City Buzz: New rum and cocktail bar joins Leeds's thriving Northern Quarter

A NEW rum and cocktail bar is mixing things up on Merrion Street.
Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Rum and Reason has arrived on the corner of New Briggate, taking over the former It Bar site.

City Buzz understands that new owners are now running the venue, and have given it a complete refurbishment.

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The interior has had an upgrade with new furniture, a newly designed bar and even a new staircase, which leads to a function room upstairs.

Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Assistant manager Jordan Thackray at new bar Rum & Reason on Merrion Street. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The bar previously became well-known for its burger challenge and generous toppings from spicy cheese, jalapeños and chorizo to chilli, cheddar and sour cream.

But that could be about to change.

Speaking to City Buzz, general manager Jamie Wright said: “We are in the process of designing a new food menu.

“We’re looking to offer cleaner burgers that look a bit neater on the plate.”

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The new drinks menu is available now, with a range of classic and more quirky cocktails as well as a good selection of rum.

Whilst we’re sad to say goodbye to It Bar, we’re excited to see how this newbie gets on.

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