Leeds’ premier sports bar brand BOX has arrived in Chapel Allerton with an outdoor terrace, sharing beer steins and big promises to screen all the important sports fixtures this summer.
Taking over what was formerly the PIT, this will be the second site for the well known Leeds brand - who are expanding their reach out into the suburbs just in time for the hotly-anticipated Euros.
Screening all the UEFA action across a whopping 14 ultra HD screens, plus another huge LED on its newly refurbished outdoor terrace, locals are guaranteed a bit of al fresco sports action this summer.
BOX will also be the only bar in Chapel Allerton to boast a bottomless brunch offering - with a daily BOX Bottomless Party offering main meals alongside unlimited prosecco, Coors, and selected cocktails.
Part of the Arc Inspirations group, which also claims Manahatta and Banyan as its own, we look forward to a solid cocktail selection and a mix of local craft beers and international favourites behind the bar.
Drinkers can also tuck into sharing steins, as well as having an extensive selection of wines and spirits to choose from.
Open seven days a week, on the food side there's those legendary BOX pizzas to look forward to (made with proper San Marzano tomatoes and fior de latte mozzarella no less).
Their ‘must try’ Crispy Fried Katsu Chicken Pizza is also headed onto the menu here, alongside long-standing BOX favourites like their towering Boxster burger, chicken shawarma Kebab, and steak frites.
There are also plans to reintroduce live music and events, safety and restrictions permitting.
Speaking on the new opening, Arc Inspirations CEO Martin Wolstencroft, said: 'We opened the terrace on 12th April, and it is already proving to be extremely popular with the locals.
"We are super excited to be adding this unit to our portfolio. It's a great opportunity to provide a fun and relaxed environment for people with a shared passion for sport, socialising, great food and drink."
The terrace is open now, with the rest of the venue set to open on 17th May in line with the new easing of lockdown restrictions.
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Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
‘It wasn’t its time’ – Mediterranean Leeds cafe closes just two months after opening
Clementine Hall
A new street food spot has sadly closed its doors just two months after opening.
Back in May, a beautiful taste of the Mediterranean was was brought to us by Shvaan, a very talented chef who previously worked alongside his family at Eastern Oven in Kirkgate Market.
An absolute gem of a spot, Eastern Oven is known for its fresh breads, aromatic meats and plates bursting with colour - and this is exactly what Shvaan set up with FenerBar.
This new venture opened up inside The Attic, a multidisciplinary arts and events space just on the outskirts of the city centre by The Tetley and the new Aire Park development.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up Eastern Mediterranean dishes like mackerel, lamb and beef kebabs, as well as various colourful vegan plates, everything at Fenerbar was homemade and you could really tell the amount of love put into each and every dish.
Unfortunately, Fenerbar has now closed its doors with owner Shvaan stating 'it wasn't it's time'.
Announcing the sad news to Instagram, Fenerbar said: "fenerBar has been closed. It wasn’t its time, whether it’s from the past or in the future, we’ll have to find out.
"Many thanks to @theatticleeds for hosting me and giving me the space to give it a shot. Wish them all the best. And thanks to everyone who came."
Of course in true Leeds fashion, fellow independents flocked to the comments showing their support and wishing Fenerbar all the luck in the next chapter.
We're sure this isn't the end for Shvaan's talents, and we can't wait to see what he does next.
Georgina Pellant -
7th May 2021 
