New plant-based rooftop eatery and bar puts down roots in Leeds

A new rooftop bar and plant-based eatery is set to open in Leeds this summer.

The Green Room, which will function as a coffee shop by day and a bar by night, will open on Wellington Street later this year.

The venue is a collaboration between entrepreneurs Will Habergham and Pj Gardner, who have been working throughout the pandemic to transform a historic Leeds building next to the Majestic building to house the bar.

Will Habergham, co-founder of The Green Room, commented: “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.

“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.”

Pj Gardner, also co-founder, said: “We wanted to bring our vision to life and create a space that is in line with our beliefs and core values and create an environment focusing on wellbeing and sustainability while still enjoying all the benefits of nightlife.

“Our aim is not to send any waste to landfills and always recycle.

“Although the site has been completely gutted and renovated, we have tried to keep as many of the building’s original features, such as the original flooring and used décor and fittings from other reclaimed or recycled sources where possible.

“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 2 or 3 veggies and vegan choices.”