It’s a bit of a personal collection when it comes to venues loved and lost in Yorkshire over the years, given that a number of the venues we’ve compiled were haunts I frequented when living in Leeds.
I recall the nights underneath the railway arches at The Cockpit, being introduced to Fab Cafe when I came back for my honeymoon and spent the first few months in Leeds sitting in Carpe Diem - all venues lost over the course of history.
But it’s not just Leeds we’re focusing on - as grassroots venues continue to be in trouble after the change in people’s “going out” habits, the legendary venues such as The Boardwalk in Sheffield or The Priory in Doncaster also have a place not only in our hearts, but our list too.
Did we miss any of your favourite venues that have closed down over time, or have you any memories of nights at Rio’s or The Penthouse? Let us know by leaving a comment down below as we reminisce on those halcyon nights in these Yorkshire venues of the past.
But it’s not just Leeds we’re focusing on - as grassroots venues continue to be in trouble after the change in people’s “going out” habits, the legendary venues such as The Boardwalk in Sheffield or The Priory in Doncaster also have a place not only in our hearts, but our list too.
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5. The Penthouse
The Penthouse was well-known for its late-night events, catering to a younger crowd. It closed during the 2000s, marking the end of a particular era for the town’s nightlife. | National World
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6. The Priory
Known for indie and rock nights, The Priory in Doncaster was a club venue that drew a steady crowd before its closure in the late 2010s. Its end marked a shift in the local nightlife scene. | The Priory
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7. Republic
This venue was an iconic Sheffield nightclub that transformed into Gatecrasher One, a major center of the UK's dance music scene. It was destroyed by a fire in 2007, which marked the end of a legendary era for the city's clubbing culture. | Chris Lawton
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8. Fab Cafe
This sci-fi themed bar and nightclub was popular for its retro atmosphere, drawing a crowd of alternative music lovers. It hosted themed nights, including retro and rock music events, and it closed down during the 2020s. | Jonathan Gawthorpe