Tucked underground on Great George Street is a brilliant American-style video game bar that boasts a huge range of old-school gaming consoles like the SNES, N64, PS2, and NES.
Called Pixel Bar, it's home to loads of free-to-play retro games - and also boasts a selection of console booths and high-spec gaming PCs that you can rent out by the hour.
With striking custom artwork, LED lighting and ‘cubed’ light fixtures dotted around the subterranean bar, its theme clearly extends to the decor too.
Image: Pixel Bar
Console booths cost just £8 and for that, you'll get a chance to play on a range of different setups including PS5s, PS4s,Xbox Series Xs, and Nintendo Switches.
The gaming PCs, meanwhile, will set you back just £4.50 per hour to play.
With over 21 different games to play on the consoles alone, you can get stuck into old school favourites like Tekken, Mortal Combat and Mario Kart whilst you enjoy a few drinks - and even order in burgers from the kitchen upstairs if you're feeling peckish.
Image: Pixel Bar
But that's not all. Pixel Bar is also a party bar: selling fun gaming-themed cocktails, mocktails and 'magic potion' shots, alongside a more standard list of beers, wines and spirit mixers.
After the year (and then some) spent mostly sitting on the sofa, we're sure plenty of Loiners would be tempted by the idea of buying a 'full health' potion to keep us going on a night out.
Further fun potions on sale include 'mana' and 'stamina', whilst there's also a fully themed cocktail list featuring drinks like the 'Jigglypuff', 'Princess Perch' and the 'Yoshi's Island Iced Tea.'
Image: PIxel Bar Image: Pixel Bar
Burgers from the kitchen upstairs, meanwhile, are worth the trip on their own. Made by Pixel Bar's legendary neighbours Almost Famous, choices range from the house standard 'Famous' cheeseburger to more wacky creations.
Those who like a big burger might be tempted by bacon and frazzle-loaded creation the 'Phoenix', or the double buttermilk fried chicken, double cheeseburger, and halloumi confection that is the 'Awesome HQ."
Open late seven days a week, if you love a good gaming session and a few fun drinks you can't go wrong at Pixel Bar.
To find out more and view the full menu, visit their website here.
Feature image - Pixel Bar
News
Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
