Hedonist (Closed)

Photography by Hedonist

Words by Josh Davies (Bar Manager, Hedonist)

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Address: 156 Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6LY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)113 345 0950
Website: view Hedonist (Closed)’s website
Facebook: @TheHedonistProject
Hours: Mon-Thu 15:00-23:00, Fri 14:00-00:00, Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-10:30
Door: Open door
Style: Neighbourhood bar
Established: 2015

Review

The Hedonist Project was launched in Leeds as a pop up originally, and then evolved into a rotating concept bar, that showcased a new direction and creative concept throughout each of its chosen themes. The idea was that it would be changing every three to four months, but remain in a constant location.

Over the space of the three years, since opening in April 2015, the bar has had a range of concepts but, come the three year mark, we wanted to change direction and move away from constantly reinventing the bar, to placing more of a focus on the overall drinks experience for our guests. Our three directors in Bruce Lerman, Dan Crowther and Jon Lee set about planning for this future, which we now proudly identify as Hedonist.

Reflecting back to the start and definition of a Hedonist, we wanted to relaunch and focus on the core foundations it started with;

"A person who believes in that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life; a pleasure seeker" Oxford English Dictionary.

Hedonist prides itself on being a friendly neighbourhood bar in the heart of Leeds city centre, creating a warm and inviting environment for guests whenever they choose to visit. We identify Hedonist as a feel good, happy place and with the recent revamp the bar is a lot more comfortable for people when they step through the door. Continuing to focus on being one of the few bars in Leeds that does table service (all evening) was important for us as it allows our guests to kick back and relax, while we look after the ensuring they have a great experience!

Olivia Belfort, our modern day "Hedonist", is the inspiration behind the new cocktail menu and a new member of our team. She embodies the true meaning of the word 'hedonist' and is a food and travel blogger that travels the world, visiting many different countries whilst experiencing a variety of cultures. Upon her return to Leeds, Olivia brings back to the bar an array of flavours, trends, styles and native spirits that she has come across, which then inspires our cocktail menu. Volume 1: Spain, not only has cocktails that have followed this inspiration, but our Gin range now includes a number of authentic Spanish and Mediterranean gins as well as a delicious European spritz menu which can be perfectly balanced with Spanish influenced nibbles.

One of the most exciting and new additions to Hedonist is the 'Welcome to Hedonist' series, which invites some of the UK and Europe's leading bars to take over Hedonist. Here they will curate a cocktail menu, host a session and do a guest shift behind the bar. We are extremely proud to not only be able to host these bars but also in the opportunity it brings to collaborate and network with each other which will only help to strengthen relationships and create continual growth for all involved.

At Hedonist, our team consists of three directors, Bruce, Dan and Jon, our bar manager Josh and bartender Joe. Hedonist will always provide guests with a place to come and feel comfortable, have a chat, share a laugh and feel welcomed... and why not enjoy a delicious drink or two as well! We all look forward to seeing you at the bar!

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