Internal Events is to open the first venue of its new Firefly brand in Leeds.

The Birmingham-based Harrison Design Company are behind the development, which aims to 'break the mould of contemporary restaurant and bar design'.

Philip Harrison, managing director of Harrison Design Company, said: 'Firefly is an exciting new development which forsakes the recent appetite for all things clean and pure. It marks a return to a warm atmosphere with distinctive zones and varying ambiences.'

The 800sq m venue has been designed to meet the needs of both daytime and evening custom.

The ground floor area has been fitted with elevated window seating to enable customers to watch the world go by. A glass-countered bar with a rich stained hardwood finish and chrome trumpet-based stools, runs centrally through the room, separating the bar from the informal dining space. The back bar is classically American with a long line of spirits backed with a nouveau-influenced glass screen.

The overall design gives a hint of 1930's opulence, which is complemented with contemporary downlighting and softer but striking chrome and parchment standard lights.

Contemporary art in the style of Klimt contrasts with an exuberant snakeskin wall covering to provide a striking backdrop.

The lower ground floor offers a more intimate space with discreet seating, a fully seated bar with a deep walnut finish and leather covered stools. There is also a small dance area for those who want something a little more relaxed and less intense.

A lounge to the rear of the room has dark suede-covered walls and low sofas designed for late night relaxation. Details: www.harrisondesign.co.uk