The Escapologist to expand after record year

The husband-and-wife team behind the escape room and bar chain, The Escapologist, are raising a glass at their relaunched cocktail bar at the White Rose venue as they celebrate a bumper year `

Established in 2017, turnover for 2024 topped the £1.2m mark, and company is expecting a 58% hike this year to around £1.9m an the

The brainchild of Ellie and Olly McClaren, The Escapologist, has three venues in Leeds, Castleford and Gateshead, and is opening a fourth site later this year. The McClarens are also planning to expand some of their existing venues.

Each venue boasts a steampunk inspired café and cocktail bar to complement the escape experience, with a range of gourmet teas and coffees, spirits, wines and a selection of hand-crafted smoking cocktails and mocktails.

Ellie McClaren, co-founder and chief executive officer at The Escapologist, said: “We created The Escapologist to deliver a world-class, immersive and memorable experience for our customers and to allow them to escape the everyday to the extraordinary.

“Our escape rooms invite visitors to step into new worlds and challenge their wits, with each room having its own captivating narrative, allowing guests to dive into a world of wonder and excitement.

“We’re so proud of everything we’ve achieved over the last 8 years and the last 12 months specifically – and we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for us a business!”