Roxy Ball Room Merrion Street review: Games galore at buzzing ball room

Roxy Ball Room is the kind of venue that’s helped to transform Leeds into a city with the fun-loving reputation it has today.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ten years ago, you’d be hard pressed to find something like it, but now its successful formula is one that’s been replicated in cities across the north.

In an age of endless entertainment options and the rise of gym culture - not to mention the ongoing effects of the pandemic - you need to offer something a bit extra on their night out if you’re to be successful. Cheap pints alone aren’t enough (unless you’re Wetherspoons perhaps).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are now three Roxy venues in Leeds. Games, big indie tunes and brash decor are the common themes, but for the pure number of activities on offer, then Roxy Ball Room Merrion Street is your best bet.

Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.
Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.

You can choose from duckpin bowling (smaller pins and balls than tenpin bowling), pool, arcade machines, a karaoke room, ping pong and beer pong and shuffleboard.

Prices vary depending on the time and you’re best off booking ahead if you have a large group.

On a Saturday night, the place is buzzing. Don’t be expecting a quiet pint - the tunes are loud and people are there to unwind, but there’s never any hint of trouble.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The music is seventh heaven for anyone who came of age in the indie rock revival of the noughties, with the more recent anthemic tunes of The Courteeners and Catfish and the Bottlemen keeping the atmosphere lively.

Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.
Roxy Ball Room, Merrion Street.

The house Roxy Lager is a decent option if you’re planning on making your way through a few pints, but there’s also Birra Moretti, Camden Pale and Camden Hells on tap, as well as a good range of cocktails for £7.50 each

There’s a decent selection of food on offer too, though don’t be expecting many low fat salads, as it’s the kind of stuff that’s a good accompaniment to beery night.

Half a pizza is £7, with a full-size coming in at £12 - and vegan options are available. Elsewhere, there’s your standard fare of loaded nachos, burgers and chicken wings.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you’re looking for a fun-filled night on the town, Roxy Ball Room will always be in the running - just be prepared to have a few ping pong balls bounce your way.

Factfile

Address: 9a Merrion St, Leeds LS1 6PQ

Contact: 0113 467 2230

Facebook: @roxyballroommerrionstreet

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 3pm - midnight; Thursday, 3pm - 1am; Friday, noon - 2am; Saturday, noon - 2am; Sunday, 3pm - 1am

Scores

Drinks: 7

Value: 7

Atmosphere: 9

Service: 6

Overall: 7

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