Distrikt, the underground party bar in Central Arcade, hit out at the new measures in an angry social media post last night.
Following the 6pm press conference, in which the Prime Minister announced that new measures - such as working from home and Covid passports - would be introduced from next week, the bar shared a post to its Facebook and Instagram channels that said it would not "Implement any new ridiculous rules".
Adding that the rules cause "anything other than disruption", the bar went on to confirm that all bookings will go ahead and "life will not change."
"Boris is a nonce", they concluded.
Clearly, feelings were running high - hospitality always seems to be the first to get hit when new restrictions come into place.
Screenshotting the furious Facebook post to Instagram, District went on to explain to their followers in the caption that as they are a 200 capacity bar, Covid passes will not be required to enter as this new rule only applies to 500+ capacity venues.
Image: Distrikt
They also asked customers to respect people who choose to wear a mask in the venue, saying that this is a "personal choice" and that people should "feel free".
The bar also encouraged people to "be responsible" and take a lateral flow test before attending, asking guests to "not turn up if you are feeling unwell".
The post on Facebook has been liked over 16,000 times at the time of writing and received over 3,000 comments.
In full it reads: "To those concerned about the ‘news’, please bare in mind that District is a bar and not a nightclub. We are a smaller venue and therefore will not require any passports, nor will we implement any new ridiculous rules that cause anything other than disruption.
"All of our bookings will go ahead, life will not change, Boris is a nonce."
People have been quick to applaud the bar for its message, with one commenting: "Absolutely! Bravo Distrikt lets hope the rest of LEEDS nightlife follows!"
Another said, "I’ve never been but this will be my local now".
A third added, "I've never attended, nor heard of your bar but for this status update alone, you have gained a new follower and I will travel to Leeds and pop by for drinks with the misses."
Feature image - Distrikt
Eats
New Sheffield pizzeria named one of the world’s best
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Georgina Pellant -
9th December 2021 
