If you're looking to sip in style this weekend away from the masses, we've found the perfect hidden spot to get a few cheeky cocktails in.
Sequestered behind an 80's video rental shop front in Wakefield, this cocktail bar has one of the most understated entrances you can think of. No one's used a VHS player for at least a decade now, surely.
Make your way in through the secret door - just guess the film of the week to gain entry / Image: RBT VIdeo There's loads to choose from on the menu, from classic pornstars to more adventurous signatures / Image: RBT Video
As 80's as they come, the retro frontage conceals an unlikely secret sipping spot that you'd never know was there if we hadn't told you.
Found on Northgate in Wakefield, the RBT Video bar is accessed via a hidden door tucked amongst shelves filled with video tapes. All you need to do to gain access is guess the movie of the week (or go on their website and have a look, they update it regularly).
Inside the bar is just as retro as the video front that conceals it / Image: RBT Video
Once inside, you'll find the theme continues with a host of 80's-inspired cocktails with fun names like ‘Woo Woo Royale’ and ‘Hogan’s Hero'.
From a luminous green 'Japanese slipper' served in (you guessed it) a glass shoe; to more standard classics like pornstar and espresso martinis, the menu's pretty decent with some quirky options for those who want to push the boat out.
Some of the more kooky drinks include a pepperoni negroni / Image: RBT Video
Think bloody marys topped with black pudding and sausage, pepperoni negronis and neon gimlets (coloured with blue curacao for that ultimate 80s disco feel) - plus big fat slabs of oozy, New York-style pizza to help you soak up all that booze.
Decor-wise, there's plenty of retro neon lights to set the vibe with low lighting and a fun, party atmosphere.
The Japanese slipper comes served in an actual glass slipper / Image: RBT VideoThere's plenty of seating to choose from, be it in a booth or on a stool at the bar / Image: RBT Video
Opt to sit at the bar or tuck yourself into one of the comfy booths and soak up the atmosphere as. your sip on some of the finest cocktails Wakefield has to offer.
There's also a stage here, because not only is this a cool little cocktail bar they also host entertainment with live music acts and comedy performances taking place too.
Personally, the drinks themselves are enough to entice us - but there's so much more to be discovered here too.
To find out more head over to RBT VIdeo's Instagram and Facebook pages.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
26th August 2021 
