Our favourite place to play pool, roll a strike and kick back with killer cocktails are moving and their new location is set to be their biggest yet.
Roxy Lanes will be relocating from their Bond Street location to The Light on Headrow. Although the mammoth new venue will not be open to the public until early 2022, the wait will be more than worth it.
The new venue is a whopping three times the size of their Bond Street predecessor and will incorporate all elements of existing Roxy venues to date inside.
Roxy Lanes new location at The Light will open in early 2022. / Image- Roxy Ballroom
Retiring Roxy Bond Street, which has been open until 2014 seems like the appropriate move for an expansion. Brand Development Manager, Joel Mitchell believes that "whilst the Bond Street venue was a great starting point for us as a brand, it’s now time to up the ante and we’re delighted to be able to expand and offer our customers even more of that Roxy Lanes experience".
The new Roxy location will have all the nights out you could possibly wish for, whether you're looking for an intimate corner or an ice breaker for a first date or fancy a booze-fuelled night out.
Each customer's journey through Roxy's newest venture will start on the ground floor of The Light location, where a large bar area greets customers and offer a huge choice of beverages: from craft beers to cocktails and spirits, before heading on to play some games.
In the basement, the dedicated game station will be waiting for those who dare to win. Ten bowling alleys, two duckpin bowling lanes, shuffle boards, American pool tables, beer pong, need we say more?
Playing beer pong is a UK-wide phenomenon but we especially love a round here in Leeds. / Image: Roxy Ballroom
Grab a second, third or even fourth round of drinks at the dedicated basement bar before heading upstairs to see the new addition for Roxy Lanes, ice curling lanes.
Slide stones down the smooth surface and try to hit the bullseye and become the champion at one of the only rinks of its kind in the UK.
Luckily, any anticipated snow in early 2022 will remain outside as Roxys are implementing an ice-free curling lane. We can't wait to see how this innovative idea will come to life.
The 15,000 square foot venue will also be the perfect place to watch the latest sporting action, with live BT and Sky Sports showing in the upstairs bar area. Children can get a slice of the action up until 5pm when accompanied by an adult.
Feature Image- Roxy Lanes
Leeds
A dedicated matcha bar made famous in Sheffield is opening in Leeds city centre
Matcha girls assemble, because a new cafe dedicated to it is opening right here in Leeds.
It seems like matcha has taken the world by storm over the past year or so, more often than not you'll see caffeine enthusiasts walking around with bright green drinks over a cup of coffee.
If you're one of those people then you're in luck, because a cafe dedicated to the stuff is opening right here in Leeds.
Introducing Made Matcha, a matcha and açaí bar that has created waves in the foodie scene over in Sheffield since opening back in September last year.
Images: The Sheff
And it's pretty clear they're doing very well indeed, to be opening a second site in another city less than six months after launching is no mean feat.
Made Matcha will be opening on Lower Briggate in the Nice Things site, the beautiful plant shop hasn't been around for long and sadly closed quietly without much noise.
So, what can we expect from Made?
This pastel green paradise specialise in seasonal matchas that (almost) look too pretty to drink.
Images: The Sheff
You can get everything from a Strawberry Shortcake Matcha to a Sticky Date Latte, and you can pretty much guarantee that every time you go they'll have a few more specials on the menu.
Our mates over at The Sheff recommend the Banana Bread Matcha and to be honest, you don't have to tell us twice.
Not only do they serve gallons of the good green stuff, but you can also get fresh açaí bowls, sandwiches and superfood smoothies.
We've got a feeling this spot will be very busy post-pilates class on a Saturday morning, and to be honest we'll see you there.
There's no opening date yet, but we'll keep you in the loop.
Leeds Pride 2026 announces dates and first wave of acts for 20th anniversary celebration this summer
Clementine Hall
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
The festival’s first performer has been announced as Strictly Come Dancing Icon & RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, who will be taking to the main stage.
Image: Supplied
And it doesn't stop there, Leeds Pride will feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Sophie Smith -
8th October 2021 
