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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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.
Georgina Pellant -
7th May 2021 
