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.
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.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd September 2021 
