London darts bar Flight Club has confirmed it will be opening a snazzy new site in Leeds later this year - just in time for the proposed easing of restrictions on June 21st.
Taking over the former Shooters venue on Park Row, it will have room for up to 400 people.
Blending the nostalgia and warmth of a British pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor, it's got a real glitzy carnival feel inside with all the fun of a real fairground.
What sets the London bar group apart, though, is how it turns the traditional pub game of darts on its head - using technology to bring it firmly into the 21st century.
Offering its own 'supercharged version' of darts involving a series of multiplayer games, Flight Club uses unique patented tracking technology designed by their very own astrophysicist.
What's more, their 'tournament tech' can connect up to 150 players at once, whilst instant scoring eliminates any need for any onerous counting.
The new opening will be the third site for the company outside of London, following moves to open in Manchester and Birmingham.
Flight Club
On arrival, guests will find a large feature bar and 13 oches (darts playing areas) dotted around the venue.
In addition to these oches - similar to booths with techy darts boards in them - there'll be plenty of extra tables for drinking and dining, so even if you don't fancy playing a game right there and then you're going to be comfortable.
Located at the heart of Leeds city centre on South Parade, diners can look forward to a seasonal menu of delicious sharing platters, pizzas, sides and mix and match small plates. Think coconut popcorn shrimp, vegetable gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce and Korean beef skewers.
Flight Club
From the bar, there'll be a selection of bespoke cocktails such as breakfast sours, salted caramel espresso martinis and the 'social darts spritz' - made with lemongrass-infused aperol, London essence peach and jasmine soda and prosecco.
There's also a good selection of beers, spirit mixers, wine and soft drinks.
Their bottomless brunch is one to put on your list, too, with bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco each from £35 per head.
Speaking on the new opening, CEO, Steve Moore, who co-founded Flight Clubalongside Paul Barham said: “We are delighted to finally announce the upcoming opening of Flight Club Leeds as the next step in our quest to get as many people stepping up to the throwline as possible.
“It’s been a wait and we are thrilled to be sharing our amazing venue with you all at long last! Our venues have brought unexpected, ridiculous, joy to three different UK cities so far and we are confident that the vibrant energy in Leeds makes it the perfect next chapter in the Flight Club story.
"After an incredibly challenging year, we want to bring some much-needed joy into the lives of locals with some guaranteed fun!”
Full or partial venue hire options are also available.
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.
The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.
It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.
We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.
Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
Georgina Pellant -
12th May 2021 
