Several bars and clubs across Leeds have spoken out about the recent outcries for more support and preventative measures for drink spiking across the UK.
Over the past few weeks, a staggering number of women have spoken out about their experience of being injected or having their drinks spiked on a night out.
Bars and clubs recognise that nobody should feel unsafe on a night out and many, including the likes of Pryzm, Mint and Hi-Fi have addressed their clientele to share their new security procedures, which they hope will help to combat drink spiking in their venues.
The response comes after the organisation of Girls Night In, an event being held this Wednesday to make a stand against drink spiking and violence, particularly towards women. The boycott of bars and clubs for one night hopes to address clubs and bars on a national level to reform their security process, including bags searches to prevent needles or drink.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVSyoudohmJ/
Przym Leeds
Club venue Pryzm, which has a chain of nightclubs across the UK, were one of the first hospitality businesses to address drink spiking and have listed a range of ways that they are working with the public to tackle this problem.
Fully training staff on drink spiking, actively implementing the 'Ask Angela' scheme and use of extensive CCTV footage are just some of the measures in place.
The chain also stated that they will be providing 'anti-spiking bottle stoppers and protective drink covers' upon request once they are back in stock. Customers that wish to use one in their drink should ask at the bar when ordering.
Use of a phone and phone chargers are also available upon request. Przym state that they are happy to call a friend, family member or a taxi for their customers free to charge in their recent Facebook post.
The Old Red Bus Station
The Old Red Bus Station are having extended meetings with their team to try and tackle drink spiking. / Image: The Old Red Bus Station
Local bar, The Old Red Bus Station, have also released a statement.
"The Old Red Bus Station is committed to maintaining a safe environment for our guests and staff and as a part of this process, we have had extended meetings with our security team and our on-site medical team to ensure we are doing everything to continue keeping our patrons safe.
We will be releasing in-depth guidance around the venue to raise awareness and will be happy to respond to any questions that you may have. At Old Red, there is CCTV across the venue and we have rigorous checks in place at the door. We are also involved in the “Ask for Angela” scheme and will be undertaking further staff training in the coming weeks."
Hifi Club Leeds
The local club state that they are "fully behind" the Girls Night In movement in Leeds and are "absolutely committed to ensuring that their space is a safe environment for everyone".
Drink covers are going to be provided to customers as soon as possible and security have been briefed to carry out more searches. CCTV is in place and anyone caught spiking drinks will not only be banned from the venue for life, but they will also be handed over to the police.
Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse have issued a statement to customers about drink spiking. / Image: Mint Warehouse
Mint Warehouse have also spoken out against the rise of spiking in nightclubs and bars and reassured customers that they are committing to making their venue a "safe space for everyone".
The club have added extra security, including female door supervisors and are looking into introducing body worn cameras to act as an additional deterrent. The club are also advising their customers to "stick with friends; don't leave drinks unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers".
Secret Krush
The Backroom management team at Secret Krush "pride themselves on several key safety measures", stating that:
"We frequently test and train our staff and management teams to recognise & support vulnerable females; quite often we’ll pay for taxis home for them if we can’t find their friends to help them".
Working closely with the local police and BACIL, full CCTV and "the strictest door policy in the city" are some of their other policies that hope to curb the rise in drink spiking. The popular venue also underlined the importance of training staff and keeping drinks close to avoid any tampering.
"As soon as you put your drink down whether it has a cover or not there is always a risk of someone tampering with it, so please don’t leave it unattended. Sadly, there’s no fool proof solution against drinks tampering, but making sure we let the right people in, conducting thorough searches and having plenty of trained staff are key."
If you have been affected by any of the issues that have been brought up in this article, please reach out to #AskForAngela, Street Angels Leeds, Good Night Out Campaign, Not on my Campus UK, Women’s Lives in Leeds or Nightlife Crew.
Nearly twenty years on, Legally Blonde still reminds audiences never to underestimate themselves.
There is something wonderfully refreshing about a musical that embraces joy without irony, and the 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde at the Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House does exactly that.
