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Leeds’ Revolution Electric Press is getting a huge £300k ‘vodka land’ fairground makeover
The pandemic might have prevented the bar from celebrating its landmark 15th birthday, but that will all be made up for this month as it undergoes its transformation.
Leeds' Revolution Electric Press bar is getting a huge £300k makeover that will see the site turned into a vodka-lovers paradise.
The city's nightlife has seen many changes over the past 15 years, but whilst countless venues have come and gone, Revolution Electric Press has always stayed the same - until now.
The news of a huge makeover means a complete overhaul for the popular Leeds venue and the introduction of a new 'vodka land' theme that will take its inspiration from wild and wacky fairgrounds and funfairs - but with an adult twist.
As part of the extensive refurbishment, designers have created several new areas including some all-new dining spaces with large, communal tables and an open-plan dance floor complete with a new lighting show.
Image: Revolution Electric Press
And behind the scenes, a newly enhanced kitchen will ensure that Revolution’s food menu can be delivered faster than ever before.
The team has also installed a new heated courtyard so, no matter what the weather, if you're drinking and dining outside you can keep warm and toasty through the coming winter months.
Perfect for events and private parties, the newly designed heated courtyard will allow revellers to enjoy Rev's popular indoor-outdoor feel all year round.
CGIs of the new and improved Rev's show touches like vintage cabochons, big top tent stripes on the ceiling and supporting columns, and geometric neons.
The extensive pizza menu is returning, with all options now blessed with extra tasty hand stretched sourdough bases, authentic Italian tomato sauce and mozzarella / Image: Revolution Electric Press
2022 also sees the bar revolutionise its cocktail menu, with an impressive list of 22 new cocktails.
Future favourites include the Millionaire’s Martini, the Salted Caramel Colada, a Peach Margarita, and a Flat White Martini. The menu is the bars most ambitious to date, and also features some incredible low and no alcohol options, such as the Saintly Pornstar Martini, which boasts all of the flavour of a regular Pornstar.
Another addition to the new-look venue is the exclusive Ciroc Best Seat in the House area, which will follow later in 2022 and is destined to take the meaning of ultra-VIP to a new level.
This deluxe private area will allow guests to get to the heart of the party and provide the perfect place for any celebration with DJ access and bespoke party packages.
A Leeds first, it will be the ultimate space for celebrating those all-important special occasions.
The Brooklyn Mac ‘n’ Chicken Burger / Image: Revolution Electric Press
Food-wise, diners can expect the same unique take on modern bar food with dishes like the mighty Brooklyn Mac ‘n’ Chicken Burger, a previous National Burger Awards finalist popular with critics and customers alike.
Elsewhere on the menu, Revolution’s signature sharing platters allow everyone to join in, with tasty veggie and vegan versions available alongside the classic House Sharer.
The extensive pizza menu is also returning, with all options now blessed with extra tasty hand stretched sourdough bases, authentic Italian tomato sauce and mozzarella. Corn Dogs, Halloumi Fries, Vegan Fried Chicken and Tempura Prawns are just some of the must-try dishes available on the Grazin’ menu.
The brand is also continuing its mission to be carbon neutral by 2030, after hitting the headlines in 2021 for its forward-thinking tactics.
One of just a handful of UK-based companies to sign up to the pledge to hit net-zero, the Revolution Bars Group won the prestigious Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice for their commitment to the scheme.
One notable change for the brand was the decision to remove the passion fruit halves from its Pornstar Martini cocktail, replacing them with a rice paper alternative.
Prior to removing passion fruit from their bestselling cocktail (Revolution sell over 1m across the UK each year), they were shipping 36 tonnes from South America to the UK, only for them to be used as a garnish.
The group has also continued its drive to reduce energy usage, dropping this by an impressive 19% since 2017.
Speaking on the bar's refurb and plans for 2022, Revolution Electric Press Manager, David Berry, said:
‘’Revolution has been bringing the party to Leeds for over 15 years and we want to ensure we keep it fun for years to come with this refurbishment.
"We've always been a venue where you can drink, dine and dance all under one roof and with this new look and feel we'll be carrying on the party well into the future.’
‘’Since reopening after the lockdowns we've seen a change in people's socialising habits and expectations when it comes to going out and we want to make sure we can exceed all of them.
"With a huge focus around our ever popular bottomless brunch offering and most ambitious cocktail menu to date, this new design will bring together the two things we're famous for.... vodka and fun.’
‘’I'm also so proud that we can bring you Leeds' first ever Ciroc Best Seat in the House, which will bring a new pre-bookable area which promises to make sure our guests feel right at the centre of any party! Join us for a new revolution in going out!’’
Revolution Electric Press will reopen its doors from 14 January, with a full relaunch weekend planned from Friday 28 – Sunday 30 January where guests will be able to soak up live entertainment, mini cocktail masterclasses, sample the new menu and get their first taste of Saturday X, Rev’s brand-new weekly late-night event.
Feature image - Revolution Electric Press
News
Legally Blonde at Leeds Grand Theatre – a powerful portrayal drenched in pink | Review
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.
The Hoot -
13th January 2022 
