If you're heading to Leeds Pride next weekend, then Behind Closed Doors are here to keep the party going.
Leeds Pride is one of the most important events in the city's social calendar.
And this year it is set to be a celebration even bigger and better than ever before.
Taking place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025, the day is set to be packed with fabulous music, food, cabaret and more.
Image: Supplied
But if you're wondering where you'll go once the parade ends and music finishes, then think no more as we've got just the place for you.
Behind Closed Doors, Leeds' iconic adult-themed speakeasy on Call Lane are hosting pride afterparties all weekend long so you can keep dancing into the early hours.
Head on over to Behind Closed Doors for free entry as well as 2-4-1 cocktails if you show your wristband or say the word 'Pride'.
And to make it even better, £1 from each cocktail purchased over the weekend will go to a pride charity. Now how can you say no to that.
Image: Supplied
The drinking den will be open til 5am each night with vinyl DJs blasting the tunes til close, and the best part? You can bag yourself free shots with every drink purchased.
If that hasn't convinced you to text your group chat and get a night out sorted, then allow us to try and reel you in even more.
Behind Closed Doors, the self-professed ‘naughty’ bar that started over in Manchester, has taken Leeds by storm since its grand opening back in August last year.
Their ethos of Sex, Rugs & Funk ’n’ Soul means you'll find vintage erotica all over the walls, as well as retro phones on every table so you can ring your mates from across the room.
It's safe to say that this isn't just your average night out.
The drinks aren't average either, with a cheeky cocktail list featuring drinks like the Love Bite (pink gin, raspberry and cucumber slushie), Smoke my Sweet (a barrel stave smoked old fashioned) and Chocstar Martini (a chocolate espresso martini with whipped cream top).
There'll even be a pride cocktail menu for the weekend for you to get stuck into. And they don't just taste good, they all act as a great pop to snap a photo with too.
To find out more about Behind Closed Doors, take a look at their website here.
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
11th July 2025 
