Rocket Room, the premium activity bar brand, will open its second venue at Highcross Leicester in December. The site will be the brand’s first standalone venue and the first to carry a full food offer.
The 4,000 sq ft venue in St Peters Square will serve an elevated Mexican menu, with dishes including pork carnitas tacos, baja fish tacos, loaded barbacoa fries and char-grilled bavette with chimichurri.
The standalone format allows Rocket Room to bring activities, food and social space together under one roof. Guests will find four AI darts lanes, two shuffleboards, an axe throwing lane and two pool tables, set around a feature cocktail bar serving premium 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 venue has since been listed by Visit London among the capital’s best activity bars.
“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.”
Mike Pearson, Founder, Rocket Room and Elangeni Hospitality Group
The brand’s interiors and identity are developed with Kanvass, Rocket Room’s brand and design partner, which was founded by Tristram Hillier.
“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.”
Tristram Hillier, Founder, Kanvass
The arrival adds to the dining and leisure line-up at Highcross, where Maki & Ramen opened its first East Midlands site last year and Hollister announced its first Leicestershire store in August.
“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.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director, Highcross Leicester
“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 to 15 venues over the next two years. The opening date and launch offers for Highcross will be announced shortly.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
