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
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Georgina Pellant -
9th December 2021 
