Tucked underground on Great George Street is a brilliant American-style video game bar that boasts a huge range of old-school gaming consoles like the SNES, N64, PS2, and NES.
Called Pixel Bar, it's home to loads of free-to-play retro games - and also boasts a selection of console booths and high-spec gaming PCs that you can rent out by the hour.
With striking custom artwork, LED lighting and ‘cubed’ light fixtures dotted around the subterranean bar, its theme clearly extends to the decor too.
Image: Pixel Bar
Console booths cost just £8 and for that, you'll get a chance to play on a range of different setups including PS5s, PS4s,Xbox Series Xs, and Nintendo Switches.
The gaming PCs, meanwhile, will set you back just £4.50 per hour to play.
With over 21 different games to play on the consoles alone, you can get stuck into old school favourites like Tekken, Mortal Combat and Mario Kart whilst you enjoy a few drinks - and even order in burgers from the kitchen upstairs if you're feeling peckish.
Image: Pixel Bar
But that's not all. Pixel Bar is also a party bar: selling fun gaming-themed cocktails, mocktails and 'magic potion' shots, alongside a more standard list of beers, wines and spirit mixers.
After the year (and then some) spent mostly sitting on the sofa, we're sure plenty of Loiners would be tempted by the idea of buying a 'full health' potion to keep us going on a night out.
Further fun potions on sale include 'mana' and 'stamina', whilst there's also a fully themed cocktail list featuring drinks like the 'Jigglypuff', 'Princess Perch' and the 'Yoshi's Island Iced Tea.'
Image: PIxel Bar Image: Pixel Bar
Burgers from the kitchen upstairs, meanwhile, are worth the trip on their own. Made by Pixel Bar's legendary neighbours Almost Famous, choices range from the house standard 'Famous' cheeseburger to more wacky creations.
Those who like a big burger might be tempted by bacon and frazzle-loaded creation the 'Phoenix', or the double buttermilk fried chicken, double cheeseburger, and halloumi confection that is the 'Awesome HQ."
Open late seven days a week, if you love a good gaming session and a few fun drinks you can't go wrong at Pixel Bar.
To find out more and view the full menu, visit their website here.
Feature image - Pixel Bar
News
Get Baked’s viral ‘Bertha’ cake has a sister on the way – and she sounds just as cheeky
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
8th October 2021 
