Leeds city centre memories: 11 fully booked photos take you inside the Ladbroke Dragonara Hotel

It was the city centre hotel which set a new standard in style and service when it opened in the 1970s.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 11th Feb 2023, 04:45 BST

Updated 12th Feb 2024, 10:11 BST

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The Ladbroke Dragonara Hotel on Neville Street first welcomed guests in April 1973 and was built on the site of Whitley's School Close Woollen Mills. It was restyled and refurbished thanks to a £250,000 investment to take its high standards in the 1980s. It became the Hilton International Hotel in 1988. READ MORE: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories of the Dragonara Hotel. PIC: YPN

1. Dragonara Hotel memories

Enjoy these photo memories of the Dragonara Hotel. PIC: YPN Photo: YPN

At your service.. in the Pavilion Restaurant pictured in April 1973.

2. Dragonara Hotel memories

At your service.. in the Pavilion Restaurant pictured in April 1973. Photo: YPN

'At the table' service at the Dragonara in May 1985.

3. Dragonara Hotel

'At the table' service at the Dragonara in May 1985. Photo: YPN

Trainee chef Andrew Lenaghan serving up at the Rosewood Table in September 1983.

4. Dragonara Hotel memories

Trainee chef Andrew Lenaghan serving up at the Rosewood Table in September 1983. Photo: YPN

The Dragonara Hotel from Leeds Canal Basin in February 1987.

5. Dragonara Hotel memories

The Dragonara Hotel from Leeds Canal Basin in February 1987. Photo: Peter Langford

October 1976 and members of the 14 strong band Stylistics returned to the hotel to find that 12 rooms they were occupying on the fourth floor had been broken into. Police had a good description of the man they were seeking - he came face to face with rhythm guitarist George Overton while he was searching his room.

6. Dragonara Hotel memories

October 1976 and members of the 14 strong band Stylistics returned to the hotel to find that 12 rooms they were occupying on the fourth floor had been broken into. Police had a good description of the man they were seeking - he came face to face with rhythm guitarist George Overton while he was searching his room. Photo: YPN