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.
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
Clementine Hall
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Georgina Pellant -
12th May 2021 
