First look: See what's in store at Leeds' newest bar opening tonight

Another week, another new bar for Leeds party-goers to try out during the party season.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Dec 2017, 11:51 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2017, 11:53 BST
The US inspired bar and decor at Smokin.The US inspired bar and decor at Smokin.
The US inspired bar and decor at Smokin.

Smokin’ Bar & Kitchen, which opens its doors to the public tonight after a star-studded VIP party last night, has unveiled its bold Old West look, with huge native American murals as a centre-piece.

Owners of the new American barbecue restaurant and bar on Park Row, inside the Bierkeller Entertainment Complex, commissioned Leeds-based comic book artist and live mural specialist John Pearson to create the giant floor-to-ceiling artwork.

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The US theme and influence, with rugged roots, continues with a menu focused on in-house smoked meat and fish specialities.

Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos), Ashton Golding (Leeds RhinosRichie Myler (Leeds Rhinos), Ashton Golding (Leeds Rhinos
Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos), Ashton Golding (Leeds Rhinos

Stripped darks woods have been mixed with exposed concrete and metalwork, with individual table and high bench seating and a long bare-brick feature bar. Even the loos have been given an Old West touch, using galvanised buckets and old reclaimed oil drum sinks as well as light installations in each of the cubicles.

Rebecca Eastwood, operations director for BurningNight Group which owns and operates Smokin’, says they were keen to create a unique identity for the new concept. She told City Buzz: “The murals are a big feature for us and we were really pleased to be able to get John to do them because he’s so well known in Leeds and his work is amazing.

“Design is an important part of everything we do, and because this is a listed building it gave us some challenges as well as plenty of opportunities. We’ve created a new entrance for Smokin’ and with the listed status we had to get a stonemason in to do all the work to form the steps. That was probably the biggest single job, but we wanted to take the time and effort to get it just right and the results are really impressive.”

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Leeds Rhinos stars Ashton Golding and Richie Myler, soap star and model Sam Reece among a hand-picked guestlist were greeted by fire performers as they arrived at the glamorous new venue on Thursday.

Allan Harper and Rebecca Eastwood from the BurningNight GroupAllan Harper and Rebecca Eastwood from the BurningNight Group
Allan Harper and Rebecca Eastwood from the BurningNight Group

Urban music stars in Leeds for the annual MOBOs awards at the First Direct Arena couldn’t resist staying in the city for an extra 24 hours to join in the celebration, alongside Leeds FC players.

The sound-track came from the bar’s resident DJ with a live sax player and percussion performers.

The restaurant and bar replaces the former Around The World bar.

Related topics:LeedsAmerican