One of Leeds' best-loved independents is launching a rather novel new social club - a bowling club.
Silver's Deli, famed for its New York-style sub sandwiches, has said that it wants to hold a nice social event that doesn't involve running, saying that run clubs are 'monumentally ridiculous'.
Owner Chris said that the current trend (and run clubs are everywhere right now) for 'glowing at 7am after a 35k sprint all dressed in their best Lycra' is a 'horror show'.
In a hilarious statement shared on Instagram, he said that he hopes his new project will have all the social aspect of a running club, but without the running, which is 'the worst bit'.
"It's like walking, which is fine, but you get all flustered and overly warm, and you probably stink etc."
And the best bit of this new Silver's Bowling Club plan is that it will support the 'f***ing class' Bramley Crown Green Bowling club.
Chris said he hopes this new project will, as well as donating to the club, attract some new members to this 'oasis with all the flowers and nature and sh**'.
The Bramley Crown Green Bowling club is facing rising running costs, increasing membership costs, and a lack of people signing up for memberships.
The plan for this new Silver's Bowling Club will be that winners will be given vouchers, with deck chairs placed out for people to 'just hang out'.
Silver's Bowling Club begins next month
There'll be coffees from Bramley Batch and cookies from Get Baked, with plans to add Silver's breakfast sandwiches to the menu if the first club meet is a success.
No experience necessary - 'just throw some bowls on the ground and see what happens'.
Chris then wants to run the Silver's Bowling Club meets at least monthly all summer, weather permitting.
His statement, in which he directly apologised to Green Room, said: "I had this idea when staring out onto Bramley Park from my back door, watching the park run on a cold February morning — "these people are f*king lunatics", I thought.
"I wondered how they had the energy (or desire) to do such a monumentally ridiculous thing on a Saturday morning. Then I started thinking about running clubs.
"I'm always seeing these places posting their running clubs - everyone glowing at 7am after a 35k sprint all dressed in their best Lycra. Honestly, it's a horror show.
"So anyway I was looking at the Bowling Green, fuming, raging even, and then it came to me.
"Why don't I start a bowling club? We can have the social aspect of a running club, without the running. The running is the worst bit. It's like walking, which is fine, but you get all flustered and overly warm, and you probably stink etc."
The first ever Silver's Bowling Club will be at Bramley Crown Green Bowling on Sunday 6 July, from 10am to 12pm.
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “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.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “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."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Merrion Centre to host Leeds’ biggest Chinese New Year celebrations for 2026
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre in Leeds is set to once again host the city centre’s largest Chinese New Year celebration in 2026.
Get ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with an exciting programme of events in Leeds city centre.
Taking place on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February 2026, the Merrion Centre will be alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese New Year.
Guests can expect traditional lion dances, Tai Chi demonstrations, live musical performances, and hands-on workshops open for everyone to get involved in.
Image: Supplied
The Merrion Centre is once again partnering with various Leeds-based Chinese schools to create an event that highlights the best of Chinese culture.
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We are incredibly excited to once again be hosting the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Leeds city centre.
"This is an event that’s enjoyed not only by the Chinese community, but by everyone who wants to experience the fantastic, colourful traditions of Chinese New Year. The celebrations continue to grow each year, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the Year of the Horse at the Merrion Centre.”
Image: Supplied
Bei Gao, Headteacher at Leeds Chinese Community School, commented: “We are excited to once again be involved in such a wonderful event. It’s a great opportunity for the Leeds community to experience Chinese New Year firsthand, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
"The Merrion Centre is an amazing space for this kind of cultural exchange, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
Joyce Cai, Headteacher at New Vision Education Chinese School, added: “The Chinese New Year event at the Merrion Centre has become a highlight for many in Leeds. This year, we’ve worked closely with the team to bring new and exciting performances and activities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community. It’s a fantastic way for families to explore Chinese traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
Daisy Jackson -
25th June 2025 
