Multi-faceted vegan venue headed for Leeds

On Wellington Street, The Green Room is part of a £3m development near Leeds City Station and the new Channel 4 headquarters. 

The multifunctional venue - coffee shop by day, bar by night - is inspired by a recent trip to Habergham’s native New Zealand. 

“I’ve seen how trends have changed not only in how we socialise and attitudes towards the environment but also in how we work,” says Habergham. “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.”

As well as enhancing some of the building’s original features, the developers plan to incorporate greenery into the decor as well as an eclectic blend of industrial fittings, reclaimed furniture complemented by soft furnishings.

The duo want to be at the forefront of plant-based dining in the city and hope to change attitudes towards vegan food. 

The Green Room promises to offer a range of interesting and tasty plant-based dishes that will ‘appeal to all taste buds’ and will utilise ingredients sourced both locally and ethically. 

“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 to or three veggies and vegan choices.”

Both Habergham and Gardner are familiar faces in the leisure industry having worked for the past decade in clubs, events, music and festivals and crossed paths whilst working the club scene.