Escape rooms and steampunk bar to open in Metrocentre in North East first

The Escapologist, a growing leisure company, is set to bring its popular themed escape rooms and steampunk bar to the North East's Metrocentre.

Already operating two successful venues in Leeds and Castleford, West Yorkshire, the firm is known for providing unique leisure experiences. The former Windows music shop within the Yellow Mall is being transformed into an exciting destination featuring themed escape rooms ranging from heists to fantasy, horror, and even space.

In addition to the escape rooms, The Escapologist will also feature a steampunk-style bar offering a selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. This immersive concept will join a variety of other leisure, food and drink establishments already based within the mall, including Namco Funscape, Clip 'n Climb, Treetop Golf, Odeon Cinema, Slim Chickens, Wagamama, and Wingstop.

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Ben Cox, Sovereign Centros director at CBRE, has commented: "Metrocentre has an evolving leisure offer which is a key strategic focus. As the second biggest shopping centre in the country, we have a great opportunity to make the experience of visiting Metrocentre more compelling by introducing exciting leisure venues alongside the best retail brands. Escape rooms have proven their popularity across the country, so getting a quality operator in The Escapologist will enhance the Yellow Mall leisure offer with another innovative and creative experience," reports Chronicle Live.

Additionally, Ellie McClaren, co-founder and CEO of The Escapologist, stated: "Following our success in Yorkshire, we're pleased to be making our regional debut in the North East and deliver our thrilling and immersive experiences to a whole new audience. Metrocentre is a thriving destination with a high calibre of retail, food and beverage, and leisure, and we're excited to elevate our concept with brand-new experiences that bring some fun for families and friends."

The venue - set to boast eight themed escape rooms - is expected to generate 15 to 20 new jobs and aims to open its doors by summer this year. This news coincides with the official opening of GO Outdoors' new 20,242 sq ft store within the former Wilko unit in Metrocentre's Blue Mall.

The store offers a variety of outerwear brands including Rab, OEX, and Berghaus, in addition to an assortment of footwear and camping gear. As a Go Outdoors Express, it also provides extra services like boot and rucksack fitting, along with in-store collection and drop-off points.

In other retail news, Clarks and Victoria's Secret are relocating from the Red Mall to the Green Mall, while specialist kitchenware brand ProCook is set to open later this year.