From morning ’til night, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself at Leeds’ Electric Press.
Once a thriving hub of industry, the Grade II-listed Electric Press is now home to a whole host of popular venues, offering up everything from high-adrenaline activities to exquisite eateries. The former printing works is a one-stop destination for entertainment, with feel-good drinking and dining, axe throwing and even a 350-seat theatre all under one roof. But where to begin? Here’s our guide to the ultimate day out at the historic Electric Press…
Sling some axes
Credit: Whistle Punks
Start the day by embracing your inner Viking. Whistle Punks were the first brand to bring urban axe throwing to the UK, and now the sport of hurling a metal axe at a target is oh-so-on-trend. Your 70-minute session begins with training – pay attention, as you’ll be taking on your friends in a high-intensity tournament once you’ve learned the ropes! It’s trickier than it looks but infinitely rewarding when you land that first bullseye. Once you’ve demolished the competition and picked up your crown, head over to the bar for well-earned drinks and pizza.
Feast on bottomless brunch
You can dig into hearty breakfast-inspired dishes while enjoying free-flow booze at Revolution’s epic bottomless brunch. From £30 per person, you’ll be served unlimited beer, Prosecco and a selection of cocktails including classics like Aperol Spritz and Bloody Mary, as well as all the soft drinks you can shake a stick at. Pair your drinks with one item from the brunch menu – there’s everything from fried chicken and bacon waffles to a mega full English. Sweet tooth? The pancake stack with blueberries, banana and decadent Nutella is sure to hit the spot.
Catch a show
Showcasing local talent alongside national and international touring productions, the Carriageworks Theatre is one of the best places in Leeds to catch a live show. From feel-good musicals and rip-roaring comedy to captivating drama and intimate monologues, the packed calendar of events offers something to suit all tastes. Head down early to grab a drink from the bar that overlooks Millennium Square, before taking to your seat for an awe-inspiring evening of entertainment.
Head for post-theatre drinks
Once the show’s over, Be At One offers the perfect destination to enjoy post-theatre refreshments. Cocktails are the speciality here, with over 100 to choose from. Kick things off with a frozen Piña Colada – a creamy mix of rum, coconut and pineapple that’s sure to transport you to faraway shores. For something a little more unusual, the Blueberry Muffin does what it says on the tin, blending vanilla vodka, gingerbread and jam. Did somebody say Happy Hour? It’s two-for-one on all cocktails between selected hours, so fill your boots.
Enjoy a slap up meal
© Copyright Leeds-List 2023 by Aimee Stevens
Hungry? You can dive into a delicious dinner at one of two fantastic restaurants. The wonderfully-authentic Red Chilli serves up an extensive selection of Beijing and Sichuan cuisine, all at pocket-friendly prices. It’s the perfect place to try something new – the hot poached beef in chilli oil is sure to set your senses alight. For a taste of the Med, the popular Tavernaki offers traditional Greek and Cypriot fare, with everything from chicken souvlaki and beef stifado to oven-baked sea bass and Gemista stuffed peppers.
Dance the night away
Ready to finish the night in style? Your next stop is the lavish Playroom – a VIP club experience split across two levels, where dining, drinks and dancing go hand-in-hand. Expect mood lighting, live performers and a killer soundtrack, with DJs spinning tunes ’til the early hours. Grab a booth and sip on a range of iconic cocktails, before the beats from the epic Void sound system inspire you to get up on the dance floor. If you get hungry, there’s a late night menu featuring the likes of lobster tail and duck rolls, alongside larger plates like the show-stopping tomahawk steak.
The Electric Press, 14 Great George St, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3DW.
