Do the rest of Dryanuary without doing your head in
LOOKING for ways to distract yourself from the still dark days, your self-imposed designated driver status and the seasonal slump now that the shine of the sales has worn off?
Congratulations if you've managed to stick to Dry January so far, but with the rest of the month still stretching out ahead of you, it isn’t so bad once you see The Light. There’s lots to eat, see and do under one roof, so you don’t even have to brave any inclement weather.
Here’s a list of six alcohol-free activities you can enjoy for the rest of the month (and beyond) at the shopping and entertainment centre that won’t leave you feeling high and dry if you’re totally abstaining or just restraining.
Test your team skills and take on Escape Hunt
Described as the most exciting escape room in Leeds, choose from six different games to challenge you and your mates as you race against the clock to solve a series a clues and attempt to break free from your locked space. Immersive and entertaining, it’s utterly addictive and will give your brain a good workout after all that Netflix over Christmas.
Putt it away at Junkyard Golf
With three wonderfully weird courses of nine holes each, crazy golf just got epic down the Junkyard Golf club. Grab a group and putt your way through all sorts of bizarre backdrops decked out with bonkers props – think UV disco spaces, scrapyard slides and wrecked car parts, and jungle-inspired bathtubs. And don’t forget to hit the main bunker bar afterwards to get those energy levels back up with bucketfulls of fairground-style snacks from popcorn to hotdogs.
Eat more, eat well
Food is somewhat more dainty at Fleur Café, which recently opened its wisteria-clad doors in The Light. Featuring sweet and savoury snacks, the afternoon tea is well worth getting your fingers sticky for – take your pick from canapés, petit fours, macarons, scones and pastries, all washed down with a range of high-quality teas and coffees. It’s a blooming lovely place to sit back, relax and take in the beautiful floral surroundings and cascading flowers.
For a sweet treat, try out Leeds’ newest luxury dessert parlour, Haute Dolci. The gourmet dessert restaurant has fast become an Instagram hotspot thanks to its stunning décor and oh-so-pretty plates, including everything from Belgian waffles, American pancakes and French crêpes to milkshakes, sundaes and even chocolate on tap… There’s also a grand gluten-free and vegan selection, perfect for those completing the Veganuary challenge.
If you’re feeling the post-festivities pinch (and who isn’t?), Vue at The Light is one of just a few cinemas across the UK to offer tickets to its 2D films for just £4.99 as part of its Every Film Every Day offer. That sounds like a good enough excuse to sit still for a couple of hours – catch the conclusion to the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, watch the one long take-effect Sam Mendes movie 1917 or check out Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-tipped Little Women.
Finally, if you’re really going for it health kick-wise, The Light also has a fitness and wellbeing club, complete with fully equipped gym, swimming pool and spa, and loads of classes to try. Offering the best facilities, services and experts from Nuffield Health, the UK’s leading not-for-profit healthcare organisation, you can enjoy an exceptional fitness experience, with a free one-day trial up for grabs for newbies.
The Light, The Headrow, LS1 8TL
