Electric Shuffle, Leeds – Review
By Steve Crabtree, October 2024
Sometimes, you visit somewhere new, and it’s so good you have to go twice. That’s exactly what I did with Electric Shuffle in Leeds—a newer spot with a fresh take on a semi-new concept.
Now, is Shuffleboard new? It feels like it is, but it’s actually been around for a few years, and there are a handful of places in Leeds where you’ll find a Shuffleboard tucked away in a corner or perched on a raised platform. But Electric Shuffle takes things up a notch.
A sister venue to Flight Club, you start enjoying the experience from the moment you arrive at Electric Shuffle. As you reach the top of the stairs, you’re greeted by a lovely space. The layout is spot on—plenty of tables neatly placed in various sections, a few comfortable booths for when you’re just there to socialise, and a long, well-lit bar running through the heart of the venue.
It’s not quite a sports bar, and it’s not quite a wine bar either. It has a bit of an industrial feel and a touch of fashionable formality. The stylish furniture, with its clean lines and thoughtful lighting, creates a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t leave you squinting in the dark—a definite plus.
“Competetive”
Once we checked in at the welcome desk, we were taken to our table, added our names, and took a group photo, all done right there on the touchscreen wall.
We had several games to choose from and went straight into a few rounds of Total Eclipse. This is a boules-cum-curling inspired game where the aim is to get your puck closest to the central black spot, while knocking your opponents out of the way.
It’s fair to say that, in such a large group (12 of us), you learn a few things about people during a spot of Shuffleboard. Some are confident but not that good. Some are more competitive than others and absolutely despise losing! Others are masters of the game, while some just want to see everyone else do well.
One or two of us may have played up for the cameras a little bit (me? No way…!). But all of us were there to have fun, and it’s impossible not to.
Play up for the cameras? Oh yes… every shot is captured on camera for several reasons. Scoring is one of them, and action replays are another. But the best bit comes after the event… more on that later.
“Tactical challenge”
What’s brilliant about Electric Shuffle is how it takes the usual shuffleboard game and removes all the hassle. No more wondering who’s scoring what or watching someone hog the board while others get caught up chatting. The system sets you up in teams, ensuring that everyone stays involved. It’s shuffleboard, but with cutting-edge tech to make sure everyone gets their fair share of the action.
Once everyone had warmed up and got the hang of the pucks, we moved on to the Territory game, where the goal is to claim the most virtual hexagons on the lane by strategically landing your pucks—or by stealing space from your rivals. Simple on the surface, but definitely a tactical challenge.
Then there’s Amplifier, which brings back the classic shuffleboard format, rewarding you for landing in marked scoring zones.
After a few rounds, we decided to take a break and order some food—because, let’s face it, no great night is complete without good food, right?
“Delicious options”
The menu is full of delicious options, from pizzas to burgers, and the best part? You don’t even need to leave your shuffleboard area to order. We simply called a staff member over via the scoreboard system, and before long, piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering burgers were delivered straight to us. The food was just as good as it sounds—perfectly cooked, with flavours that hit the spot after an intense round of games.
By the way, the pizzas are huge! You might want to share one with a friend.
The bar is also impressively well-stocked, offering a wide range of drinks to suit any taste, from craft beers to cocktails. And the service? Swift and seamless, which suited our large group as we wanted to keep the night moving smoothly without any waiting around.
“An absolute blast”
We all had an absolute blast at Electric Shuffle. It’s the kind of place that brings out your competitive spirit, but in a way that keeps everyone laughing and involved. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with friends or a unique spot to bond with colleagues, it’s the perfect venue for a social get-together. The combination of friendly competition, great food, and a comfortable space makes it an easy choice for anyone wanting something social and a bit different.
The fun didn’t stop when the game ended though! The next day, an email from Electric Shuffle arrived, featuring videos of the highlights from our games. We relived the best shots, cheekiest point grabs, and sneakiest wins, which made us relive the experience all over again.
At £15 per person for 90 minutes of game time, Electric Shuffle is a fantastic place to go. Highly recommended and a lot of fun. Once, twice… perhaps there’s even a need to visit a third time!
Electric Shuffle
123 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 5RD
Sun – Wed: 11:30 – 00:00
Thu: 11:30 – 01:00
Fri: 11:30 – 02:00
Sat: 11:00 – 02:00
