The End: Former Mook bar in Leeds city centre gets £500,000 transformation ahead of November opening

Named ‘The End’, the bar will be the result of a complete transformation of a historic building previously occupied by Mook Bar on Hirst’s Yard. The bar, described as an “elegant and lavish drinking space”, will create more than 30 new jobs and is due to open on November 24.

Among those working to bring the bar to life is Shaun Wilson, the former director of Bar Fibre and former nightclub Club Mission. He said: “We’ve been looking for 15 months for somewhere to create a fantastic destination bar. The location is perfect - it’s between Call Lane and Lower Briggate, where all the cool bars are.”

Entertainment will be provided by DJs playing funk, soul, nu-disco, funky house and classics. There will be a complete redesign and upgrade of the site and the inside is being reconfigured to create an upper and lower bar. There will be seating for 86 people as part of an overall capacity of 450. The front will have railway carriage style seating with pendant lighting in the windows, as well as booths covered in velvet and leather seating up to six people each.

The lower bar will have a mix of seating including booths, a snug corner and space for dancing. There will also be brand new lighting and signage. The drinks menu will feature wine, champagne, spirits, cocktails, craft beers, pale ales and a selection of premium draught beers and soft drinks. It will be open on weekdays from 4pm and from 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Working alongside Shaun Wilson is DJ and event promoter Dale Castell, veteran promoter Eugene Osawke, and a former manager at The Botanist, Jodie Osawke. The work to transform the Hirst’s Yard building is being taken on by new licensees Twisted Amusement Ltd, as well as the Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.

Dale Castell said: “Our mission is to create a trendy drinking space with top quality entertainment and a warm welcoming atmosphere. We’re super excited for everyone to see what we’ve done with the place and cannot wait to open at the end of November, just in time for the busy Christmas period.”