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.
It's looking like the whole of Leeds might turn into padel courts before we know it.
The padel craze is well and truly thriving, because over the past few months we've had not one, not two, but THREE new padel courts being announced in the city.
We're not quite sure why, but something about that little racket and ball is really getting the people going - and we love to see it.
So, the next lot of padel courts is set to move into the part of a former film studio on Whitehall Road.
If granted permission by Leeds City Council, eight padel courts will be created at the Versa Studios site in Holbeck, along with an onsite cafe and bar.
Council planners have said the new development would boost access to sports facilities and create jobs in the local area.
The report said: “The development will generate around 15 new jobs, contribute to the local economy and create wider spin-off benefits for the city centre fringe.
“It will also deliver important social and health benefits, encouraging more people to participate in sport and promoting an active lifestyle within an inclusive and accessible setting.”
A design report by Quantam Padel said new courts were needed to meet the ongoing growing demand for the sport, and we can believe that.
It said: "The proposal aims to deliver a high quality padel tennis centre.
“Padel tennis is more accessible to those whose level of fitness, agility or skill make conventional tennis or squash overly challenging and difficult to play.”
So, what do you make of this? Can there be one padel court too many?
Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival
Clementine Hall
Peddler’s 13th year marks a bold new direction for the free monthly event.
Peddler Market began its life 12 years ago as a street food night market with a sprinkling of live music and DJs.
Now that they're synonymous with bringing some of the best street food the UK has to offer to Sheffield, the organisers are now heading in a new direction.
Peddler will now offer a five-stage monthly music festival, spread across their Kelham Island footprint - maintaining its ‘free entry’ ethos for customers.
Image: Supplied
But don't worry, food will still be a key component all whilst increasing their to platform some of the best local promoters, record shops, DJs and bands across Sheffield.
But now, they're bringing five stages to Peddler, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city.
“Twelve years ago, we filled a gap that Sheffield really needed,” Jordan Roberts - owner, says. “Since then, it’s nourished this huge gastronomic change within the city. Now there’s food halls and street food everywhere, which is great because people have choice – at peddler amazing street food is a given but now you can expect much more”
Image: Supplied
"I wanted to create a labyrinth of exploration like that you find at a proper festival, tread the zones, sample the delights and find your vibe. It’s like a little mini festival,” Jordan says.
“With Tramlines and We Out Here being huge inspiration for the next gen development. There’s a car park stage, the inside main stage, a courtyard stage, the factory floor and activities happening in the basement underneath too,” Jordan explains. “Bands, DJs, the whole thing.”
Image: Supplied
“We’ve always been a street food event with two music stages,” he explains. “Now we’re excited to bring five stages, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city. After more than 100 Peddler Markets where we’ve always hosted a free entry gig.
"We’ll still host our street food partners, who love seeing all the Sheffield foodies. However, the changing music line up will help you ‘save the date’ making each month even more unmissable”
The first edition of the reformatted Peddler lands on the usual first Friday and Saturday of the month on 5-6 June and promises a sprawling, multi-space experience inspired as much by classic city festivals as warehouse parties and independent culture.
Georgina Pellant -
12th May 2021 
