which fans will know is code for 'turn into a werewolf' and bite you. No pressure, then.

The game's description continues:

"He also tells you to give the medicine to his owl who will bring the vial to him once you have found it.

"You feel the professor is keeping something hidden from you, but after he persists you decide to do as he has asked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bay-y-1jD40&t=43s

"You are now in Professor Lupus’ classroom and have an hour until the sun sets. You don’t know where the medicine is, what it is for, or what it looks like, but you must get it to the professor before night falls! Hurry!"

So not only do you have to find his medicine, you also have to find his owl (a nice little touch, which we obviously love as Loiners) - all within the space of an hour. Tick tock.

Ranked at a medium difficulty, the game can be played by between two and six players at a time and is just one of seven experiences available to try at the new gaming location.

On top of this, you'll also find an Alice in Wonderland-themed room, a Sherlock Holmes-inspired room and a Guy Fawkes-inspired game called 'The Gun Powder Plot.'

As well as the seven different themed rooms, The Escapologist also has a fully licensed bar and cafe for refreshments.

To find out more about the different experiences on offer and to book, head over to the escape room's website here.

Feature image - Dave Catchpole / Warner Bros

News

Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?

Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.

The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.

Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).

Image: Unsplash

“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”

In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.

The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:

  • Skipton
  • Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
  • Leeds city centre
  • Morpeth, Northumberland
  • Newcastle: Gosforth
  • Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire 
  • Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
  • York

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.

“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.  

“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."

Read more: Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London

Featured image - Unsplash

News

The best rooftop bars in and around Leeds to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.

We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.

To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.

You know, because someone's got to do it.

Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you. 

Let's get into it then shall we?

Green Room

36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.

Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?

Headrow House

Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.

A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.

If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.

Azotea

2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.

This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.

IF Rooftop

10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.

Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.

Roland's

39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.

This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.

The Woods

5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.

Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.

Headingley Heights

8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.

Read more: Five of the hottest new openings coming to Leeds this year

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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