This sparkling revival captures all the charm, humour, and heart that has made the show a modern musical theatre favourite, proving that Elle Woods' story has lost none of its appeal.
Adapted from the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde remains far more than a fluffy feel-good comedy. Nearly twenty years after its Broadway debut, its themes of self-worth, perseverance and refusing to be underestimated continue to resonate, making the show's message feel as relevant as ever.
Image: Supplied
From the opening strains of 'Omigod You Guys!', the production establishes an infectious energy that rarely lets up.
Much of its success lies in Leah Hill's exhilarating choreography, which is packed with vitality and executed with astonishing precision. The ensemble attacks every routine with unwavering commitment, and the athletic feat that is 'Whipped Into Shape' proves a particular highlight. I will forever question how nobody appears remotely out of breath in this number.
Images: Supplied
At the centre of it all is Amber Davies, who proves herself perfectly suited to the role of Elle Woods. Effortlessly capturing the character's optimism and determination, Davies delivers a performance that goes far beyond the familiar blonde stereotype.
She brings warmth, vulnerability and impeccable comic timing to the role, ensuring that Elle's transformation from heartbroken sorority president to accomplished law student feels both authentic and genuinely moving.
Image: Supplied
Vocally, Davies is superb. She tackles the demanding score with apparent ease, bringing emotional depth to the title number whilst delivering a thrilling rendition of 'So Much Better'. Her natural comic playfulness shines throughout, making both performer and character utterly irresistible.
Equally memorable is Karen Mavundukure's delightful turn as Paulette Bonafonté. Bringing warmth and comic flair in abundance, she proves herself as one of the evening's standout performers. Her heartfelt rendition of 'Ireland' beautifully captures the character's hopes and insecurities, while her scenes with Kyle provide some of the night's biggest laughs.
What makes Legally Blonde so enduring is its sincerity. Rather than making Elle Woods the punchline, the show celebrates kindness, female friendship and self-belief. In a world often quick to judge, there is something deeply appealing about a story that wears its optimism so proudly.
Legally Blonde is running until 13 June at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House and you can grab your tickets here.
Five of the best new openings in Leeds recently – from ice bath cafes to listening bars
Clementine Hall
It's been a brilliant couple of months for new openings in Leeds.
We don't know about you, but we think our city is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment.
There's been a flurry of new spots opening up, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Domo
Tower works, 2 Globe Rd, Holbeck, LS11 5QG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Introducing Domo, an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, we've got a feeling this is going to be our go-to spot this summer for long lunches fuelled by spritzes.
Also born in Sheffield, this one's for the matcha lovers and we know there's a lot of you. Think iced banana bread matcha, superfood smoothies and refreshing acai bowls served in a super cool setting.
Kontrast
84-86 Railway Street, Saxton Gardens, LS9 8HB
Images: The Hoot Leeds
After already making a big name for themselves over in Manchester, Kontrast has brought its popular sauna and ice bath cafe concept over to Leeds. Located under the railway arches, Kontrast features two traditional saunas, one infrared sauna, and four ice baths, each varying in temperature between three and 13 degrees. It's the perfect space to enjoy solo or with a group of like-minded wellness-loving people.
Scott and his partner have opened the coolest, 70's inspired record bar that is full of his massive record collection alongside a carefully curated cocktail menu with a twist. With the best view of Sunny Bank Mills, Pardon Me is just the most chilled out place to watch the world go by whilst sipping on a coffee or a glass of wine whilst hearing everything from hip hop and soul to deep house, and disco. We loved our visit and we know you will too.
We all know and bloody love Silver's Deli over in Bramley, but now they’ve branched out to Farsley and opened the wonderful their very own bakery which is already a sell-out.
The all-new neighbourhood bakehouse is slinging out the likes of homemade focaccia, buttermilk brownies, sausage rolls, cookies, tiramisu and, of course, the ever-so-famous sandos but this time in homemade, fluffy focaccia.
Sophie Smith -
25th October 2021 
