Behind Closed Doors, a cocktail bar that comes with a debaucherous twist, is now officially open.
The self-professed ‘naughty’ bar is a well-known name in Manchester, where it operates speakeasy-style in a Northern Quarter basement and has done for almost a decade.
The bar has taken over the former Wire nightclub on Call Lane, and guests can expect its ethos of Sex, Rugs & Funk ’n’ Soul to our fair city – which means vintage erotica all over the walls, sexy mannequins and adult TV on the walls.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can also call other people in the bar through retro phones on every table.
‘The more adventurous party-goer’ will ring a bell to enter through a secret door, then will spend a night drinking cocktails like the Love Bite (pink gin, raspberry and cucumber slushie), Smoke my Sweet (a barrel stave smoked old fashioned) and Chocstar Martini (a chocolate espresso martini with whipped cream top).
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Other tasty tipples include the penis colada and schlong island iced tea.
Director and creator of Behind Closed Doors, Nick Parr, said: “Leeds has an enviable reputation for its nightlife, and it was the immediate choice as the location for our second venue.
“When you visit Behind Closed Doors you enter a liberating, hedonistic atmosphere, where we want guests to release their inhibitions.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“From the scandalous décor and tempting drinks to the live DJ’s playing eclectic funk, soul and disco music, we’ve created a place where you can really show your wild side and indulge a few guilty pleasures.
“As someone who has partied in the city many times, I know that the people of Leeds are going to love what we have in store for them.”
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
Feature
North Star Coffee is expanding and opening two new sites in Leeds city centre this summer
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.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And there's just no stopping them, as North Star is expanding into both Great George Street and the historic Victoria Quarter. Hurrah!
The Great George Street site will open as a takeaway-focused kiosk and retail store, designed to slot into your every day morning routine for that quick on-the-go brew.
They'll also be serving up house-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bakes, and a curated selection of retail coffee, brewing equipment, and accessories.
The Victoria Quarter location will offer similar, set amongst the Quarter’s tiled arcades and heritage storefronts, the site will reflect a more visible presence for the business within Leeds’ evolving food and drink landscape.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible.As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Suburb guide: Ten things to do in Headingley at the weekend
Clementine Hall
From completing the infamous Otley Run to sipping on a glass of natural wine, there's so much to do in the vibrant neighbourhood of Headingley.
Sandwiched between the two largest universities in Leeds, Headingley is known nationally as the playground of the young professionals, and internationally as the place in the North to watch the cricket.
Just minutes away on the bus from Leeds City Centre, Headingley is a great place to visit on the weekend with plenty of brilliant independents to support from coffee shops to restaurants.
So, here's ten things to do in Headingley over the weekend...
Watch a game at Headingley Stadium
St Michael's Lane, Headingley
Home of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, Headingley stadium is the main reason that this little suburb is known worldwide. In the winter, Leeds Rhinos season will keep you entertained, whilst the summer usually sees international test matches on the pitch.
This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing event for anyone interested in sports, and for those that aren’t- there’s plenty of food, drink and activity options within walking distance instead.
Drink a glass of wine at Bottle Chop
14 Weetwood Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Maybe our favourite wine bar in the whole of Leeds, Bottle Chop is a pastel pink paradise serving up a huge selection of natural wine, craft beer and irresistible deli bits.
Stop by for a couple glasses and dive into a charcuterie board alongside it, it's the perfect afternoon activity if you ask us.
If you're looking for some authentic Japanese cuisine in an elegant yet casual setting, then get yourself to TADA.
It's a fantastic independent restaurant serving up fresh sushi and the most comforting bowls of ramen ever. The staff are always lovely and happy to guide you with what to order on their extensive menu.
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
Brudenell Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this is a proper bit of Leeds history. The Hyde Park Picture House is a Grade II listed building that dates all the way back to 1914 and is known for being the last gas-lit cinema in the whole of the UK.
They are community focused and are determined on providing an inclusive space for everyone to learn and discover. Showing a selection of bigger as well as indie films, it's a great spot for cinema lovers to stop by and immerse themselves into a flick.
Shop vinyls at Vinyl Whistle
12 Otley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're into vinyls, then Vinyl Whistle is the spot for you. Not only do they stock plenty of records for you to browse, but they also host open decks and gigs for you to get involved with.
Oh and they serve great beer and banging coffee too, what more could you want?
Tuck into traditional Mexican food at Lupe's Cantina
204 Cardigan Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Lupe's Cantina is one of those 'if you know, you know' sort of spots and now thanks to us, you do know.
It's a family-run restaurant that's been feeding the people of Leeds for a decade, using traditional recipes passed down from head chef Rudy's family. Here you'll not only find your classic tacos, margaritas and guacamole but it's the standout dishes like the mussels in a creamy chipotle white wine sauce that'll have you going back time and time again.
Get your caffeine fix at one of the many coffee shops
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay we might be cheating with this one, but there's so many great coffee shops in Headingley that we couldn't just choose one.
From the experimental brews at Caffeine Addict to a cosy catchup at Loaf followed by a bagel and brew at Fika North, you're really spoilt for choice if you're looking for that morning pick me up. Trust us, just take a stroll through town and you'll find a cracking coffee in no time.
Enjoy some award-winning food at The Swine Bistro
77A Otley Road
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This beautiful restaurant is loved by Leeds locals and it's not hard to see why, run by chef couple Jo and Stu Myers who are basically legends at this point for providing the city with fantastic seasonal food at an affordable price point.
Complete the Otley Run
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Yep, it wouldn't be a Headingley guide without the Otley Run now would it.
It is a true rite of passage to any students who find themselves in Leeds during their studies and a firm favourite for societies and clubs from the various student unions across the city.
Starting at Woodies, the route takes you through fourteen boozers from Far Headingley, into Headingley itself, then towards Hyde Park before heading right into the centre of town – if you get that far.
Officially the route hosts the first eight pubs in Far Headingley and Headingley: Woodies, The Three Horseshoes, New Inn, Headingley Taps, Manahatta, The Box, Skyrack, The Original Oak before runners move onto Hyde Park pubs like The Hyde Park pub, The Library, Pack Horse, The Eldon and The Fenton before arriving at the final pub: The Dry Dock in the city.
Clementine Hall -
22nd August 2024 
