The Key Club has decided to cancel showings of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, citing the 'ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues' in the host city as the reason for the removal of the eventsfrom its schedule.
The popular event space and music venue was due to show England games for the World Cup but made the decision yesterday to remove this as an option.
Releasing a statement on Facebook, The Key Club have said that:
"We have decided to cancel the upcoming England matches which we had planned to show at The Key Club.
"We wanted to create a safe space where people felt comfortable to watch the football, however, after careful deliberation and upon further research, we now understand it is best to cancel the upcoming events in response to the ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues surrounding the host nation.
"The Key Club is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space and so we hope you all stand by our decision.
"As an additional mark of our support, we will be collecting donations for LGBTQ+ charities at upcoming events at The Key Club.
Adding that "Whilst we won't be showing the matches, we wish England the very best of luck!", the Facebook post has received overwhelmingly positive comments on the venue's decision to support the LGBTQ+ community and continue to offer a safe space for all.
"So much respect for this, it means so much to our community, that you take that stand and let us know we matter. I hope more business follow. We appreciate you." was just one of the positive comments left, whilst others shared rainbow heart emojis and likes on the update.
The Key Club isn't the only Leeds-based business to reverse the decision to show the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Mustard Pot in Chapel Allerton also issued a statement yesterday, stating that "I made the wrong decision to show the World Cup and I am sorry" with all tickets refunded and an apology "to anyone we offended by announcing we would be showing it".
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."
The Hoot -
15th November 2022 
