Rocket Room will open its first standalone venue at Highcross Leicester this December, marking the activity bar brand’s second location.
The 4,000 sq ft site in St Peter’s Square will also become the first Rocket Room to introduce a full food offer alongside its games and drinks operation.
The menu will centre on Mexican-inspired dishes including pork carnitas tacos, baja fish tacos, loaded barbacoa fries and char-grilled bavette with chimichurri.
The venue will feature four AI darts lanes, two shuffleboards, an axe throwing lane and two pool tables, alongside a central cocktail bar serving cocktails, beer and wine.
The opening follows Rocket Room’s launch at Market Place Food Hall in Leicester Square in April 2026.
The 120-capacity London venue provided the business with its first opportunity to establish and develop the Rocket Room concept before moving into a standalone format.
Mike Pearson, Founder of Rocket Room and Elangeni Hospitality Group, said: “Leicester Square has been a fantastic introduction for Rocket Room. It has built us a strong following and given us the systems and processes we need to grow. Highcross is the right second location and the first of a number of Midlands sites we have targeted for the coming year. We’re looking forward to welcoming Leicester guests in December and announcing our next openings for 2027.”
Rocket Room’s brand and interiors have been developed in partnership with design business Kanvass.
Tristram Hillier, Founder of Kanvass, said: “Rocket Room has always been about investing properly in the space, both in the interiors and in the technology behind the games. Our venues feel light and open by day and come into their own at night; a world away from the dark, games-led set-up typical of the category. That approach has set the brand apart at Leicester Square and drawn a strong female audience. Axe throwing and cocktails have become our signature pairing. Highcross takes it a step further.”
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re excited to welcome Rocket Room to Highcross this winter. St Peter’s Square is already a popular destination for dining and leisure, and Rocket Room adds a new level of fun, energy and interactivity just in time for Christmas. With people increasingly seeking experiences they can enjoy in person with friends and family, we’re confident it will become a major attraction and further cement Highcross as a vibrant social hub in the heart of Leicester city centre.
“After the success of its Leicester Square opening earlier this year, it feels only right that they should head to Leicester to open their first standalone venue. It’s a decision that I really think speaks volumes about our city, and its future. I’ve no doubt it’s going to be a huge hit here.”
Rocket Room is privately funded and plans to grow its estate to 15 venues over the next two years, with further locations targeted across the Midlands.
The opening date for the Highcross venue will be announced ahead of its December launch.
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