Celebrities turned out as what is billed as a £1.7m bar, restaurant and entertainment venue opened in Sheffield.
The new Panenka Bar and Grill was unveiled by Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, and Sheffield Steelers captain, Robert Dowd, in front of hundreds of VIP guests.
The venue now occupies two floors at the city’s New Era Square, near Sheffield United's Bramall Lane Football ground.
Billed as 'the ultimate social experience' – the leisure destination blends cutting edge technology with modern Asian fusion food and what bosses describe as an immersive experience for sports fans.
It as been set up by Sheffield-born entrepreneur and IPM Group boss Rick Bailey who has installed private executive boxes; VIP karaoke rooms and equipped the venue with cutting edge VR technology.
The new leisure destination has 35 screens of live sport as well as a Sheffield-first – the country’s only virtual reality pods that allow groups the chance to experience a fully immersive gaming experience in their own luxury private room.
Mr Bailey, who already owns West Street’s busy Fire Pit bar/eatery and successfully re-launched Silversmiths Restaurant in the city centre, said: “My aim is to make Panenka Bar & Grill a true destination venue for Sheffield.
"We’re a family-friendly complex that has taken inspiration from some of the very best leisure destinations worldwide and come up with something totally unique for Sheffield. And being sited in New Era Square has allowed us to seamlessly blend modern Asian fusion food and add VIP karaoke rooms.
“I’m proud to say this is now one of the finest leisure destinations in the region and the early reactions have surpassed all expectations – as have advance bookings.”
Panenka Bar & Grill also offers retro arcade games suitable for families and kids eat free every Sunday.
1. Fire eaters
Launch of Panenka Bar and Grill - VIP guests were treated to fiery entertainment. Pictures: Neil Anderson Media Photo: Neil Anderson Media
2. Ribbon cutting
Launch of Panenka Bar and Grill - Cutting the ribbon to officially open Panenka (left to right): Gavin Page – Financial Director, IPM Group; Robert Dowd – Sheffield Steelers captain; Rick Bailey – Owner, IPM Group; Chris Wilder – Sheffield United manager; Chris Woodburn – Head of Business, IPM Leisure Group and Chris Beasley – Head of Operations, IPM Leisure Group . Pictures: Neil Anderson Media Photo: Neil Anderson Media
3. Selfie
SUFC boss Chris Wilder (left) was happy to pose for selfies at the opening of Panenka Bar and Grill. Pictures: Neil Anderson Media Photo: Neil Anderson Media
4. Guests
VIP guests at the opening of Panenka Bar and Grill. Pictures: Neil Anderson Media Photo: Neil Anderson Media