Leeds’ most anticipated new venue, CrowdedHouse, will open its doors later this month.
Located in Trinity Leeds’ and taking over the coveted Angelica and Crafthouse spot, CrowdedHouse will feature across multiple levels, rooms and of course an impressive terrace space.
CrowdedHouse will offer a day-to-night drinking and dining experience in an elegant, refined setting.
Accessible by the iconic glass Boar Lane lift, the vast new space will welcome professionals as well as casual diners to use the space throughout the working day, from a cheeky coffee to a working lunch.
Downstairs will feature a relaxed lounge area as well as a main restaurant for dining, whereas upstairs you'll find a beautiful terrace and rooftop which is what we knew and loved Angelica for.
Images: Supplied
As for the food, double AA rosette winner Simon Jewitt has been appointed as Head Chef who will be cooking up a menu featuring produce sourced from regional suppliers, championing Yorkshire provenance.
Divided into snacks, plates and larger plates, the menu will offer favourites such as Korean fried chicken, Shorthorn beef tartare, and vegan specialities such as beetroot pappardelle and crispy Jerusalem artichokes.
And if you're looking to get real fancy, a seasonal fish and shellfish menu will be served on the rooftop, including native oysters, Islay langoustines and hand dived scallops.
Founder and owner John Quinlan said: “A sense of pride really characterises the launch of CrowdedHouse for me. It’s a true cultural moment for Leeds - a flexible venue that works with you and whatever you need. From coffee to cocktails, we’re here to offer you a haven above the noise of the city.
“CrowdedHouse will offer the very best of Leeds right in the heart of the city, enjoying dedicated dining spaces across floors five and six with unrivalled views from the terrace, and accompanied by live music as a regular feature. Sundays bring a rich offering of traditional roasts paired with a relaxed atmosphere to recharge for the week ahead.
“Leeds has a strong independent spirit, and no shortage of creativity - but it’s craving a venue to celebrate that. So, whether it’s a meeting, a quiet couple of hours to yourself or a catch up with old friends, CrowdedHouse moves with you through the day.”
CrowdedHouse will open on Thursday 31 July and you can book your table here.
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
9th July 2025 
