What do you get when you cross a beer hall with a ballroom? The answer is Rita’s – the name on everyone’s lips.
There’s a brand new venue on the horizon and she’s set to take Leeds by storm. Rita’s Beer Hall & Ballroom is the anything-goes destination where boundaries blur and the good times flow like an endless pitcher of cocktails. Oh yes, Rita’s is here to break all the rules. Here’s everything you need to know.
Credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are The Allies
Rita’s is taking over the old Walkabout site on Woodhouse Lane. Sprawled across two floors alongside a huge year-round beer garden, it’s set to be a larger than life venue that brings something fresh and new to the Leeds scene. And with owners Stonegate injecting a cool £1 million into the transformation, you can expect to be blown away.
From the moment you walk into Rita’s, it’s clear this isn’t your typical bar. Think beer-hall-meets-mob-wife with a splash of retro charm, creating a buzzing, unapologetically bold atmosphere. There are long beer hall-style tables, a stage for daily live music, and fierce leopard print pool tables (yes, really!)
Credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are The Allies
Screens adorn the walls, and with Sky Sports, TNT and Viaplay, you can catch all the big games. It’s a part of Rita’s, but the focus is firmly on music. Expect a killer soundtrack, day-to-night, with a feel-good mix of disco and funk, 80s rock and pop from different eras. Air guitars at the ready!
As for live music, you’ll find it here every day of the week, with a host of local artists taking to the stage. From acoustic sets and country singers to disco groups and live DJs, it’s all here, and then some. And with no dress code to hold you back, you’re free to take the dance floor (or the tables) however you like.
Credit: Elspeth Vincent/We Are The Allies
Named after the humble Marg – both the cocktail and the pizza – you can be sure to find a stellar drinks lineup behind the bar. There’s cocktails, global beers and shandies – served four ways, there’s no shame to ordering a lager top here. You can also get a boozy slushy for £6 all day, every day, served in a classic red cup.
But Rita’s is all about the Margs. First up, pick your rim – salty or spicy. Then, choose your flavour. Keep it classic, add a kick of heat, satisfy your sweet tooth with fruity strawberry purée, or top it with Peach Jubel – all fine options. Our pick? It has to be a Spicy Marg with a spicy rim, of course.
Credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are The Allies
As for the food, Rita’s isn’t playing games. Pizzas are the main event, served by the slice or XXL style – that’s 24 inches, to be precise. Made with fior de latte and San Marzano tomatoes, they’re a hot contender to compete with some of the best in town, with epic topping combos to boot.
You can even build your own boozy ice cream, with all your favourite adult flavours to go at. It’s like a trip to Pizza Hut’s ice cream factory, except with added Tequila Rose. If you prefer to drink your liquor, there’s plenty of that too, with tempting shooters from as little as £3.75 – no excuse to swerve the round.
Credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are The Allies
A commitment to pocket-friendly prices means that everyone can get involved. Cocktails come in well under a tenner, and you can grab a slice of Margherita pizza and a Marg for just £9. To sweeten the deal, there’s free pool all day on Monday – a perfect chance to practice your skills without spending a penny.
Rita’s unapologetic “anything goes” philosophy is what makes it such a refreshing addition to the city’s nightlife. It’s a place where tradition takes a backseat, and creativity runs the show. Forget velvet ropes and exclusive VIP sections – everyone’s invited at Rita’s, creating a feel-good, inclusive space for all.
Credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are the Allies
If you need an extra push, here’s what David McDowall, CEO at Stonegate Group, had to say: “Rita’s is set to bring day-to-night experience to Leeds like no other. We can’t wait to welcome this first-of-its-kind venue to Leeds, a city where Rita’s will really shine. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, dancing is always encouraged, and anything can happen!”
Rita’s Beer Hall & Ballroom opens on Friday 6th December 2024.
Cover image credit: Elspeth Vincent, We Are The Allies.
