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
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
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 -
8th October 2021 
