To celebrate the Club’s much-awaited return to Premier League football, Leeds United has cut the ribbon on its brand spanking new collection of hospitality suites and entertainment spaces at Elland Road.
We were invited along to the preview, and speaking as somebody who is not so much anti-football as football agnostic (I know – sorry, sorry) I had an absolute blast.
The industry’s interior design extraordinaires, DT Sports, are behind the latest reveal – teaming up with Leeds United FC to deliver something extra swanky in the stadium’s hospitality space, whether it’s to host a memorable event or simply to enhance your matchday experience.
It’s not purely about the upgraded facilities, either – although these are admittedly very shiny and impressive. Indeed, the space has re-emerged as a platform for the culinary-curious. With a bespoke catering service (more on this later – think lobster rolls and wagyu lollipops), there is oodles of choice for everybody.
The Suites
The four new suites include the Gary Speed Suite; Peter Lorimer Steakhouse; The Hisense Leeds Lounge, and the 1919. The latter’s name references the year the Club was established, and is jauntily fitted with vintage photography alongside the original stadium architect plans, giving you the vague impression that you’ve just wandered into a bizarre yet charming prohibition-come-sports-bar hybrid.
The Peter Lorimer Steakhouse is a contemporary take on a Texan BBQ joint and it was here we enjoyed what was without doubt my favourite nibble of the evening (and of these there were many) – the wagyu lollipops. Every perfectly charred mouthful was an absolute triumph, and they were handed around by the lovely staff with such speed and vigour that I quickly became concerned that I wouldn’t be able to tackle my main meal. As I looked down in horror at my third empty plate, I dragged my willpower out of hiding and regretfully refused yet another: “We only serve Northern portions here!” I’m told by the grinning chef.
On the topic of size – The Hisense Leeds Lounge is absolutely vast.
I’m immediately reminded of a lido I visited once on holiday in France, staring at the wall the other end wondering if I had that big a lap in me or whether I’d drown trying to get there. We’re told as we’re taken around that it can comfortably accommodate 300 guests for non-matchday events. I would argue that if you cleared the tables Leeds United could start a game inside with enough room for an audience and snack booths, maybe a travelling circus.
The space itself celebrates Leeds sporting legends and features an immersive media wall, which can be used for presentations, interactive events, and perhaps a teambuilding cinema night (if you ask nicely). Fun fact: it is also the largest television in Leeds! Sadly, I doubt they’ll be showing Bridgerton on it any time soon…
The overall venture, comprising approximately 12,000 sq ft of refurbished space, was carefully planned to be ready for action just as the Club returned to Premier League football. And credit to them – they have done a cracking job in a very short space of time.
While all of the suites looked pretty sharp, the one that stood out to me was the Gary Speed. The room gives the sense of being the unique, casually glitzy lovechild of a top-tier restaurant and a squeaky clean boardroom. It is airy, welcoming and bright with business undertones. At times, you’re not sure whether you should be taking notes or ordering lobster.
The Gary Speed Suite can accommodate conferences of up to 100 delegates, fitted out with house AV and a full bar facility (and while you’re there I’d heartily recommend their Dona Paula Private Collection Malbec). Naturally, as the suite’s name would suggest, imagery from the club archives, including items celebrating Gary Speed, are visible everywhere you look.
It was as we were eyeing the memorabilia that we were served our main meal – which was Yorkshire lamb cutlets with a decadent umami reduction and a tasty little flourish of herby labneh (my new addiction). The meat was perfectly cooked – exactly the sort of pink you both enjoy immensely and simultaneously resent for not ever coming out this well at home. For those of a more restrained persuasion, you can enjoy a cosy and seasonal squash risotto. The menu also delivers a more comprehensive drinks selection than many, including Taittinger champagne, Old Fashioneds and a variety of choice wines.
Despite being full, dessert was too good to pass up: a decadent dark chocolate semi-sweet marquise, with the (literal) cherry on top heartily soaked in booze, cutting through the tart berry reduction that was served alongside. Washed down with a little fruity red wine, it was the perfect end to a wonderful evening of top-class hospitality and culinary novelties.
Is it worth going for the food alone? Quite possibly. I, for one, would be far more easily persuaded to accompany my significant other to a match when the food and drinks are this good.
All of the suites are available to book now as LUFC delegate packages, or alternatively as all inclusive “Sparkle & Dine” packages throughout November and December.
Call 0113 367 6133 or email [email protected] for availability, pricing and further details.
Photography by Amy Mortin.
