New Leeds rooftop bar and plant-based restaurant The Green Room to open next to Channel 4

The Green Room in Wellington Street has a south-facing, sun-filled terrace, making it ideal alfresco dining, pop-up parties and summer BBQs.

It will also function as a restaurant and place to buy coffee during the day.

Based in the same building as former lap dancing club Deep Blue, the new venue is just around the corner from the recently refurbished Majestic building, now home to Channel 4.

The latest addition to the Leeds nightlife and leisure scene is a collaboration between young entrepreneurs Will Habergham and Pj Gardner.

The pair are familiar faces in the leisure industry having worked for the past decade in clubs, events, music and festivals.

New Zealander Will said: “Having worked all my life in the nightlife and leisure industry, I've seen how trends have changed not only in how we socialise and attitudes towards the environment but also in how we work.

"Due to the impact of the pandemic and the trends towards a healthier lifestyle, people's perception of the work/play balance has been forced to change, and we wanted to create a space that can accommodate those lifestyle changes and beliefs.”

Transformation of the building began November 2020 and it is hoped the venue will be open by late spring or early summer.

The developers behind the renovation, All Property Management, have ploughed £3 million in transforming the building.

Will and Pj have a passion for the environment and sustainability, as well as nightlife, and they have used recycled or reclaimed materials where possible in the refurb.

The roof terrace is sure to be a big draw while Covid is still a reality.

Will said: “The Rooftop terrace is our USP, and due to Covid, outdoor spaces are vitally more important.

"The terrace's size not only allows people to sit comfortably in an outdoor space but also allows us to put any future social distance measures in place.

"By day the terrace will make the perfect setting for people who need a relaxed environment to work from, brunches, lunches, and by night the perfect setting for after-work cocktails and sunset music led events.

"In the winter months, we plan to utilise the space for pop-up markets or similar outdoor events that have become so much more important over the last year.

"We are so excited to bring our vision to life and create a unique and creative space where customers can enjoy the bar and restaurant and utilise the space to work from, or simply socialise.”

The pandemic has hit hospitality hard, but the duo are hoping the lockdown exit goes to plan in time for their opening.

Will said: “We weren't overly worried in the first lockdown as we were still in the planning and building phases, so if anything, it gave us the time to channel all our energy into the project.

"However, by the second and now third lockdown, there were uncertain moments when we thought, have we done the right thing?

"However, since Boris's announcement, we are confident that we are back on track and ready to open once the world turns back to normal.”

Pj has been on a fully plant-based diet for two years, while Will is not vegan - but both want to make plant-based options more of a fixture in Leeds.

Pj said: “We want to be pioneers in the plant food business and The Green Room will be at the forefront of changing people's perception about what plant-based food is.

"It's not just about salads and pulses, the menu will be a mix of Asian inspired healthy bowls, but for those food junkies there will be a selection of tasty vegan burgers, pizzas and even vegan dirty fries.

More recently people's attitude and perception to vegan food is changing. We wanted to go out on a limb, make our mark and not just offer a standard bar menu with two or three veggies and vegan choices.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.