MiNT XL made an exciting debut on Friday, 25 September, with an unforgettable opening party that completely sold out. Top-tier artists such as Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa, and Sonja Moonear graced the decks, leading an enthralled crowd of 2,500 ravers who convened in the heart of Leeds city center. This event marked a pivotal moment in the city’s deeply rooted rave culture, heralding the arrival of MiNT XL.
Located in the former nightclub PRYZM Leeds, MiNT undertook the ambitious task of reinventing the space with their own unique production and signature style. Marketing manager Mikey McMahon elaborated in an interview with EDM House Network earlier this year, expressing the intention for guests to feel a part of a cutting-edge experience the moment they enter MiNT XL. The opening night certainly succeeded in setting this venue apart from its Leeds counterparts.
Credit: David Dumitru
Exploring The Venue’s Layout
As attendees stepped into MiNT XL, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The beats could be felt pulsating through the walls, creating a sense of excitement as the night unfolded. Entering the venue, the dim lighting immediately established a rave atmosphere, contrasting sharply with typical nightclub environments.
Guests ascended stairs to find the main hall, which encompassed two of the three rooms, alongside an open-air terrace. The first room encountered was the ‘Clubroom’, while the expansive ‘Ballroom’ was conveniently located to the left of the hall.
The second floor expands the experience with the venue’s third room, aptly named ‘Cage’. This area features an additional bar and cozy sofa seating for moments of respite from the dancefloor. The VIP area is also situated on this level, offering a relaxed lounge space equipped with its own bar.
Credit: David Dumitru
The Rooms at MiNT XL
1. Ballroom
The ‘Ballroom’ stands as the largest of the three rooms, designed to accommodate headlining acts on MiNT XL’s lineup. Immediate highlights include a large, circular lighting structure above the dancefloor, alongside horizontal linear rigs that foster a captivating wave-like light effect across the ceiling.
Further enhancing the audio experience is the top-of-the-line Funktion-One Vero sound system, which delivers bass that resonates throughout the body, ensuring unparalleled sound quality. This impressive system finds its place in the smaller rooms as well, where the impact becomes even more pronounced due to their reduced size.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
2. Cage
Cage is perhaps the most intriguing and visually stimulating of the rooms—our personal favorite. Its design evokes a feeling that is original and inviting, featuring rich elements throughout. The hues of orange lighting that filled the room on opening night created a cozy atmosphere, even amid the energetic chaos of the crowd.
Credit: David Dumitru
Sofas scattered across ‘Cage’ contribute to its luxurious ambiance. A delightful addition is the frequent presence of DJs spinning vinyl, enhancing the immersive experience. Witnessing talented artists swapping records in real-time adds a distinct authenticity to the atmosphere.
Credit: David Dumitru
3. Clubroom
The ‘Clubroom,’ featuring a large light panel at its center, pays homage to MiNT Warehouse, the brand’s second venue. The design preserves the energetic vibes that have become synonymous with the brand.
While the room’s production quality is commendable, attendees may find that the ventilation is lacking in some corners, often leading to an uncomfortably warm environment.
Credit: David Dumitru
4. Terrace
This open-air space offers stunning views of some of Leeds’ tallest buildings, making it an ideal spot for guests wishing to catch a breather. Its close proximity to the ‘Ballroom’ does mean that paths to this area can grow crowded at times.
Credit: David Dumitru
The Music at MiNT XL
The grand opening showcased MiNT’s own event series, ‘system.’, delivering an eclectic mix across the venue’s three rooms. The lineup curated for the night showcased an impressive array of talent.
Highlights for us included Foehn & Jerome in the ‘Cage’, followed by Craig Richards B2B Francesco Del Garda in the ‘Ballroom’. The excitement continued with a vinyl session from Fumiya Tanaka, also in the ‘Cage’.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
Looking ahead, a lineup of renowned DJs is scheduled to grace the decks at MiNT XL, including Ewan McVicar, Riordan, Morgan Seatree, along with a Worried About Henry (WAH) takeover, among many others already confirmed. While events have centered around electronic music, organizers are eager to branch out into new genres and live performances.
Atmosphere Inside The Venue
MiNT XL enforces a no-phones policy throughout all events, inviting attendees to fully immerse themselves in the music and their surroundings. Experiencing such a policy for the first time was enlightening; the shift in the environment was stark.
Witnessing guests fully engaged in the moment and reveling in the music echoes sentiments from those who reminisce about the “golden age” of raving in the 90s. The no-phones policy transported everyone to a time when social interactions took precedence over capturing moments for social media.
Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
Boasting three expertly designed rooms, a capacity of 2,500, a powerful sound system, and a unique no-phones policy, MiNT XL is on track to establish itself as one of the UK’s premier nightclubs. The opening party wasn’t merely an introduction for a new venue but a powerful declaration: MiNT XL is here to make its mark on the nightlife scene.
The club season is merely beginning, with a full agenda of upcoming events ready to unfold at MiNT XL.
Friday 9 October – Marsolo Invites: Marsolo + more TBA
Saturday 10 October – Airspace: Notion, Kyle Starkey, Camille Doe + more
Saturday 17 October – Mint XL Presents: Cam Stockman b2b Tommy Phillips
Friday 30 October – Airspace: Riordan, Stef Davidse + more
Saturday 31 October – Ewan McVicar Presents: Halloween – Ewan McVicar, Special Request, Olive F
Saturday 7 November – Mint XL Presents: ALISHA, Robbie Doherty + more
Saturday 14 November – Mint XL Presents: Morgan Seatree + more TBA
Friday 20 November – Framework Presents: Ben UFO, Papa Nugs + more
Saturday 21 November – Jampacked Would Tour Leeds Edition: Jamback, Anil Aras, A For Alpha
Saturday 19 December – Framework x Mugpie Presents: Christian AB, Unai Trotti + more
