Goodbye Red Hot World Buffet. Say hello to Roxy Lanes!
Yep, the bowling alley/bar hybrid chain is opening up another branch on the Headrow in Leeds.
Roxy Lanes already has premises in Bond Street and Merrion Street.
It now joins the ranks of Leeds’ Light building, which saw a redevelopment in the 1990s.
Site for the new Roxy lanes.
Red Hot Buffet, a sanctuary for hungover students, opened in 2010. It served food from an array of countries, including Italian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Mexican and European. It announced its closure in May 2021.
A planning document submitted to Leeds City Council stated: “It is proposed to introduce a new tenant, Roxy Lanes, which will comprise a bowling alley with an associated bar area.
“This application is solely for the change of use of the unit, the entrance to the unit will be from The Headow. The leisure facilities, including the bowling lanes, will be located on level three, and the main bar area on level four (street level).
“No physical works are proposed. A separate listed building application is currently under determination for the introduction of an internal dividing wall.”
It said there are currently no restrictions on opening hours at The Light, and the intention was to open until 3am every day.
The document added: “The proposed use of this space as a bowling alley and drinking establishment would further boost the vitality and viability of The Light.
“Roxy Leisure successfully trades from three other locations in the city centre and has a proven track record on the positive management of these units.
“The proposed change of use would support the function of the wider city centre as a key shopping destination. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the council supports this change of use application.”
This is huge. See you there.
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Josh Teal -
28th August 2021 
