As the nation's revellers count down to restriction-free partying on July 19, one nightclub in Leeds isn't planning on wasting any more time than is strictly necessary.,
The Backroom on Call Lane is preparing to open its doors at one minute past midnight for an epic "freedom" party they're calling "Leeds BIG re-opening party".
Taking to social media to share the news, the nightclub said on Facebook:
"If you haven’t already booked Monday off work yet, this is your friendly reminder to get that holiday request in now, because we PROMISE you do not want to miss this one!"
Inside The Backroom on Call Lane in Leeds / Image: The Backroom
“We aren’t waiting until Monday night and we don’t think you should either! Be sure to join us for a night of good music, dancing and good vibes.”
Promising a solid selection of hip hop, house and smooth r&b rhythms, DJs Dan Hills, Chris Powell and friends will take to the decks to provide the selections throughout the early-hours of the morning.
Inside The Backroom on Call Lane in Leeds / Image: The Backroom
The nightclub will be open until 6am, giving punters a solid nearly six hours of partying as they ring in the early hours of what has been dubbed "freedom day".
The Backroom said: “After 16 months closed WE WILL 1000% be re-opening.”
It's' been a tough time for nightclubs and other members of the late-night events sector, who were the first to close and are now the last to reopen.
The 'Big reopening party' takes place on July 19, starting at 00:01 / Image: The Backroom
Plans for the lifting of remaining restrictions on July 19 were confirmed by the Prime Minister on Monday 12, with him addressing a press conference from the briefing room inside Downing Street.
He said he would: “lift legal restrictions and to lift social distancing, but we expect and recommend that people wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet, such as on public transport.”
"As a matter of social responsibility we’re urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS Covid Pass which shows proof of vaccination, recent negative test or natural immunity, as a means of entry.”
As we approach St. Patrick’s day it’s important we talk about the famous Irish stout loved by people all over the world.
There are so many pubs in and around Leeds that provide a lovely cold pint of Guinness, and I’m sure we could keep updating this list forever but here are some of our favourites.
But what makes a good pint of Guinness? There are five crucial stages to achieving the perfect pint of Guinness. First of all, you need to use a clean, cool branded glass- this is essential to get you off to a good start, a warm dirty glass is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Next, pour the first part of your two-part pour at a 45-degree angle until it’s 3/4 full. Now you need to be patient, and allow the drink time to settle. Top up by pushing the handle away from you, leaving a 15-21mm dome-like head. Again, let your drink settle and admire your perfect pint of Guinness.
Templar Hotel
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This spot is a bit of Leeds legend, with the original 1927 wood panelling, booths, stained glass and bar still holding out it’s completely steeped in history. On top of all that, it’s a fantastic spot to grab a quiet pint and especially a pint of Guinness.
Where to find them: Templar Street, LS2 7NU
Whitelock’s Ale House
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Whitelock’s is the oldest pub in Leeds, founded all the way back in 1715, their popularity in Leeds has never faltered. With a lovely cosy atmosphere during the colder months and sun trap outside seating to spend the summer days - Whitelock’s will always be near the top of our list when recommending pubs around our great city. They’re the only pub in all of Leeds to feature on Guinness' very own Harp Guide - so you know it must be good.
Where to find them: Turks Head Yard, LS1 6HB
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Relatively new to the Leeds pub scene, the Brewery Wharf Tavern is really going to come into its own during summer. Overlooking the canal on Leeds Dock, we can't think of a more scenic place to sink a few pints of the black stuff.
Where to find them: 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
The Highland Laddie
Voted the Best Pub in Britain of 2025 by The Good Food Guide, everything The Highland Laddie touches turns to gold and that includes the Guinness. Make sure you grab a couple of bar oysters to go with it, because doesn't that just sound like a match made in heaven?
Where to find them: 38 Cavendish St, LS3 1LY
Oporto
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This Irish pub on Call Lane is an absolute classic. Whether you're stopping here for an after-work pint in the sunshine or stumbling in at 3am, a pint of Guinness here is always a good idea.
Where to find them: 33 Call Ln, LS1 7BT
The Adelphi
An abundance of late Victorian architecture, The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a casual yet distinctly memorable drinking and eating experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch or family dinner, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions.
Where to find them: Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ
O’Neill’s
This friendly Irish pub in Leeds is just across the road from the train station and they are never short of Guinness - obviously. The atmosphere is great, just what you would expect from an Irish bar. If you're looking for a spot to celebrate St Paddy's day this year, you can't wrong giving O'neill's a go.
Where to find them: Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Nation of Shopkeepers
Not only a great spot in Leeds to grab a Sunday roast, Nation of Shopkeepers also pulls a lovely pint of Guinness. There's plenty of reasons to spend a full day here with the choice of the open courtyard or the cosy booths inside, as well as delicious burgers and fried chicken to accompany your pint.
Where to find them: Cookridge Street, LS2 3AG
The Brunswick
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A firm favourite amongst Leeds locals, The Brunswick, has 9 keg lines, 6 cask lines, and over 50 beers in the fridges, it is most definitely a beer lover’s heaven. So of course, they serve a very good pint of Guinness.
Alongside this, their food is all home cooked and made with the freshest ingredients. They also cater for vegans and vegetarians so everyone is made to feel welcome at this cosy, neighbourhood pub.
Where to find them: North Street, LS2 7PN
The Duck and Drake
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This historic pub on Kirkgate is known for its banging live music, buzzing beer garden and of course, cracking pints of Guinness. This is a spot you'll want to visit when the sun comes out.
Where to find them: 43 Kirkgate, LS2 7DR
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Featured images - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Georgina Pellant -
14th July 2021 
