Popular bar in Leeds city centre reveals new name as it undergoes major refurbishment
This Leeds bar has kept its doors open as it undergoes an exciting transformation 🍻
A community-orientated bar in Leeds city centre has shared its new name as ongoing renovations aim to create a “fresh start” for the venue.
The Bridge End Social, located on 24-32 Bridge End, has changed its name to The Bookseller’s Arms, with official signage replaced yesterday (Tuesday June 21).
Customers may have also noticed variations to the bar’s decoration, including added bookshelves to continue the literary theme.
The transformation which is expected to be completed by mid-August, has been made possible thanks to new investment in the bar.
Marta Gonzalez, General Manager at The Bookseller’s Arms said: “It’s a fresh start.
“It’s starting to build up a little community where people feel safe to come regardless of age, regardless of gender, regardless of who you are.”
The refurbishment comes three years after The Bookseller’s Arms first arrived in Leeds under its original name The Bridge End Social.
Over time, the venue developed a reputation as an inclusive space which is dog-friendly and offers “a bit of everything” from football screenings to Leeds First Friday, the largest monthly social for transgender and non-binary people in the UK.
Marta said: “It’s an open bar for everybody. It’s a community hub where we take any customer as long as they’re respectful.”
The Bookseller’s Arms has remained open throughout the refurbishment process, and Marta has noted that customers have “really enjoyed” seeing the changes.
“We’re doing this refurbishment while we are still open, which is hard, but we don’t want to close and divert people to other places,” Marta said.
“The furniture is changing, we have a bit more seating space, and there are bookshelves everywhere now so every time that you come, something new has been done.”
However, though The Bookseller’s Arms refurbishment brings in exciting changes, Marta assures customers that the bar’s core values remain the same.
Marta said: “Nothing has changed other than the decoration and the name. We’re still having the same service, which is always friendly.
“We are still here.”